Seldom do we come across a band that not only plays soulful music but also champions important social issues with equal fervor. The Bengaluru-based folk/fusion band Swarathma exemplifies this rare blend. Their fourth studio album, Raushan, is a testament to this spirit, focusing on themes of liberation and inner peace. The album takes an unconventional approach as the band has decided to release each song separately, giving them ample time to refine each track amidst a busy tour schedule.
“There is no cohesive theme tying this album together, so each song has its own unique narrative,” elaborates Varun Murali, one of the band’s key members. “It keeps us on our toes because even we aren’t entirely sure how the next song will evolve.”
The band’s first release from Raushan, ‘Bas’, is a commentary on the state of the world and the band’s reaction to it. The track has stirred various interpretations among its listeners, which Varun finds fascinating. “I’ve heard a couple of my friends interpret it quite differently, and that’s actually great. I would love to hear how people interpret it,” he adds.
Next up from the album is ‘Aiyanar Kudurai’, a song narrating the journey of a horse. This track also marks the band’s first foray into Tamil music, in collaboration with Anthony Dasan, a well-known folk and fusion artist from Tamil Nadu. As of now, the song is in the final stages of mixing and mastering, but the band has already performed it live to gauge audience reactions. “Collaborations like these are a breath of fresh air for us. They introduce new ideas and stylistic contrasts that blend beautifully with our own,” notes Sanjeev Nayak.
Swarathma’s commitment to eco-conscious initiatives sets them apart from many of their peers. Currently immersed in a series of eco-tours, the band has opted for solar and clean energy to power essential concert systems in cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Chandigarh, and Lucknow. The inspiration for this project came when they were working on a music project with SELCO Foundation, which focuses on making renewable energy accessible across various communities. “While composing a song for them, we came up with the idea of powering a 1,000-person concert with renewable energy,” recalls Jishnu Dasgupta.
This initial idea snowballed into something much bigger, culminating in SUNNY, a 100KVA clean energy system that is now part of their eight-city tour.
. The system powers sound, visuals, and sometimes even the lighting, completely eliminating the need for conventional diesel generators. “Our goal is to set a new standard for eco-friendly entertainment and encourage sustainable practices within the music industry. It’s been heartening to see the positive response from both audiences and event organizers,” Jishnu adds.
Another remarkable initiative by the band is their unique ‘Tour of Trees.’ As part of this endeavor, Swarathma has joined forces with various groups committed to preserving urban green spaces. The initiative recently saw the band playing an acoustic jam session in Bengaluru’s Cubbon Park to promote the retention of the city’s green cover. “On the appointed day, we move from tree to tree, performing acoustic versions of our songs for both the trees and tree lovers,” explains Jishnu. “The announcements go like ‘9.00 am: Peepal Tree’, ‘9.30 am: Banyan Tree’, and so on. It’s a humorous spin on the concert tour format but with a meaningful purpose.”
Vasu Dixit, another integral member of the band, sheds light on the philosophy driving their music and activism. “As artists, we often feel acutely sensitive to the world around us. Music gives us a way to express and heal, allowing us to channel our emotions into something creative,” he says.
This isn’t the first time Swarathma has used their music to address pressing social issues. Their past work includes songs that tackle subjects like child sexual abuse, urbanization, and political satire. “Music is a powerful tool for sparking dialogue on difficult subjects. It may not solve everything, but it helps build emotional bridges,” concludes Vasu.
Through their socially relevant music and innovative eco-friendly initiatives, Swarathma is not just making waves in the music industry. They are setting a precedent for how artists can use their platform for positive change, resonating deeply with audiences and communities alike.
