Feature

Nazia Ahmed

This week, we managed to squeeze time between vigorous grooming rounds and jamming sessions for a tête-à-tête with some of the contestants for D'Rockstar.

"We started off 2 years back under the name of "The Seventh Sense" which we later changed into "Radioactive"; we are basically childhood friends and have known each other for a long time, so searching for the perfect combination of talents when we were forming the band wasn't a problem" says Mitul from Radioactive (Dhaka). Skidrow, Dream Theatre, Guns n Roses, and Scorpions mostly influence the band, which focuses on progressive rock and death metal.

Standing out amongst the crowd is Nipa, the only female participant, with her awesome vocal talents. "I am deeply inspired by Anushe and I have performed a lot of her numbers in the past. I feel very comfortable here especially since my band members hardly treat me like a 'girl'. Our band Britto (Rajshahi) is mainly influenced by Guns n Roses and classic alternative bands."

Shayer from Beduin (Khulna) talks about the music of the band. "We put a twist of Hip-hop in our composition and have a rap vocal, as we are mainly influenced by Linkin Park. The judges have been extremely co operative in every respect so far in the competition, and we are hoping to go a long way. We are also inspired by Red hot Chilli Peppers, U2 and many more."

The past five days haven't exactly been uneventful for the competition. One band, Death's Foe, suffered when their guitarist got injured in a car accident, not that this affected their enthusiasm or practice in anyway. "The judges have been greatly supportive of us, and that had been more than inspirational for me to go on playing with my wounded hand." Says the base guitarist from Death's Foe (Dhaka).

"We are mostly into mellow rock; but what mostly inspires us is our own Bangla bands because we believe we have more in our own country, the Kobi Guru's land." Says Ovi ATR (CTG).

The contestants started each day with the routine exercise. As mentioned last week, the BAMBA members dedicated each day to grooming each particular part of the band. The preps included the screening of footage of performances by established rock bands. On the final night the BAMBA members on the waterfront presented a memorable concert for the bands which was followed by an all-night pool party; water splashing and dancing with the classic rock stars, an experience the contestants are bound to remember always.