Indie Rising

The Koniac Net is a five-piece indie band from Mumbai.

It has been one of the most drawn-out “battle of the bands” competitions, and thankfully it has ended on a good note. Hard Rock Rising, which started calling for entries in November last year and finally concluded a few days ago, has declared Mumbai-based rock outfit The Koniac Net as runner-up in the competition.

While American band Joyfield has won the competition and will get a chance to tour at Hard Rock outlets internationally, the runner-up prize is sweet too. The band has bagged $10,000 worth of gear. But there’s a possibility that logistical issues might result in the prize being disbursed in cash. Adil Kurwa, bass player of the band, says, “There is a possibility that they might not be able to deliver the gear to us. In that case, they might give us the entire amount as a cheque  and leave it up to us to figure it out.”

The band plans to use the money to buy gear, organise an international tour, and produce their next album. “Our last EP was completely DIY where we recorded everything in each other’s homes. It would be nice to enter a studio for our next record,” says Kurwa.

After four rounds that lasted six months, which included jury selection, two voting processes that had them spamming everyone on social media, and a live gig, The Koniac Net have been chosen from close to 10,000 bands from across the world. It’s an Indian indie movement rising.

kevin.lobo@expressindia.com