Explosive music, trendy lyrics

The thought process was clear. Urban Lads wanted to do something unusual and set themselves apart. They chose `Namma Kannada to express their thoughts and concepts and topped it with the most happening and contemporary music

We set the trends, this is Bangalore
We set the rules, this is Bangalore
This is the English portion of the lyrics of a Kannada rap song called `Bangalorisation'. Put loads of Kannada lyrics with dollops of English chorus; add a little hip-hop, rap and heavy metal and what you get is a seven track album called, `Explosion 1'

The album has been brought out by a group of seven talented friends, who used to hang around in Shastrinagar on K R Road. They are: Rakesh Adiga (rapper), Bhargav (choreographer), Vijay (art work/ poster design), Suraj (percussionist), Yogesh (marketing), Amit (singer), Sandeep (stuntman/ bike), who call themselves, `Urban Lads' and have come out with a rap album.

“This album showcases our various talents,” says Rakesh Adiga, who has rapped in the album. Rakesh originally hails from Tirthahalli, where he studied PUC in Tunga College and then got `Bangalorised', assisted in the direction of a documentary film and acted in three of T S Nagabharana's TV serials - `Appa', `Mahamayi' and `Nelamugilu'.

Urban Lads is also the name of their production house. All these young and talented guys came together in September 2007. Although they took time to form a group, they had their dreams and plans in place well before. The thought process was clear. Urban Lads wanted to do something unusual and set themselves apart. They chose `Namma Kannada' to express their thoughts and concepts and topped it with the most happening and contemporary music.

When `Urban Lads' were in search of a sensible, knowledgeable, and creative person to score the music, they came across Sameer Kulkarni. Sameer comes with around eight years of rich experience in the film industry. Having rendered his skills for who's who of the industry as a keyboard programmer and an arranger. As someone known for working with different forms of music like the jingles, movies, non-film albums, ad-films and documentaries, made him the apt choice for composing and orchestrating Urban Lads dreams. In the end, it was Jayant Kaikini of Mungaru Male fame who topped the whole album by penning a beautiful and romantic melody - `Preeti illade yenede'.

It took a sincere effort, hard work, tonnes of research and lengthy brainstorming sessions for nearly seven weeks which resulted in to what is seen as a beautiful, fresh, tender, melodious yet a mature work called `Explosion I'.

Once the album was ready, they roped in none other then Lucky Ali, popular indi-pop singer to release their album. Kanglish (Kannada + English) lyrics, happening music; cute, little, naughty messages in their lines is what these guys have tried.

If `Madabeda' talks about things which you don't have to do to save yourself from awkward situations, `Bangalorisation' tells all that is required for you to be part of the flamboyant, energetic and youthful teens of Bangalore. `Dual mind' talks about the Jekyll and Hyde character of a man. `Just Miss' is all about mishaps in your first love `Explosion I' from Urban Lads is sure to be a part of the jovial, fun loving crowd of Bangalore. The music is trendy and thumping and is already on the floor in some of the happening pubs and discotheques.
Urban Lads promise to keep the good work on and keep their doors open for suggestions, critics and compliments.

Their ambition is to establish themselves as a strong and creative audio/visual production house. They can be contacted at No 3366, 2nd main, Shastri Nagar, Bangalore - 560 028. Phone: 26765121.

- Michael Patrao