Channel V Launchpad

PS: Previous coverage of the Channel V Launchpad can be found here

Last Saturday was the last night of performance at the Hard Rock Cafe in Mumbai. After 7 grueling weeks of hard rock action, the last 2 bands took up stage to perform in front of a packed audience. As usual judges were Amit Saigal (RSJ), Luke Kenny (Channel V), Gino Banks (Helga's Funk Kitchen) and the original grand daddy Farhad Wadia (extreme left in the picture). Farhad has a long association with Indian Rock, being the founder of the cult Independence Rock 21 years back. He set the standard for Indian Rock. It was good to see him up there in the panel

First to take up stage was Human Abstract from Mumbai with their brand of arena and rap-rock. They looked a tad uncomfortable and as the judges pointed out, came across more as a school band rather than a rock band, which was a little harsh considering that this is a pretty big competition for them. They started off with their version of Bob Marley's Stand Up, which was just about OK. They followed it up with a mix of covers and originals. They need to work more on their sound and stage presence. Also their vocalist needs to work on his handling of the microphone. They got a lot of potential and they just need to concentrate more on original music and build a good sound





The last band of the competition was Frequency from Delhi. They play very contemporary rock in the format of Linking Park and Distrurbed (they even started their set with a Disturbed number). Heavy guitar riffs over the DJ's electronic samples with the bassist and drummer providing a solid rhythm, gives a very crunchy melodic sound. It was an energetic performance leaving both the crowds and the judges happy. They have a pretty good guitar player and their drummer was also excellent. They just need to work more on creating original numbers






The evening ended with Farhad doing the vocals on the Mustang Sally song by Mack Rice. Very nice. Enjoy the video





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