When it comes to music, Calcutta is famous for its buzzing scene. Bangla bands fill us with nostalgia and the love for them only grows with time, doesn’t matter which generation, the sentiment ebbs and flows. Shnuopoka, a Bangla band, left behind a groovy tale with their original numbers, plus some Chandrabindoo covers with Upal Sengupta joining them on stage. The band, comprising members, Nilanjan Mandal (vocalist/ lyricist), Amrit Mukherjee (vocalist), Diptadeep Das (vocalist), Dibakar Pal (guitarist), Arpan Ghosh (drummer), Shouvik Seal (percussionist), Santanu Mondal (bassist) and Rajat Chakraborty (guitarist), rocked Someplace Else recently. We spoke to their member Nilanjan and here’s what he told t2:
“I feel Shnuopoka’s music and compositions are beautiful and laden with innocence and simplicity. Their diverse and dynamic lyrics — whether romantic, sentimental or witty, are their USP. It’s really difficult to find such wit among the bands of this generation and that’s what I love about them. I think their arrangement is well-thought and if they can retain their current bond and friendship, then they’ll soar high and will always be loved by the audience, as much as they’re loving them now,” said Upal.
How was your experience of performing at Someplace Else?
The experience was exhilarating for us. We had a great time performing for such a wonderful crowd. It isn’t every day that you get to experience being on one of the most sought-after platforms in our city, and to be able to sing our own songs was the icing on the cake.
How was the energy in the room during the gig?
The audience was super energetic and that in turn had us enjoying ourselves even more with every song. An audience that can sing along to our own compositions tells us that they have really supported us and that connection is very special to the band.
Shnuopoka had a houseful gig!
Why did you select the songs that you did?
We selected the songs that our listeners connect with the most. Our songs always tend to be very relatable to the ordinary person, in their day-to-day lives. There is also the aspect of mixing things up and breaking monotony to the ears. So, switching from genre to genre and holding the show together is another side to a band’s creativity.
What’s the band planning for the future?
We are always looking for opportunities that will give birth to beautiful creations and memories. We hope to record a few singles and have music videos of our popular songs this year.
Pramode Bhandari, general manager of The Park
How was it to have Upalda join you guys on stage?
Upalda is a genius and to be able to spend time with him and learn is something that we cannot explain in words. Being around him is like a plate full of your favourite delicacies all at once. He is a powerbomb of knowledge and is always ready to have fun. Sharing a stage with him has and will always be dreamlike for us.
Sramana Ray
Pictures: Rashbehari Das