Rock ‘n' rolling from Sikkim to the US: ‘You gotta be crazy about your art', says GATC
The band channels the spirit of '80s rock; with albums like
Rock the Highway
and
Hail to the Heroes
, they've built a cult following and shared stages with Hoobastank, Poets of the Fall, and most recently, opened for Guns N' Roses in Mumbai.
In June, GATC made history as the first Indian rock band to appear on America's Got Talent (AGT), with their viral cover of Adele's
Set Fire to the Rain
. In an exclusive interview with us, GATC got candid about staying defiantly rock'n'roll in a pop-dominated world. The band said, "Giving
Set Fire to the Rain
a raw, gritty, rock spin was our way of honouring Adele while making it our own.
We wanted to stay true to who we are as a band – helping us connect with a new audience."
On performing at AGT
GATC said that they have been fortunate enough to play amazing festivals, release albums internationally, and build a loyal listener base across Europe and Asia. The opportunity to be on AGT felt like the right leap for them. Speaking about performing for judges like Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, the band said: 'It felt surreal.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Pinga-Pinga e HBP? Tome isso 1x ao dia se tem mais de 40 anos
Portal Saúde do Homem
Clique aqui
Undo
Stepping onto that stage and hearing the audience roar, halfway across the world, was electrifying.
It was a culmination of years of hustle, heart, and staying true to our sound. We're grateful to have had this chance to bring our music to USA.'
Another rocking night with GNR
The band said that they've been fortunate enough to open for Guns N' Roses not just once, but twice. 'First in Abu Dhabi, and then on our home turf in Mumbai.
GN'R shaped our early years and influenced our sound so deeply, it was an absolute honour. Their music was part of our journey from the start. We learned their songs, played them at many gigs, and even posted covers online,' said the band members. 'Getting to share a stage with them felt like a full-circle moment.
Both shows, especially Mumbai, were unforgettable in every sense.'
On India's rock & metal scene
GATC believes that India's rock and metal scene has come a long way, especially when it comes to original music and live performances.
'More bands are writing and releasing their own material. That's a huge step forward. Songwriting is getting sharper, production quality is up there, and the live energy has always been strong. But, more events & venues should open up to original music,' shared the band.
Plans for 2025:
Sharing what the band plans for this year, they said, "This year is about taking our music to more cities, connecting with our fans, and keeping the energy alive on stage.
We'll be continuing to tour through the rest of 2025, with shows lined up across Asia and Europe."
From serene Sikkim to bustling Bengaluru
Looking back at their journey, GATC said, 'It has been a crazy ride. But the power of sticking together as a team is what has truly brought us to this point. It is as if nothing out there feels impossible or big, anymore. We've stayed true to ourselves and believed deeply in our music, which has opened doors across the globe.'
They further added, "We've learned that we have to be crazy about our art and just keep at it, with a lot of patience. At heart, we're still the same simple folks from the hills we were 19 years ago."
Girish's top four
Aviroop Basu from Fire in The Rodeo (Kolkata)
Nitesh Rolla from Roll Heads (Gangtok, Sikkim)
Sandeep Yogi from Guns from Country Side (Soreng, Sikkim)
Megan Rakesh from Meg and The Miracles — a 13-year-old rock'n'roll prodigy from Bangalore who's already making waves
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
23 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
HEYOON: I try to write from a place hoping it'll connect with a lot of people
A decade since her debut, HEYOON says her current frame of mind is all about having fun. Her latest single "Addicted' is a deep house track which marks a significant creative shift for the singer, who turns composer, lyricist, and even takes production charge. HEYOON With its surreal framework rooted in R.E.M. sleep and the hypnotic world of dreams, HEYOON lucidly explores themes of seduction, ecstasy, and downfall, describing it as a reflection of her own imagination. 'I try to write from a place hoping it'll connect with a lot of people. What's amazing about music is that once you share it with the world, people can relate to it through their own experiences. With Addicted, I just hope it makes people DANCE.' Also read: YOUNGJAE: Indian music shows me that there's so much to explore Addicted, her third single, follows the chart-busting success of her solo debut Pivot, a collaboration with American rapper-singer Armani White. She finds resonance in both tracks, as each represents a different timeline in her life. 'When I released Pivot, I was going through a pivotal moment, moments of self-acceptance. These days, I'm trying to have some fun and seize the day.' Transitioning into a solo career after five years as part of the global pop group Now United, HEYOON says the shift was as challenging as it was relieving. She feels indebted to fans who stood by her through the transition, which she describes as a journey of growth and constant learning. 'I feel lucky and grateful I get to continue my creative journey as an artist because these kinds of transitions are not easy. It's challenging to navigate the pressures of being a solo artist.' Splitting her time between Los Angeles and Korea, HEYOON has witnessed K-pop's global rise first-hand. 'I felt so proud seeing the love for K-pop grow everywhere,' she says, crediting its 'attention to detail and fantasy' for its worldwide pull. India, she says, has her heart. 'I love Bollywood's unique sound and energy,' she says. 'I was lucky enough to work with Badshah in 2019 while at Now United, and even stayed in India for a month. It was such a rich experience. I can't wait to perform there again.' Popular among MZ (millennial and Gen Z) listeners, HEYOON insists her music is for everyone. 'I try to not think too much about what the song should give. The more I write something I personally enjoy and resonate with, the better it works, because when there's love and authenticity in your art, people will feel it too.' As for what's next, she's clear: 'Definitely more music. I'm having fun exploring my sound right now and working towards a body of work , hopefully an EP or mixtape for the fans!'
