Rolling Stone India Graphic Design Master Class With Swarathma, Mumbai, May 30th, 2012

Swarathma members break into a song

For those who missed out on the Rolling Stone India Master Class With Bengaluru folk rock band Swarathma, we can tell you that the band (even if it was half the band) was in full form. They opened the workshop with an acoustic version of “Topiwalleh.” The workshop focused on how the band built a strong, visual identity for itself and why this is essential for an indie band even if it means, as drummer Montry Manuel, put it: “clicking a photo and adding a clever caption to it.” The workshop was more of a freewheeling chat than a lesson in art and graphic design. Vocalist Vasu Dixit and percussionist Pavan Kumar KJ presented a showcase of their photos and designs. There were several takeaways from the workshop especially for fans of the band. For instance, some of us who were familiar with the band’s work didn’t know that their quirky visiting cards were inspired by the design for a kumkum brand and that Vasu had kicked off a cartoon strip based on the band. The band members also took turns to crack up the audience with their self-deprecatory humor and called the event a wrap with a stirring rendition of “Yeshu Allah Aur Krishna,” winning themselves a whole new bunch of fans.

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