We,Robots

How the folktronica duo of Gods Robots dissolved all borders and created their own sound and album

For a musical outfit,its a pretty unusual name. But once you are privy to their story,the title Gods Robots makes all the sense in the world. Once upon a time,there was a girl called Shridevi Keshavan,who was initiated into Indian classical music by her mad-about-music parents. The notes integrated into her life,and while it never became her primary focus,they were always playing as a background score.

In the meantime,Keshavan took up journalism and wrote extensively on music. Time flew,and the monotony of her job encouraged her to take a life-altering risk. I had been singing while working,and writing lyrics in Hindi and English. My music was noticed by US-based Janaka Atugoda also known as Janaka Selekta and he got in touch with me. We collaborated for a song commissioned by BBC Radio, says Keshavan,who had been a huge fan of Atugodas album Pushing Air. A techie-turned-musician,Atugoda,originally from Sri Lanka,has been making music for 15 years now and is into producing cutting edge electronic music.

Post the success of their song for BBC,the two decided to get together make more music. By using Skype,GChat and yousendit,the two wrote and made music via conversations,interactions and jam sessions virtually. I quit my job in 2009,and May onwards,was making music with Janaka on the Internet, says Keshavan. It was no easy feat,for India-US time difference is a phenomenal 12-hour.

Their day is our night. It was frustrating,but we worked out a process. I would work during the day and mail him the stuff and then he would check in his day time and send it back, says Keshavan. This constant work on virtual space,seeing less of people and working more online was turning out to be robotic. We were operating like robots,but making music that was heavenly. Hence,Gods Robots, says Keshavan.

The duo was in Chandigarh for their debut gig and promotion of their first album,also titled Gods Robots,which was held at The Blue Blazer on Friday. They define their brand as a cross-cultural folktronica product with elements of pop,classical Indian instrumentation and bass heavy underground rhythms.

On stage,Gods Robots is a powerhouse. While Atugoda uses a lot of drumstep,dubstep,hip hop and even drum and bass,Keshavan sings soulful and bluesy English lyrics to classical Indian vocal melodies. Stormy weather,Burn it up,Stay,Shine and Falling their songs zap you in a rather welcoming light-headed trance.

Looking back,Keshavan feels leaving her job was the best decision of her life. I needed to grow,and Gods Robots gave me wings. I am doing exactly what I wanted to sing,write and make music, she says,as Atugoda does the sound check on stage. After working for six months online,it was in February 2010 that the two finally met face to face in Bangalore,and yes,it was surreal and magical. We were so used to working in our own zones, says Keshavan. He has worked extensively with Ustad Ali Akbar Khans son Alam Khan,the sarod player and weve made songs such as Jamuna with him, says Keshavan. Sarangi player Suhel Yusuf Khan also jams with them.

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As they prepare for the gig,they talk about their album,a product of three years of conversations,emotions,actions,reactions and thoughts. It took time for us to find our sound,and this album defines who we are, says Keshavan.

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Indian classical music