A workshop-gig in a Khar studio by a Berlin-Bengaluru duo will share lessons and musical concepts apart from jamming over new sounds
Mahajan and Pandey at previous performances
In the golden age of Indian independent music, where does one truly learn to transform ideas into melodies? An upcoming workshop and concert in Khar might hold answers for aspiring concertists. Hosted by pianist Aman Mahajan and guitarist Nishad Pandey aka Tinctures, the one-day workshop and concert — Let Sound Be Sound — is built around concepts, learning and creation.
ADVERTISEMENT
The duo teamed up in Bengaluru after Mahajan caught a performance of Pandey in the city almost a decade ago.
They named their project, Tinctures. Mahajan says, “The word has a medicinal connotation, but it is also a mixture of many different things. Similarly, we draw a lot from Western, Indian classical music, jazz and different forms around the world. At the same time, we are not limited by their rules.”
Their first album, Heads and Tales, was released in 2021 with the medley of the piano and guitar taking centrestage throughout the songs. The compositions are an interplay of the two instruments almost conversing through sound.
It is a conversation, Pandey concurs, adding that the idea was to allow the rhythm, harmony and melodies to meld and form new sounds. Mahajan adds, “It has given us a new and uncommon sound which we would like to explore.” They are already working on the finishing touches of their next album, Moments, remote, he reveals further.
But the music is not the only reason for the duo’s venture into the city. Seasoned teachers, they will both be hosting a one-day workshop built around their concepts at Island City Studios. “In many musical institutions there is a rigid pattern in which ideas are taught,” says 39-year-old Pandey. The ideas of this workshop are based on their own concepts of music, he says.
Mahajan suggests that the workshop will capture the core elements of music through a combination of fun and scientific methods. The 38-year-old guitarist shares, “We will focus on core musical elements in a scientific way, but also use game play — to learn concepts.”
With a course designed specifically for intermediate to advanced musicians, the pianist points out that it will help people discover their own language. “Every musician has their own stylistic preferences and artistic direction. We hope to help them realise and use it.” That, we suppose, marks another step to musical discovery.
On January 21; 4 pm onwards
At Island City Studios, Empressa Building, Khar West.
Log on to www.amanmahajanmusic.com/concerts
Cost Rs 2,500