Draft:Daira (band)

Daira is an Indian Hindi art-rock band based in Mumbai. The current lineup features Piyush Kapoor (vocals and trumpet), Shivam Pant (guitar), Pratyay Mishra (guitar), Aditya Ahir (bass guitar), and Aditya Ranga (drums and percussions). Formed in 2014, the band incorporates elements from psychedelic rock, alternative rock, progressive rock and Indian classical music in their compositions. Their lyrics explore themes of freedom, love, and existential contemplation.

Early years, Formation and Debut Album
Daira was established at the end of 2014, when Lucknow-born vocalist Piyush Kapoor, previously a member of Kerala band Thaikkudam Bridge decided to focus on creating original music. Together with Vikalp Sharma (Guitarist) and Savi Shrivastava (Band Manager), Kapoor formed a new band. They were soon joined by Chaitanya Bhaidkar (guitar), Govind Gawli (bass), Pratik Kulgod (drums), and Johan John Thekkan (keys). Each member contributed their influences to the band's sound. Johan left the band shortly after its formation.

Months after its formation, Daira completed their first full-length album. The self-titled debut album Daira was released on September 24, 2015. The album reflects the diverse personalities and influences of each band member. It was produced, mixed and mastered by Vishal J. Singh, the founder of the avant-garde band Amogh Symphony. The album was debuted at a concert in Mumbai. This release was well-received, with songs like "Har Subah" gaining particular recognition.

Track List


 * Intro
 * Har Subah
 * Mere Pass Tha Jo Bhi
 * Sharaab
 * Kaabil Jahaan
 * Meri Soch
 * Mohabbat Pari
 * Maaya
 * Hisaab

Vipreet Buddhi
The concept for Daira's second album, Vipreet Buddhi, originated when producer-composer Vishal J. Singh observed Daira's live performances and their improvisational style. Leading him to suggest recording their jam sessions. The band members, including guitarist Vikalp Sharma, vocalist Piyush Kapoor, guitarist Shivam Pant, drummer Pratik Kulgod, and bassist Aswin Lal, spent extensive hours at Benchmark Studios' jam room in Thane, recording over 80 minutes of new music. Their stay in the hill station town of Manali further inspired their creativity, where they performed nine shows in 25 days, engaging extended jam sessions on stage.

Some of these spontaneous creations by Piyush Kapoor we incorporated the album. Vishal J. Singh acted as a conductor for the structured improvisation of the album's first eight tracks, while the remaining eight tracks evolved through a more free-form jam between the members. The album was mixed by Vikalp Sharma. The title Vipreet Buddhi is derived from the Sanskrit phrase from Chanakya Niti, "Vinaash Kaale Viprit Buddhi" meaning "Adversity kills intelligence or misfortune spoils the mind". "'This thematic influence is reflected in the album's sardonic and dark tone, exploring what the band terms as wrong intelligence', states Rolling Stone India's Anurag Tagat."Track List


 * Succubus
 * Jinnat ki Jalebi
 * Incubus
 * Maatam
 * Ilzaam
 * Faraar
 * Roohani Tanzaiya Guftagoo
 * Apna Ullu Seedha
 * Yuva Pratinidhi
 * Kursi
 * Dekho Laal Gaya
 * Swayamsevak
 * Taazi Khabar
 * Mandir Wahin Banayenge
 * Japani Tel (Din mein chuhaa, raat mein sher)
 * Vinaashkaal

Itni Jurrat?
Daira released their third full-length studio album, Itni Jurrat? in September 2018. The album which blends art rock, psychedelia, metal, and blues, comprises nine songs with a total duration of 58 minutes. It features tracks that were written three years prior, some of which were performed at the launch of their self-titled debut album in 2015. The album was co-produced by Serbian producer Vojislav Aralica.

The band's style on Itni Jurrat? shows the influence of their earlier work on "Vipreet Buddhi,", incorporating both primal and psychedelic elements.

