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So what more could have we asked for excep

Though the hair is neatly trimmed in place at present the voice still rocks to rule a zillion hearts." Adding further, he ponders: "See, music lovers would always grope for an elusive chance to check out novel voices and new destinations waiting in the wings. Now his music covers a plethora of genres like ambient electronica, acoustic folk and new age Indian classical. Frankly speaking, it was a giant leap when we had floated the unit almost eight years ago but over a period of time, we have garnered a tremendous response, I must confess. They still connect with today’s youth and find takers amongst them."Born to the popular music duo and legends of Assamese music — Archana Mahanta and Khagen Mahanta, Papon was introduced to music at an early age. His initial training began in the discipline of Indian classical and folk music back home in Assam since childhood. Sounding excited to be featured in the line-up of NH7 Bacardi Weekender, the frontman concedes, "We look forward to make up for our absence from the music fest last season.

So what more could have we asked for except for the fact that we couldn’t be happier and feel more blessed!"Content to straddle a mainstream playback career and a parallel part-time band-music pursuit, Papon admits it’s a tough game of striking a fine balance between the two. Only five autumns ago, we had NH7 Weekender in Pune and today it’s being hosted across five bustling cities of the country. But I think I have been fortunate enough to flow with the tide hitherto with apparent smoothness. You know, contrary to general perception, folk music can really rock a stage soiree and I earnestly always wanted to do something serious and soul-stirring with folk melodies. We hadn’t played then. As a multitasking hand, he chips in as a singer, composer, producer as well as a multi-instrumentalist. In fact, gala music festivals of such magnitude precisely fetch in that beautiful opportunity and rare experiences to live through.Basically an electric folk-fusion band, Papon and The East India Company was formed in 2007. So the difference lies clearly in front of you. Conversing about the bright prospects of such music festivals in India, the popular Barfi singer reasons that "they have a huge potential, no Well, you may picture it yourself. So it was China Back-lit blade signs Manufacturers never a bothersome affair to fret over or regret my decision to enter the dicey den of film music," he asserts."

I just wanted to examine how we could slowly transform this tapestry of tuneful folk tales into something which fits the current era to the tee. These time-honoured sagas are drenched with profound emotions and relationships which never lose relevance under the sands of time. "Yes, it’s difficult and heady at times as you have to be a perfect time-manager. And it would be a big package of surprise for our die-hard listeners as our music-group wears a new avatar with a bigger brass section this time," he announces. It is getting bigger every year by strength, expanse, enthusiasm and reach.Probe what had actually prompted him to forge a folk-fusion band and he readily replies, "I have been deeply influenced by my father all throughout my journey in music. So it’s gonna be two for joy this year!" "We will play some new stuff and be launching a couple of new tracks as well.

Yes, the portrait of an ever-smiling slit-eyed singer with long unruly locks conjures up before you. The good news is that the 39-year-old musician from Guwahati (Assam) alongwith his famous band Papon and The East India Company will shortly belt out their brand of music at the sixth edition of the happiest music festival — Bacardi NH7 Weekender, come this October end in Kolkata where it is scheduled to be held from October 31 till November 1.

Thankfully, I have got some real good tracks from the Bollywood industry and its great music-makers, touchwood."Explaining further, he says, "The genre spawns a gamut of stories and indigenous tales that are centuries old and they still talk to us and appeal our senses even in this hi-tech world. So my association with the traditions of folk culture, its ethnic lore and earthy music started with watching my father. And this time, we are adding another gig in Shillong alongside Kolkata on our itinerary.If we mention him as Angaraag Mahanta, then obviously no bell will ring in your mind but as soon as you hear him sing in his heartwarming voice, you instantly know that it’s Papon.

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