Indian Express
23 minutes ago
- Indian Express
Shekhar Kapur reveals how Sridevi ‘protected' him when their film ran into trouble: ‘Behind her stardom and incredible talent lay…'
Though he himself is widely regarded as one of the most influential filmmakers in the history of Hindi cinema, Shekhar Kapur has never missed an opportunity to express his admiration for his beloved cinema icon and favourite collaborator, legendary actor Sridevi. Despite joining forces only twice in their careers, the impact of their movie Mr India (1987) on the country's cinematic landscape was so profound that its ripples are still felt even now, over three and a half decades later. The other film they worked together was Joshilaay, which Kapur left mid-way. Recently, he took a trip down memory lane, recalling his experience working with the 'first female superstar' of Indian cinema. Dubbing her a 'fiercely loyal' artiste, he maintained that her contributions to their project went beyond her performance, as she threw her weight behind him when the film faced hurdles as well. Sharing a photo of the two of them majestically posing for a dance number atop a hill, Kapur noted, 'This was my first day of shoot with Sridevi ever. We were shooting a song in Mahabaleshwar. When she started dancing, the world stopped for all of us. The only thing that moved was Sridevi, dancing.' He continued, 'We all just gawked. It was like another being had descended amongst us. I even forgot to say 'cut!' Like everyone else in the set, we were too mesmerised by Sridevi's dancing.' Heaping praise on her, he noted, 'There were other things about Sridevi that are not spoken about. She was fiercely loyal. When the film got into trouble, she took any chance she got to protect me and speak about how incredible I was. She took it upon herself to fiercely protect her director.' He added, 'Yet, behind her stardom and her incredible talent lay such innocence and vulnerability. She would use not only her talent to perform, but also bring to it her vulnerability and innocence. As if the only person she would express her inner feelings to was the camera; her protector in a way. That's why she was such a star: she was not afraid to reveal her inner self to the camera.'
India.com
23 minutes ago
- India.com
Vijay Deverakonda Represents India At Times Square Independence Day Celebrations
Chennai: Vijay Deverakonda celebrated India's 79th Independence Day at Times Square, representing India at the India Day parade in New York City. Vijay further attended the flag-hoisting ceremony at Times Square, where the Indian tricolour was unfurled in the presence of the Consulate General and the Federation of Indian Associations (FIA) Chairman. Also Read | 'My Lion': Kareena Kapoor Khan's Loving Birthday Message To Saif Ali Khan As He Turns 55 The post dropped by VD on his official Instagram handle also featured him posing for some stylish solos in a black velvet kurta with matching denim. Sharing the post, Vijay wrote: "Celebrating Home and Indians around the day, beautiful people in Times Square NewYork." VD also expressed his pride in seeing the tricolor waving at one of the world's most iconic locations. On Saturday, the 'Liger' actor dropped another short video of the Indian Independence Day celebration in NYC on IG, along with the caption: "Absolute honour! ...Indian tricolours bathe the iconic Empire State Building ...got to light it up on our Independence day and also experience the beautiful hospitality of Team Empire state and the building's stunning views and stories :)" In another update, Vijay was recently questioned by the Enforcement Directorate for four-and-a-half hours in the case relating to the alleged promotion of illegal betting apps. However, the 'Kingdom' actor claimed that he was summoned for questioning about a gaming app which he had endorsed. Maintaining that he endorsed a gaming app as gaming apps are legal, and recognised by the government, VD said: "There is a difference between gaming apps and betting apps". Also Read | Elvish Yadav Firing Case: From CCTV Footage To 'Bhau Gang' Claiming Responsibility, All You Need To Know About The Shooting Incident When asked why the app he endorsed was not accessible, he revealed that the legal apps will have a geo-location lock. "If you try to open it in Telangana, you get a message that it is not allowed in this area. Some state governments have allowed this app. It works only in geographies where there is permission," Vijay concluded.
