Monica Dogra Has Her Money On Pentagram’s Bloodywood For Best Album at JD Rock Awards

Monica Dograof Shaa'ir and Func

Monica Dogra, one half of Shaa’ir and Func, spoke to ROLLING STONE INDIA about the importance of the JD Rock awards and which artists have caught her attention this year. The singer was last year’s recipient of the Best Female Vocalist award, and mentioned her favorites among this year’s nominees.

“One of the most exciting voices I’ve heard recently would have to be Siddharth Basrur (Goddess Gagged), he has many voices within his one body.  I also think that Samara C (The Ska Vengers) stands out from the list of female nominees.”

Shaa’ir and Func was also honored in the ”˜Best Album’ category for Mantis, seeing off strong entries from Ankur and the Ghalat family, Split, Tough on Tobacco and overall winners Scribe.

“There is a feeling of vindication that comes along when critics and audiences alike appreciate your work.  I also felt that Mantis was a big record for Shaa’ir and Func,  we had poured our entire selves into the creation of that record and it felt nice to have that recognized. The JD Rock awards is a moment of reflection, a point of progress…an entity that measurably highlights and honors the game changers in the Independent music scene.  No one and nothing else does that.  I think that process is very important.”

This year’s best album nominees include Dischordian – The Feni Farm Riot, Indian Ocean - 16/330 Khajoor road, Menwhopause ”“ Easy,  Pentagram ”“ Bloodywood and  Undying Inc ”“ Aggressive World Dynasty. Dogra told us her pick for this year’s favorite.

“Stylistically I have my own specific taste and therefore it’s hard to pick one. But the obvious choice is Pentagram’s Bloodywood.  Generally, I like people who push boundaries and stretch themselves to find their own rules, their own sound, and their own identities.”

Shaa’ir and Func are currently working on new material and Dogra stated that, “Fans can rest assured that we are doing our best to grow, evolve, and bust out something fresher than ever.”

To vote for your favorite band, log onto www.jdrockawards.com and cast your vote!