Sounds From the Library (#2)

Disco Puppet aka Shoumik Biswas is a musician and visual artist. They are part of Bangalore based collective, Consolidate. Their sound is characterised by its irreverence towards the stylistic and procedural dictates of genres and their purists. This stems partly from ideology, but mostly from a tendency to get easily bored. Their experiments, though technical in nature, are always essentially human. Shoumik has been releasing music as Disco Puppet since 2014 and has played at some of the best stages in the country including Magnetic Fields Festival, F of X Festival, Boiler Room (Mumbai edition), The Humming Tree, The Habitat, and more. Internationally, Shoumik has been on a 6 city tour of China in 2017, played at the Kuwait Rising Festival in 2019 and most recently toured Bangkok and Vietnam.

After receiving the TOTO Funds the Arts Award for music in 2017, Shoumik has released 4 albums and 4 EPs. They also feature on a track with Zed Bias, released on Exit Records(UK). To support the release of their 2019 album Aranyer Din Ratri, Shoumik designed and choreographed a theatrical show, which they took on a 3 city tour across India. Love and Depressing (4th full length album) was written in the wake of Shoumik’s tinnitus and hyperacusis diagnosis in early 2019. A first in their discography, this album was written entirely using guitar and voice. In it, we see Disco Puppet’s process evolve into one that uses elements of their signature sound to add a more traditional approach to songwriting. This results in their most approachable album till date while retaining a distinct sense of identity as Disco Puppet.

Dindūn, a synth folk/alternative duo hailing from Kolkata, embodies a unique fusion of musical influences, seamlessly blending Sylheti, Bengali, and Assamese languages into their enchanting compositions. Sourjyo Sinha and Rohit Ganesh, the duo behind Dindūn, bring with them a trove of experience from their involvement in various musical endeavours within the independent scene. Drawing inspiration from the rich tapestry of folk melodies that coloured their upbringing, as well as from the diverse sounds of Indian film music, Dindūn’s sonic palette is further enriched by the eclectic stylings of artists such as Devendra Banhart and Sufjan Stevens.

Rooted in a philosophy of sincerity and simplicity, Dindūn crafts songs that resonate with genuine emotion and authenticity. Their music, recognised for its heartfelt lyricism and evocative melodies, has garnered critical acclaim, culminating in them receiving the prestigious Toto Awards for Music in 2023. Dindūn is currently on tour, promoting their third EP called Dindūn, Vol.3. In contrast to their earlier work, their newest EP delves into urban themes, both sonically and lyrically while building on the scenic sounds and imagery in an urban context. The compositions intricately blend industrial and rock elements, interwoven with their folk origins, thereby portraying the urban environment in Sylheti and Bengali. Through their music, they reflect upon the contemporary influences on culture, language, and identity. This EP also marks their first endeavour at crowdfunding and they have successfully raised 100% of their target goal of Rs. 1 Lakh, and this crowdfund has amassed over 50 donors from across the country who have also received a bonus track along with early access to the music.

A jack of all trades, Charu identifies primarily as a storyteller. She is committed to crafting live experiences and shaping culture and perspectives through her stories and ideas. A lot of her passion and knowledge about curation, artists, live event ideation, culture and community was strengthened during the time she worked with brands and companies such as Phase 1 Events & Experiences, The Beachhouse Project, The Courtyard Community and Pagal Haina.

Currently in her present role at Insider.in, as Deputy Manager in the Brand Solutions team, she is constantly evolving and growing and learning how to build a more vibrant and robust music and arts ecosystem through the curation and conceptualisation of new IP’s and festivals. When not working, you can catch her at a gig in the city!