The pulse of Hyderabad’s music scene is set to quicken with the release of ‘Padara Saamy,’ the latest single from the city’s dynamic band, ChowRaasta. Known for their innovative musical stylings and deep cultural roots, ChowRaasta’s new track taps into themes of wanderlust and exploration, beckoning listeners to embrace the spirit of adventure. The band has meticulously planned the release on August 9, which dovetails perfectly with their upcoming three-month tour across the United States, beginning August 17.
The song’s vibrant lyrics, “Padaraa padaraa saami, munduku padaraa saami, kondalu konalu rammantunnayi, veldam padara saami” (’come on, come on sir, move ahead, the hills and valleys beckon, let us go), echo the call of the wild and beckon one to journey forth. The excitement in band founder Yashwant Nag’s voice is palpable as he sings these lines. Yashwanth, who dons multiple hats as a composer, singer, arranger, and songwriter while also playing the keyboard and ukulele, is the driving force behind the band. Joining him are bass guitarist Anantha Krishnan, drummer Akshay Athreya, and guitarist Manuj Nataraj, each bringing their unique flair to the ensemble.
ChowRaasta’s journey thus far has been nothing short of a musical saga. The initial lines of ‘Padara Saamy’ were penned two years ago as a promotional jingle for the band’s street performances. The idea soon burgeoned into a larger dream—to traverse through villages, sharing their music. Partnering with MyVillageshow channel, they undertook a bus tour, serenading rural audiences and capturing the essence of India’s diverse cultures.
As their U.S. tour looms, fans clamoring for the full version of ‘Padara Saamy’ set the stage for its completion. “Padara saami ani cheppi prapancham antha tirugaalani fix ayi poyaamu,” says Yashwanth, meaning they have resolved to explore the world. He describes the song as an anthem for adventure, urging listeners to break free from their confines, connect with nature, and broaden their horizons.
Reflecting on their U.S. tour, Yashwanth shares their excitement and ambition: “We’re ready to bring our unique sound to a new audience. It’s not just a tour; it’s an opportunity to share our stories and experiences with the world.”
However, the band’s journey hasn’t been without its share of challenges.
. ChowRaasta once stood at a crossroads when original singer Ram Miryala left, causing their bookings and gigs to plummet. Yashwanth reminisces about the tough phases: “Clients used to call us to book but when they knew Ram was not with us, they would hang up. For any band, the frontman is an important member, but other members play an equally important role and work hard to follow their passion.”
The situation continued to be turbulent when guitarist Srinivas also departed. But the band’s spirit remained unbroken. “A music band is an emotion, like a family,” Yashwanth shares. “Some members might leave, but the family stays together on the journey.” This resilience has seen ChowRaasta through thick and thin, emphasizing that the band’s essence lies in its collective spirit and shared dream.
One of the pillars of their unity is the equitable distribution of profits. Yashwanth points out, “Revenue is split equally among us; this has been the practice since the band’s inception.” This practice underlines the values of fairness and camaraderie that have kept the group together.
While ChowRaasta deals with the trials of band member turnover and evolving group dynamics, they continue to thrive creatively. Yashwanth and Ram Miriyala have both stayed active in the music industry, collaborating on a new movie project titled “Pailam Pillaga.” Additionally, they are reworking one of their earlier hits, ‘Swetcha,’ to serve as the theme for their new venture, the ChowRaasta Podcast. “I want to talk my heart out as I have seen a lot in this journey. Chinnappudu nunchi nerchukunna sangeetham, band lo memu kooda unnamu kada ani oka avedana toni cheppalani,” Yashwanth expresses, indicating his desire to share the band’s experiences and emotions through the podcast.
In sum, ChowRaasta’s journey encapsulates the imperatives of resilience, camaraderie, and unyielding passion for music. With ‘Padara Saamy,’ they not only present a new musical offering but also invite listeners to join them on their journey of exploration and discovery. As they set their sights on the U.S. tour, one thing is clear: the road ahead is bright with promise and adventure.