The Beat Factory

‘Vocal Orchestra’ beatboxing choir project in the UK in 2007. “I suggested that we do something similar in India. Details were finalised and they are ready to look at the audition tapes coming in from artistes across the country. “We are looking for any kind of vocal talent,including singers,rappers,beatboxers,yodellers and classical vocalists. As long as you have the power to move people with your voice,we want to hear from you,” says Shlomo. Entries have poured in from Mumbai,Bengaluru,Pune,Chennai and Chandigarh.

Shlomo will prepare a shortlist after looking at the entries on YouTube. He will then train and mentor the participants via Skype. Testament,a beatboxing artist from Shlomo’s orchestra,will travel to India for workshops. “It’s going to be an intensive course in beatboxing along with group development,” says Shlomo.

It’s a first such project for India. But both Vahanvaty and Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy,lead vocalist of the band Scribe,who is spearheading the project in India,say that beatboxing is rooted in our culture. “What is the tabla bol? It’s a form of beatboxing. Vocal rhythm is present in our genes,” he says. This project will only give impetus to it. This free art form that thrives on a versatile voice can be learnt by anyone,says Shlomo,who has also launched his seven-piece vocal project ‘The Lip Factory’ in the UK with a new EP. “In the UK,we have a project called the Beatbox Academy — an incredible school of young people studying the form. I’d love to set up something like this in India,” he adds.

Voctronica will be put together and trained by early 2012. A tour of India and the UK will follow.

Today is the last day for sending in entries to oundpad.britishcouncil.org.in