MH 04 Band performing in Inorbit Malad April 24, 2010

MH 04
There could be many reasons why every now and then a group of youngsters decide to form a band. This quintet simply wants to make good music and have a good time while they’re at it. After a painstakingly long search for a drummer, the line up was completed finally on 10.02.2009. MH 04’s music is based on a concept which only a few bands have dared to follow in the past: Alternative rock music based on Indian melodies and ragas. The band’s members come from various backgrounds and thereby bring in diverse musical influences, a fact which acts as the requisite catalyst for many of the band’s creative endeavours. With every new composition the band strives harder to achieve the fusion of the alternative rock sound with exquisite melodic tranquility of Indian melodies. Almost all the compositions of the band have a distinct melody attached to them while retaining a heavy and groovy alternative rock sound. The name of the band couldn’t have been better thought of as the boys from Thane get all geared up to serenade the crowds with their music. The line up consists of Anand, Vikrant, Muni, Nikhil and Kiron. Here’s a little bit about every member of MH 04.

Anand: The eldest member and also the vocalist and the principal lyricist. Originally from Delhi, Anand came to Mumbai in 2005 pursue a masters degree and has been here since. Having been a part of the band Descant in New Delhi and having also played a lot of shows and releasing an album, Anand brings in a lot of exposure and experience to the band. Trained in Carnatic Music for over 10 years, Anand has various musical influences. Influenced by the grunge and alternative movements of the early 90s, his influences are bands like Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Audioslave, Alice in Chains et al. Anand also draws influences from vocalists like Eddie Vedder, Chris Cornell, Layne Staley, Jeff Scot Soto, Michael Matijevic, Steven Tyler etc.
Vikrant: Founding member of the famous underground metal band Smoke in Circles, Vikrant is a breath of fresh air for MH04. A guitarist with flair for speed and accuracy but not at the cost of melody. An excellent composer with a stupendous sense of visualization, Vikrant uses his skills to make the compositions sound heavy and alternative at the same time. An excellent soloist influenced by the likes of Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, has lately been bitten by the alternative bug. His influences also include bands like Guns ‘N Roses, Disturbed, Pearl Jam, Audioslave, Pink Floyd, etc. Vikrant’s penchant for composing beautiful guitar solos for the band’s originals combined with his vocal skills helps the band’s distinct musical identity that sets the band apart.
Shakyamuni: The Axemeister that every band needs! Versatile, near-omnipotent in coming up with the best of riffs and melodies. A musician with a personable disposition whose musical skills along with sound knowledge of theory and technicality makes him a priceless asset to the band. An excellent soloist himself, Shakyamuni combines his fantastic technical brilliance with Vikrant’s wild ideation to leverage the overall creative value of the compositions.
Nikhil: This docile youngster becomes a live wire while playing the bass. Nikhil is the single source of texture for the band’s original compositions. A versatile bassist with a wide range of musical influences ranging from Rock ‘n Roll to rap to Jazz to funk, Nikhil is responsible for inducing aurally exciting grooves in the band’s music. It’s easy to say that Nikhil the most experienced band member, what with already having a couple of projects under his belt and being the member of progressive-metal band Colossus and the principal member of Indi-rock band Talaash. Also being a keyboard maestro, Nikhil helps the band give a new dimension to their music and also is instrumental in recording demos for them.
Sapana: No band could’ve asked for a drummer better than Sapana. Her attitude, skills and taste in music blends perfectly with MH 04’s style of music and takes the overall quality of the band to another level. Having played for Groove Lab for a couple of years, Sapana has the requisite exposure to enhance the band’s compositions with her refined drumming technique.
Vinay: The youngest member of the band, Vinay is an interesting addition to an alternative band line-up. Bringing diversity to the overall sound of the band by introducing the Djembe and percussions, Vinay helps MH 04 stand apart and gives the band an edge that many bands strive to achieve.
A few accomplishments/performances of the band are as follows:

Was selected to perform as the live band for SENHEISER at Palm Expo
Won BEST BAND at Rock In Progress (R.I.P), 2009 at Vasant Dada Patil Engineering College (Sion) in a competition with 33 other bands
Runners Up at IRONIZE at Xaviers Institute of Engineering, Mahim
Headlined R.I.P 2010 at Vasant Dada Patil Engineering College (Sion)
Composed the official soundtrack for Virgin Mobile’s digital campaign-SHOOT AT SIGHT (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BwBtVjgQWpE)
Composed the official soundtrack for Philips Male Grooming Kit Digital Campaign (http://www.foradamsonly.com/index.php)
Performed at Not Just Jazz By The Bay, Nariman Point