India Soundpad is an ambitious new project from the British Council and the University of Westminster’s Faculty Music label (John & Jehn), aimed at generating a dialogue between the emerging alternative music scenes in India and the UK.  The project brings two industries closer together in constructive creative and professional conversation, champions UK creativity using British production talent as an inspiration and teaching tool, and develops emerging Indian music talent and increasing confidence regarding stepping onto the international stage.

The project celebrates and explores the art of studio production as the starting point for this dialogue, and has one of the very best British music producers, John Leckie (Stone Roses, Radiohead, Muse) as the lead producer from the UK.

At the end of last year legendary producer John Leckie travelled to India to audition a number of local bands from (India) Mumbai, Delhi to be involved in the India Soundpad project.  The successful bands were given the opportunity to record tracks with Leckie and Dan Austin at the prestigious Yash Raj studios in Andheri (West) Mumbai, which would then be released in India, and together with the British Council and Faculty Music in the UK along with a UK tour organised by The Barfly Group.  Leckie, who has a wealth of experience and is one of the most dynamic, respected and a prominent producer in the business, lent his expertise to the project and is acting as an ambassador for Indian new music.  The country has a rich classical and folk musical heritage by tradition. Today, alongside that, the country also boasts lively rock, dance and electronic music scenes which market research shows to be especially popular with young local audiences, especially students. This project allows working with Indian artists that are at the creative edges of these emerging musical scenes and the results of these studio sessions are to be released on a digital album on May 12^th through Faculty Music.

To coincide with this release, all four India Soundpad bands arrive in the UK in May to play The Great Escape Festival before heading out on a Barfly Group tour with select UK musicians later in the month.  At The Great Escape Festival, (14^th May- 11am) there will be an India Focus conference, featuring UK and Indian artists alongside industry professionals.

Whilst each of the Soundpad bands have their own unique sound, they are all key in the growing alternative music scene in India. Some draw upon traditional Indian classical and folk traditions, whilst others are more influenced by contemporary Western music.

Delhi based Indigo Children mix catchy pop hooks with grunge guitars and belting choruses which have already given the 3 piece a big reputation for their energy, strong original material and great live performances.

Medusa draw influences from a number of bands from a number of scenes and incorporating Indian instruments such as the sitar into their music alongside electronic elements puts a distinct spin on their Mumbai sound. 

Indian folk band Swarathma combine traditional Hindi music with a diverse variety of influences to create a sound entirely unique to them. The six-piece are fond of collaborating with musicians from different cultures and have recently signed to a major label that recognized their talent.

Advaita borrow their name from the ancient Indian philosophy of Non-Duality, they are an 8 piece band who blend different styles and moods from various cultures into something truly original. With Western influences including Pink Floyd and The Chemical Brothers, Advaita stay true to their roots by also using tabla rhythms in their music.

On 13 May there will be a filmed day at the University of Westminster - a Q+A with John Leckie, live performances from the bands - more information will follow shortly.

To coincide with the album release, all four India Soundpad bands arrive in the UK in May to play The Great Escape Festival before heading out on a Barfly Group tour with select UK musicians later in the month:

Tour with Indigo Children & Swarathma

17^th May – Jericho, Oxford

18^th May – Barfly, Cardiff

19^th May – Launch party @ The Fly, London

20^th May – Night & Day, Manchester

Tour with Medusa and Advaita

17th May – Barfly, Liverpool

18^th May – Jericho, Oxford

19^th May – Launch party @ The Fly, London

20^th May – Barfly, Cardiff

 At The Great Escape Festival, (14^th May - 11am) there will be an India Focus conference, featuring UK and Indian artists alongside industry professionals.

On 13 May there will be a filmed day at the University of Westminster - a Q+A with John Leckie, live performances from the bands - more information will follow shortly. This is for media.

 Weds 13^th May – University of Westminster Q&A with John Leckie & bands performing

Album tracklisting;

1. Artist: Medusa

Track Title: Hilltop

2. Artist: Indigo Children

Track Title: Sing To Me

3. Artist: Swarathma

Track Title: Jamba

4. Artist: Advaita

Track Title: Colorful

5.Artist: Medusa

Track Title: I Become I

6. Artist: Indigo Children

Track Title: Irresistible

7. Artist: Swarathma

Track Title: Yeshu, Allah aur Krishna

8. Artist: Advaita

Track Title: Just enough

www.swarathma.com / www.advaitaonline.net / www.myspace.com/hellomedusa /  www.myspace.com/indigochildrenmusic

www.facultymusic.com www.indiasoundpad.com www.myspace.com/soundpad

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