The Return of Indus Creed

The original indie rockers are back with a new album after a gap of 15 years

MUMBAI ~ Indus Creed, which is still remembered for its award-winning record Pretty Child, went off the radar for 15 years. The band has now returned with Evolve, its latest release. Uday Benegal, lead vocalist, speaks about the band’s comeback:

Q How did Evolve happen?

A When we stopped playing in 1997, [guitarist] Jayesh Gandhi and I moved to New York where we played under the name Alms of Shanti. We moved back in 2008 and by end 2009, we began to put the band together [again]. There was Zuben (on keyboards), Mahesh (guitar) and myself. Then we recruited Rushad Mistry and Jay Row Kavi.

Q How has the band changed?

A It’s different because we have changed as individuals and as musicians. We’ve absorbed new influences, we’ve had new experiences. Mahesh, Zuben and I are a little older. We used to fight a lot more in the past, but we don’t anymore. It’s still a band of musicians who love making music and enjoy hanging out with each other.

Q Touring, testing waters since 2010… how has it been music-wise?

A It’s been great to connect with older fans, and find newer listeners. There are some really young people coming out who have heard of the band. Some are curious to know what we are about. Music-wise, it’s a mix of the old and the new. Some of the new stuff was more attractive and made it to the playlist. Some of the newer stuff, we tired of. The new is what we are doing now, but the old part is what we built our foundation on.

Q How does Evolve compare with your earlier albums?

A Evolve is still big sounding. It’s high-energy rock and very high on melody. We are writing songs that we feel right now. We are not a nostalgia band, we want to look forward. Jay and Rushad bring a whole new energy to the band as they have new influences and ideas.

Q Is there a particular generation you’re aiming for?

A We don’t look at target audiences. We make music because we love to make music. We have never looked at trends. It only lasts if you make music that you believe in.

About The Author

Sharmeen Hakim