In the bustling landscape of contemporary music, where trends wax and wane like phases of the moon, a rare gem emerges, offering an experience that transcends the conventional boundaries of sound and artistry. Dastaan LIVE, an avant-garde ensemble, stands as a testament to innovation and creativity in the realm of music, weaving a tapestry of diverse art forms atop a foundation of progressive rock.
At the heart of Dastaan LIVE lies a vision that surpasses mere musical performance. It is an exploration—a journey through the multifaceted realities of urban India, where tradition meets innovation, and poetry intertwines with melody. Rooted in the rich soil of live music, Dastaan LIVE embarks on a captivating odyssey, incorporating elements of spoken word poetry, live projections, visuals, installations, and sound & light design to create a multi-dimensional experience for its audience.
Central to the ethos of Dastaan LIVE is its music—dynamic, emotive, and brimming with a fusion of influences. Composed by Anirban Ghosh and Sumant Balakrishnan, the music of Dastaan LIVE draws inspiration from the poignant verses of literary luminaries such as Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi, Majaaz, Nazir Akbarabadi, and Baba Nagarjuna. Each composition is a testament to the power of storytelling, as it traverses through moments of introspection, rebellion, and celebration.
In a bold stride towards innovation, Dastaan LIVE has embraced emerging technologies to enhance its artistic vision. With the release of India's first Indie 360-degree VR video, Dastaan LIVE has broken new ground, bridging the gap between live performances and recorded material. Their debut single, "Mat Ro Bachche," based on Faiz Ahmed Faiz's classic poem "Philistini Bachche Ke Liye Lori," offers a visceral experience, weaving a narrative that is at once sparse and haunting, loud and chaotic—a reflection of the complexities of the human experience.
Behind the curtains of Dastaan LIVE stand Sumant Balakrishnan and Anirban Ghosh—visionaries, musicians, and storytellers. Their journey in music is a testament to perseverance and passion, rooted in a childhood fascination that blossomed into a lifelong pursuit. For Sumant, the guitar and bass guitar became not just instruments but vessels of expression, while Anirban found solace and purpose in the language of music during his undergraduate years at the University of Delhi.
Defined by their eclectic musical sensibilities, Sumant and Anirban draw from a rich tapestry of influences—from fusion to Indian classical, from jazz to metal. Their music defies categorization, embracing the fluidity of expression and the beauty of experimentation. With Dastaan LIVE, they have forged a new path—a path that celebrates diversity, innovation, and the transformative power of art.
As Dastaan LIVE continues to captivate audiences with its mesmerizing performances, it serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring musicians and artists alike. In a world often dictated by trends and commercialism, Dastaan LIVE stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity and authenticity. It is a reminder that true art knows no boundaries—that it transcends language, culture, and convention to touch the soul and ignite the imagination.
In the symphony of life, Dastaan LIVE is a resounding crescendo—a celebration of the human spirit and the boundless possibilities of artistic expression. As we embark on this journey through progressive art-rock, let us open our hearts and minds to the transformative power of music and storytelling. For in the words of Dastaan LIVE, the greatest stories are yet to be told.
