Featuring 20 bands and over 100 music artistes from all over the country, besides some international names, the music festival Soundscapes of India Season 2 held in Delhi earlier this month was a fabulous showcase of musical talent and a celebration of its richness and diversity. A t2 chat with three Calcutta-based bands that took part in the festival — The Bodhisattwa Trio (represented by Bodhisattwa Ghosh), The Outlanders (represented by Debalina Sinha Roy) and Panchabhuta (represented by Sourabh Deb) — on their performance experience, the importance of such festivals, its significance in their own journeys and much more.
Tell us something about your music. Who and what do you want to address through your music?
Bodhisattwa: We are an experimental jazz fusion band actively performing across Europe and Asia since 2012. Defying stereotypes and conventions, we believe in expressionism, social reflection and spontaneous creation. Drawing influences from life, the universe and everything, the trio, with myself on guitars, Premjit Dutta on drums and Shonai on keyboards and synth bass, delivers a mix of original instrumental compositions with special emphasis on harmonic and rhythmic expansion, theme and variation, virtuosity and spontaneous improvisation.
Debalina: Our music is rooted in Indian folk traditions but shaped by a contemporary global sound. As a band, we love blending melodies, languages and rhythms from different regions, creating a sonic space where raw folk emotions meet modern arrangements. Through our music, we want to tell stories — of people, roots, culture, journeys and identities. We want to reach listeners who crave authenticity yet enjoy the energy of modern soundscapes.
Sourabh: Our music is rooted in the ancient spirit of India, yet expressed through a bold, contemporary lens. The genre is known as Vedic Metal. It’s an evolving genre where traditional Vedic philosophies, Sanskrit chants and Indian mythological narratives merge with the intensity and power of metal music. Through our compositions, we aim to build a bridge between heritage and modernity, speaking to listeners who resonate with both spiritual depth and sonic aggression. Our intention is to inspire curiosity, cultural pride and introspection, while presenting Indian mythology in a fresh, global ready format.
Tell us something about your performances in Soundscapes.
Bodhisattwa: We had a really great time on stage presenting our music to delegates from across the world, and the great audience in Delhi. We are very pleased with the experience.
Debalina: Our performances at Soundscapes of India were intimate yet powerful — we showcased our folk repertoire, re-imagined with contemporary textures. Performing at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts and connecting with an audience that truly listens was a highlight for us.
Sourabh: Performing at Soundscapes of India was truly memorable — the atmosphere and the diversity of artists created a powerful energy. We had the opportunity to perform in one of the most reputed venues in the city called The Piano Man. On stage, we felt an instant connection with the audience. The way they responded to Vedic Metal, a style many were hearing for the first time, was incredibly motivating.
Which was your favourite act and what kind of reception did you receive from the audience?
Bodhisattwa: We have performed in Delhi multiple times over the years, especially at The Piano Man (in Safdarjung and Gurugram), so there was a section of the audience who were familiar with our music. The overall reception was fantastic. This was our first time performing at the newest Piano Man at Eldeco Centre and it was a magical experience.
My favourite act was by Panchbhuta. They are a fantastic band with a unique sound, and I am very proud of them for having represented India at the Wacken Metal Battle this year. I also enjoyed the performance of Lakshya (Bengaluru-based band) very much. Their vocals were phenomenal.
Debalina: The lineup was incredibly diverse, but one of our favourite acts was to have all the audience sway with the Horinaam kirtan at the end of our Kirtan performance.
We received an overwhelming response from the audience. Many listeners connected with the emotional depth of our folk elements, while others loved the freshness in our arrangements. Their appreciation gave us a huge creative boost.
Sourabh: The reception we received was overwhelming. The audience came up to us to tell us how refreshing and unique they found our music. Many said they had never encountered a fusion like Vedic Metal before, and that it expanded their idea of what Indian contemporary music could be. Watching different acts like ACQ, The Bodhisattwa Trio, Lakshya, Sound From The Hills and many other performances from across the country was inspiring for us. Each brought their own flavour, making Soundscapes a rich, genre diverse experience.
