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This is an archive article published on June 20, 2009

Sufi,so good

On a dazzling evening,as the city received a light drizzle,Roxygen,a Mumbai-based band performed at the Oakwood Premier...

Stressing that music cleanses their souls,a Mumbai-based band performed Sufi,rock and blues,to an enthusiastic response in town recently

On a dazzling evening,as the city received a light drizzle,Roxygen,a Mumbai-based band performed at the Oakwood Premier,Koregaon Park and mystified the gathering with soulful renditions of Sufi melodies,coupled with popular Bollywood and Western numbers.

The newly-formed band,with three lead vocalists,loves all genres of music — from classic,blues and rock,but but have a special inclination towards Sufi music ,playing a lot of Sufi numbers in their concerts.

Josh,the lead vocalist spoke of their admiration for the works of classical poets Amir Khusrau and Bulle Shah,which inspired them to give a Sufi touch to their compositions. They also draw inspiration from celebrated Western bands like Pink Floyd,Deep Purple and Guns & Roses,he added.

“We try to jam classical works of these poets with blues,rock and jazz and create a new genre for our audience,” said Rana,rhythm guitarist of the band. Maniche,another band member,added that the band plays only for a compact set up and for those who appreciate this form of music.

On being asked about their favourite numbers,Maniche replied,“Music that spreads love or is based on nature is my favourite”. It is this bond that brings them together,he added. Tere bina jiya lage na by Josh and Chanda Re by Rana are some of their personal favourites,added Maniche.

On family support,the band members say their families were reluctant to support their idea of forming a band and choosing music as their career,except for Rana,whose family was already associated with music. “I had to drop out of college for my love of music,” said Josh. Band members,Ajay,pursuing an MBA and Maniche,an engineering student,feel that their studies will help them organise their thoughts properly and thus make better music in future.

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On their connection with music,Josh added,“We are meeting so many different people in different places and are now able to stand on our own. It boosts our confidence with each passing day. Music has become our life. It cleanses our soul.”


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