Track List


 * Bhookamp
 * Mahaul
 * Mazedaar
 * Raat Ka Kinara
 * Ailaan
 * Lailaaj
 * Poshaaq
 * Sahaafi
 * Outro

The Pandemic Era with Daira Unmasked
"Daira Unmasked" was a live interview series created by Daira during the Global Pandemic and lockdown period. The series aimed to maintain relevance and foster connections within the music community. Its objective was to feature candid and unscripted conversations with musicians, sound engineers, artist managers, and podcasters. It explored how the alternative music scene was navigating the global crisis.

The show was hosted by the band members, who each contributed their distinctive personalities and cultural backgrounds. Guests were selected based on their influence on the band and their willingness to express their views openly. The series featured notable individuals such as guitarist Ashok Nelson, podcaster Mae Thomas, and Zygnema frontman Jimmy Bhore.

The title "Unmasked" reflected the nature of the discussions, which were entirely unfiltered and unscripted. The series was well-received, appealing to both music enthusiasts and live audiences.

Habus Rah (2020)
Daira released their single "Habus Rah" on July 3, 2020. This experimental track was developed by reverse engineering an existing song from their debut album, Har Subah. The song delves into themes of hatred and the destruction wrought by discrimination, reflecting the band's perspective that discrimination is detrimental to societal progress. The production and mixing of Habus Rah was managed by Marc D Muse.

Basar (2020)
On the fifth anniversary of their debut self-titled album, Daira released the single Basar on September 25, 2020. The song addresses themes of recognizing personal talents, perseverance amidst challenges, and honoring those who pursue their passions to build respected careers. Accompanied by a music video, Basar features various Mumbai-based artists and associates of Daira, including rock/fusion artist Anand Bhaskar, vocalist Siddharth Basrur, members of hip-hop crew Swadesi—100RBH and MC Mawali, vocalist Pratika Prabhune, sound engineer Pritesh Prabhune, and pop artist Arunaja. The track was mixed and mastered by Arsh Sharma also known as electro act Fuzzculture.

Mazaar (2021)
Daira's single Mazaar was released on July 27, 2021. The song, written and composed by Aswin Lal, explores themes of the potency of language, misinformation, and corruption. It provides a personal contemplation on socio-politically sensitive subjects, emphasizing how corruption can detract focus from broader societal issues.

Sab Dhuaan Hai (2022)
Daira released their single Sab Dhuaan Hai on May 12, 2022. The music video, directed by filmmaker Anuj Pratap Singh, was filmed in the hill town of Manali. Departing from their previous style known for aggressive political commentary, the song aimed to evoke a tranquil and reflective atmosphere. Sab Dhuaan Hai featured introspective and thought-provoking lyrics that encourage listeners to contemplate their lives and aspirations within the broader context of existence. The band explored themes of the insignificance of material desires in the larger scheme, inviting reflection on deeper existential matters.

Bhaari Nasha (2023)
Bhaari Nasha is a single by Daira, released on March 30, 2023. Translating to "heavy intoxication," the song explores humanity's persistent quest for an ideal world.

Muqadama (2024)
Muqadama is a single released by Daira on May 17, 2024. The song title translates to "lawsuit" and serves as a satire on the widespread impact of capitalism, restrictive ideologies, and social conformity to these norms.

Current

 * Piyush Kapoor (Vocalist, Lyricist, Trumpeter)
 * Shivam Pant (Guitarist, Backing Vocals)
 * Aditya Ahir (Bassist)
 * Aditya Ranga (Drummer, Percussionist)
 * Pratyay Mishra (Guitarist, Backing Vocals)

Former

 * Pratik Kulgod (Drummer)
 * Aswin Lal (Bassist)
 * Govind Gawli (Bassist)
 * Chaitanya Bhaidkar (Guitarist)
 * Johan John Thekkan (Keyboardist)
 * Vikalp Sharma (Guitarist, Backing Vocals)
 * Sourya Mukherjee (Bassist)
 * Shreyansh Kejriwal (Drummer, Percussionist)