the band

alms for shanti is a walk down the less trod path. it's a project of the indian sound in conjunction with contemporary styles and was created to take the sound further, as far as it goes, amalgamating traditional indian melodies, textures and rhythms with western sounds and applications, a culmination of sorts of our collaborations with some of india's finest classical musicians over the past few years. this band is a deeper exploration of our experiences melding eastern and western philosophies and ideas through music. it is our intention to take this sound to a growing new global audience seeking respite from the hackneyed regurgitations of contemporary commercial music, one in search of new cultures and fresh perspectives.

alms for shanti was conceived in bombay, india. we called on old friends, compatriots, drinking buddies, and a few hangers-on to help us make this shit happen. we had a bunch of ideas and began to work them into songs (bang on the ole anvil, gotta beat these mothers into shape!). the above-mentioned brought their toys and wares into the studio and we began to make some music. we recorded an album, we did. we paid for it ourselves because we figured that the begging bowl was going to serve its purpose soon enough and we wanted to do this (ooh, sarcasm just oozes here) without the magnanimity of a corporate entity set up with the sole objective of the aggrandisement of mammon and the debasing of art and aesthetics. in other words: we did it alone with our own money and now we're broke. instructions later on how to help us reverse that trend and keep your conscience well oiled. anyway, weary of bombay and its newly grafted nelsoneye to things individual, different and of artistic value we decided to move to new york, an obvious choice if you want to get with the down, the dirty, make some phat noise and re-live the travails of a real estate nightmare. but we gotta say, we just love it here.

so get in with us, buy a cd, buy some more for your friends, mother's day, channukah, no reason at all but that you like it and want to spread the word. get involved with keeping small-scale industry alive, make do with less, use your new found (or old begotten) purchasing power wisely, and keep the spirit of individualism alive and well. no, better than well. let it thrive. LONG LIVE FREE WILL!

and if you want to join the emailing list or book the band to play at your college, hometown, festival, birthday, whatever, here's how:

do come and watch us play, step up and say hi when you do, and have a beer and bitch with us about all things in general and celebrate all others. to happiness.