CHENNAI: It seems a new revolution is brewing in Chennai's music circuit. With popular singers such as Karthik and Benny Dayal already having rocked the 'light music' boat with a rock-band arrangement, it was only a matter of time before other artistes of repute followed suit. The latest entrant is a month-old EQ. Or in other words, 'Equaliser'. "We've been performing together for almost 10 years now," smiles Suchitra Karthik Kumar, as she gestures to Rahul Nambiar and Aalaap Raju. "And when you are doing a show, invariably, they end up using a minus one which can get boring after a while," she adds. So getting together as a band seemed the ideal next step, and the band will be testing waters with their debut gig at the VIT cultural fest tomorrow.Although, only having completed their second rehearsal, these musicians are confident of proving their mettle. Rahul says, "We will be doing completely commercial music, all from films." He explains, "But we will be rearranging them a little. You know, varied bass lines and harmonies..." Suchi adds, "Every song will be shorter, crisper." In fact, rock fans can look forward to a few experimental numbers as well. Aalaap recalls, "Once we tried Adi Rakkamma Rakku (Siruthai) on the same riff as Deep Purple's, Smoke on the Water!”Given that these musicians have worked with the likes of AR Rahman and Harris Jayaraj, music enthusiasts can safely assume that this ain't your average band. Also in the group are Navneeth Sundar and Nivas Prasanna (keys), Joshua Mark Raj (guitar), Vikram Rosario (percussion) and Jeoraj George (drums).While the idea may take getting used to for some, what with no choreographed dancing or costume changes on stage, Suchi promises, "These performances will be high on energy and seamless because no one will be exiting the stage mid-set." But for the most part, it will be a change from the rigid format of a karaoke track and give these performers the space to constantly improvise while on stage.So, maybe this year, it's time to bid 'light music' adieu, and welcome 'live music' with a hello! Ask about their dream venues to perform at and the singers chorus at once, "Saarang!" Alaap also brings up, "JIPMER (Puducherry) and the Great Indian Rock Festival (Delhi)." The latter may not exactly be their sound, but he laughs, "We can EQ it, just a little bit."
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