In a bid to encourage independent music in India, Sennheiser, hosted its Top 50 season 3’s North Zonal finale on 24 August at HardRock Cafe, Delhi. The musical event judged by—Surojit Dev—founding member and leading drummer of Them Clones and Subir Malik—keyboard player and a renowned manager of noted singers announced Knight Shades, a Delhi-based band, as the winner of the zonal finale.
From 121 entries from the North, the bands that were selected for the zonal finale included Knight Shades, Warwan (first runner-up) and Naalayak (second runner-up). The grand finale evening saw Knight Shades, Warwan and Naalayak battling in the presence of a cheering crowd and music maestros of the region. Apart from the performance by the top three bands, Delhi also witnessed a headliner act by none other than Faridkot.
Knight Shades turned out to be the crowd’s favourite and the judge’s choice. Knight Shades will now further battle it out in Mumbai for the grand finale on 21st September to win the trophy of the most coveted band in India, prizes worth 20 lakhs and two-year endorsement which will give them access to Sennheiser gear by being the face of Sennheiser for the next year.
In conversation with Guardian 20, Vipin Pungalia, Director Professional segment, Sennheiser India, talked about his experience of the event. He said, “The experience of Sennheiser Top 50 Season 3 has been nothing less than amazing. The first season of Sennheiser Top 50 was completely run via digital platforms. We had over 170 bands participate in the first season itself which encouraged us to raise stakes for season 2. The second season saw over 350 entries representing different genres and in order to provide a platform for the bands to perform in front of a grueling audience. We held the first ever on-ground finale in Mumbai. To further raise the stakes we are holding on-ground zonal battles in 4 zones- North, East, West and South followed by an on ground grand finale to be held in Mumbai on 21st September.”
He further informed us about the concept behind the event, Pungalia said, “Sennheiser has always focused on bringing the best and perfect sound experience to its consumers. Given that the country hosts a plethora of hidden talent, which includes a lot of independent bands. Hence, Sennheiser India team came up with Sennheiser Top 50- a search for best bands in India. Through this unique platform, we wanted to reach out to and motivate bands across all genres who want to share their music with the rest of the world and we believe we have been able to do that and make a difference. There is a long way to go still.”
Jury member Malik on the finale said, “This was my first time being associated with Sennheiser for such an event and I could not be more thrilled. The talent we witnessed here was mind blowing. It feels great to know that there are companies like Sennheiser who are providing for such a platform for young artists”
Dev, on being a part of the event said, “Being a part of a band I understand the level of stress and anxiety artists go through while performing, however, our top 3 finalists did a brilliant job and we couldn’t be more proud. I can’t wait for what Sennheiser has for its coming season and hope to be a part of the Sennheiser family in the events to come as well.”