For over a decade, the Anand Bhaskar Collective (ABC) has carved out a unique space in India’s independent music scene. This alternative rock band is renowned for its energetic live shows and an eclectic sound that seamlessly blends Indian classical influences with modern rock. They’ve built a loyal community of fans who belt out their lyrics at concerts, drawn by the band’s authenticity and emotional depth. Now, as ABC prepares to release a much-anticipated new single, the members reflect on their journey, their creative process, and what keeps them going strong.
Collaboration and Creative Freedom
The band began as a solo project by singer-composer Anand Bhaskar, but soon evolved into a full-fledged group. Today, Bhaskar and his bandmates – guitarist Hrishi Giridhar, violinist Ajay Jayanthi, drummer Shishir “Tao” and bassist Neelkanth “Nean” Patel – each bring their musical flair, and their synergy defines ABC’s identity. Being part of this collective has given Bhaskar an artistic persona he cherishes. 'When I enter a room of creative people and say my name, they say, You’re Anand Bhaskar from Anand Bhaskar Collective,' he notes. That kind of recognition, he says, 'I couldn't have achieved without my bandmates.'
All the members juggle other gigs – from composing for web series to day jobs – but the band remains their passion project. When they reconvene to make music, it’s on their terms.
'Creative collaboration for all of us is just having fun… we get in a room and make whatever we want,' says Giridhar. That sense of freedom is a big part of ABC’s vibrant songwriting. Plus, the camaraderie between the members is obvious, on stage, all four share the mic to banter with the crowd, making every show feel as fun as a jam session with friends.
They’ve also learned not to chase conventional music industry validation. Record labels rarely invest in multi-member rock bands nowadays, often preferring solo acts. So ABC built their audience the DIY way. 'We used to think it’d be great to have a label deal, but nowadays we don’t even care,' Bhaskar admits. Instead, they focus on reaching fans directly. Their packed gigs – with crowds singing every word – prove that social media numbers aren’t everything.
Born from Anxiety: The New Song
With two albums under their belt (Samsara in 2014 and Excuse Me in 2017) and several singles, Anand Bhaskar Collective is now set to drop what might be their most personal song yet. Tellingly, this upcoming single was born at an unexpected moment. In late 2022, after days of sleepless work on a project and not feeling his best, Bhaskar picked up his guitar at 2 AM. In that bleary state, music flowed almost organically. 'The words were there in my mind and the song just happened,' he recalls – within fifteen minutes, he had a verse and chorus down.
When Bhaskar shared the raw demo with the band, his bandmates immediately sensed something special. The song had a fresh vibe, unlike anything they’d done before. They eagerly fleshed it out together: they jammed out a bridge and soaring outro. Soon, that late-night spark had grown into a dynamic, fully realized composition.
Lyrically, the song carries a straightforward but resonant message: listen to your mind and body when they’re telling you to slow down. 'The song is about taking a break when your mind and body tell you to,' Bhaskar says. In a culture that glorifies constant hustle, the track is a reminder not to neglect basic needs like sleep and mental health. Bhaskar kept the lyrics simple and relatable so the message would hit home for any listener.
Feeling strongly about this song, the band even invested in a music video to accompany the release. Convinced it might be their best work yet – Bhaskar says it’s 'probably the best song we’ve written so far' – they pulled in a trusted crew to bring the vision to life on screen. He’s confident the final video will do justice to the song’s emotional core.
Evolving Sound and What’s Next
Over the years, Anand Bhaskar Collective’s music has evolved alongside the band members themselves. The early songs were heavier and full of angst – an outlet for Bhaskar’s youthful anger. Now they’ve embraced a broader palette. There are still plenty of rock riffs, but also more melody and nuance. 'I think we’re focusing more on storytelling now,' Bhaskar says, describing the direction of their upcoming third album. They’re finding ways to make their music more accessible to new listeners without sacrificing quality. 'We want to expand the fan base without compromising the writing quality,' he adds.
Through it all, the sheer joy of making music together remains ABC’s driving force. 'What’s the point of being in a band if you’re not having fun?' Bhaskar agrees: 'The moment we focused on having fun, we ended up writing some really good music.' They’ve also learned to be patient, understanding that building a lasting career takes time and perseverance.
Now, with a new single on the way and a full album in the works, Anand Bhaskar Collective is excited for the next chapter. They’ll continue doing what they do best: creating honest, genre-blending music on their terms and sharing it with an audience that feels like family.
Words Harita Odedara
18.06.2025