Festival directors from 15 countries were there at Soundscapes of India. What kind of direct opportunities has it opened up for your band?
Bodhisattwa: We spoke directly with many of the festival directors and they seemed very interested in our unconventional sound. We did not have any traditional Indian instruments or vocals, so they were quite happy to find a sound that is fundamentally modern jazz, not directly Indian, but has a clear footprint of our culture and tradition through our music. We will be in touch with the festival directors and we have already started planning on our next album and tours to follow.
Debalina: The presence of international festival directors opened several meaningful conversations for us. We were able to present our work, share our vision and understand how Indian folk-fusion is being perceived globally. We are currently in early discussions regarding international showcases and cross-cultural collaborations for 2026, which is an exciting step forward for us. We also got an opportunity to witness their presentations of their festivals that helped us to understand the present scenario of global music.
Sourabh: Having our music showcased in front of festival directors from 15 countries is already a huge opportunity in itself. It allowed our sound to reach ears that curate some of the world’s most exciting live stages. We had meaningful conversations during the event, and the response has been very encouraging.
Apart from giving you exposure on the national stage, how has the festival contributed to your growth as artistes?
Bodhisattwa: Over the past decade, we’ve had the privilege of performing across 15 countries in Europe and Asia, representing India at eight international jazz festivals. While these experiences have shaped us immensely, Soundscapes of India added a different kind of value. The festival’s vision of bringing premium acts from across the country onto a global platform aligns closely with what we stand for. Being part of a festival that celebrates India’s cultural and musical diversity is truly an honour for us. Representing our motherland on any international stage remains our biggest priority, and Soundscapes of India strengthens that journey for us.
Debalina: Soundscapes of India pushed us creatively. The festival’s emphasis on authenticity, experimentation and cultural representation encouraged us to think deeper about our craft. Interacting with senior musicians, curators and cultural experts helped us refine our artistic direction. It reinforced our belief that folk music, when approached with honesty, has immense power to resonate universally.
Sourabh: The festival was a powerful environment for learning. Being surrounded by experienced musicians, industry leaders and event curators gave us valuable insights into the expectations of international stages, audience preferences and performance craftsmanship. The feedback we received was constructive and motivating. Apart from visibility, Soundscapes of India gave us a clearer understanding of where Vedic Metal can travel and how we can evolve as artists.
What is your biggest takeaway from the festival?
Bodhisattwa: Every experience is a learning experience. We wish to keep growing and evolving as musicians, artistes and human beings throughout our lives, and this was a beautiful part of that journey. The biggest takeaway I think is being recognised by the Ministry of Culture and the Indian Performing Rights Society (IPRS). This is something that we have fought hard for, and I am glad that we have been noticed as a contributor to the arts representing India.
Debalina: Our biggest takeaway was understanding the importance of originality. Audiences today want stories— real, rooted and emotionally rich. The festival also taught us the value of artistic exchange; watching so many diverse acts reminded us that music grows when musicians learn from one another. Soundscapes reaffirmed that staying true to our folk roots while fearlessly experimenting is the path forward.
Sourabh: The love and curiosity from the audience stood out as the biggest takeaway. Soundscapes of India reaffirmed that listeners are open to new genres and experimental ideas when presented with sincerity and conviction. It strengthened our belief in the path we are carving and encouraged us to push boundaries even further.
What is the next step of your journey?
Bodhisattwa: We follow the Write-Record-Tour format. So, we have started working on our fifth album after a break of one year, and we will fully utilise the whole of 2026 to complete our work and set up multiple international tours in 2027. In 2026, we don’t wish to travel outside of India unless a festival invitation comes to us! The focus for next year is the groundwork.
Debalina: We’re exploring a few promising possibilities for 2026, and while nothing is final yet, we’re optimistic about the opportunities ahead.
Sourabh: We have exciting plans in the pipeline, including new releases and potential collaborations.
Pictures courtesy: Indian Performing Rights Society