Watch: Electro-Rock Act Paratra Debut With the Psychedelic ‘Will Power’
Check out the fierce first single from the Mumbai-based duo ahead of their Sunburn debut
(L-R) Akshat Deora, Siddharth Basrur and Samron Jude of electro-rock act Paratra. Photo: Mariel Diella.
As much as SystemHouse33 may have raged about gender-based violence and idolatry through the past year””to audiences also across Europe and America””2017 will see the thrash metallers’ frontman Samron Jude take just as optimistic a path with his electro-rock project Paratra. Says Jude, “It’s all about positivity.. Paratra is a Sanskrit term for ‘transcendental journey into the next world’ and the band embodies this inspiration in the music.”
Paratra which came together in 2012, comprises Jude on vocals and guitars along with Mumbai-based sitar player Akshat Deora, and sees the musicians bring a powerful blend of Indian classical, electronica and rock on their debut album Genesis. The double disc release features “rock-oriented and EDM-oriented versions” of seven high-power tracks, with contributions from popular vocalist Siddharth Basrur and ace producer Vishal J Singh””a collaboration that that Jude describes as “overwhelming but exciting.”
And although Genesis is slated for release on January 1st, 2017, Paratra have already landed a live debut at one of the country’s largest festival stages””playing the upcoming edition of electronic music festival Sunburn on December 31st, headlined by Dutch producer Afrojack. Says Jude, “We took the project to the Sunburn management and they really liked it. People want something different and dynamic from the regular electronic music, they don’t want to see the same guy up on stage..” Accordingly, Paratra are plotting some of their most experimental tunes off Genesis (“something that allows you to feel fresh,” Jude explains) along with other material slated for later release.
Also on the setlist is their debut single “Will Power””” with its high-energy refrain and groovy sitar-laden bridge, the four minute track is as much a party-starter as it is a headbanger. Accompanied by a psychedelic “Woodstock-flavored” lyric video, “Will Power” is the first hint of how Paratra mash up edgy riffs with graceful sitar melodies and a whole lot of optimism. Says Jude, “’Will Power’ is about the things we believe in, in the band. You have to really push yourself, because it is possible to do things.”
Listen to “Will Power” below.
