Call it desecration. Call it innovation Call it pseudo melodic tomfoolery. But Preet Raj Kwatra and Dixit Vermas music is definitely of the kind that defies the possibility of rigid classification. Apparent is their endeavor for novelty while reaching out to the average popular music bluff Preet the melody maker and older of the two is 20 and studies at Khalsa College while Dicky (it’s Dixit’s better-known name) barely 18 studies at St. Michael’s School. And together they have put together Miss U Sohniye (CBS) a successful first venture that may well become Preet and Dicky’s license to stardom. But it seems to have happened almost accidentally.
Says Dicky savoring the constant ringing of the cash registers i started singing when I was 10 years old Though I’m not formally trained I picked up the tabla by practicing with my fingers on the table’ On the contrary Preet was baptized into the art of playing the harmonium by his grandmother who taught him before his natural talent took over In fact Dicky’s confession ‘on their approach smacks of unpretentious candor ’Neither of us know how to read music But we can respond to a certain tune and make music
The due were brought together by their passion for a common musical vocabulary. Beginning with in inter-school competitions their acquaintance grew into professional teamwork at the concert at Ambedkar Stadium last year. They clicked at the concert getting an audience response artistes would give their right hand for.
‘That set them thinking about cutting an album together. The result Miss U Sohniye followed soon. Describing the duo’s music Preet says ‘It’s admix of Bhangra reggad techno-pop and understandable rap. That’s electric isn’t it? The album’s title track is the story of a lover’s state of mind while Schooldays Were The Best is a nostalgic journey that portrays the bouncy days of footloose youth
The initial success clearly hasn’t yet succeeded in dazzling the duo. Says Preet Our music is very delicate. The implications of this one-liner are there to hear. The genie fusion of melodious synthesizer strains with controlled percussion help the cuts attain an integrity relatively unheard of even. in the songs of their senior counlemmas.’ ._: But does the kind of music Preet and Dicky are making have a bright future? Clearly uncertain of that and making no bones about it Dicky says: If people enjoy our music we will give them songs that get them out of their seats. On the threshold of their professional career Preet and Dicky should not be aspiring for more. But the fact remains that the two some have been noticed their music has been accepted and people are cheering their performances And thankfully they really don’t have to sell looks or gimmicks to keep the market barometer rising
Article extracted from this publication >> March 11, 1994
