Breaking away from the trend of loud party numbers, a new band from Punjab has come up with a new single 'Kyun' that raises questions on society's silence on issues of oppression and discrimination.
'Kyun' will release tomorrow to coincide with the World Human Rights day.
"Aamadd, with this song, questions. It questions everyone on issues of discrimination. Because even after knowing everything people have decided to remain quiet. They don't want to speak. Our song questions this silence," says Mansimran, singer-composer of the song.
The song's teasers on Facebook raise issues ranging from Boko Haram terror in Africa, objectification of women to the discrimination faced by people of north-east.
"Our song's lyrics mention no particular incident or act. Because we don't want to pin-point a single issue here. Ours is the universal take on things. But yes song's teasers on Facebook deal with things taking place across the world."
Harshit, an engineer-turned-musician, says that he is not certain about change but with the song, they want to assert that being a mute spectator is never an option.
"It is high time we do some soul-searching. Also, it is not that we are doing this song for a target audience. We want everyone to hear the song, just because we all need to come forward. Now is the time to decide," says Harshit.
With the video of the song displaying sand art performed by renowned sand artist Kanthrisa, the "north-south" collaboration adds a charm of its own.
"We are a two person band. But we do hire people for different projects. I am happy that Kanthrisa agreed to be part of our project," say Mansimran.
When asked why one does not see similar projects coming from Punjab, especially when songs from the region have huge pan-nation appeal, Harshit says, "Artists here have become more comfortable with what they are doing. They don't raise such issues, because they don't want to. They are not willing to push the envelope.
"We wouldn't have composed this song, had someone else taken it up before. But, seeing no such effort being made; we took it upon ourself."
Not averse to doing peppy fun songs in future, Mansimran, who is trained in Hindustani classical music, says Aamadd "believes in original, melodious and meaningful music".
"We have our leaning towards what one calls a thought- provoking music. But we are open to all kinds of songs. In fact, soon we will be out with more of our compositions," says Mansimran.
Harshit says that they have seen and felt the change in their personality because of music, so they hope the same happens with the listeners too.
"We have said what he had to say. Now it's for them to listen and react. From our end, we only hope they are listening," says Harshit.
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