The Mihir Joshi Band brings something unique to the table

This blues rock band is a Mumbai-based supergroup comprising Mihir Joshi on vocals, Sanjeev Aguiar (Sanju) on guitar, Ishaan Krishna and Ruell Barretto on bass and Virendra Kaith (Viru) on drums. All of them have been a part of the Indian rock music scene for a very long time and play for successful bands like Bhayanak Maut, Demonic Resurrection, Scribe, Devoid and The Hoodwink Circle.
A defining factor of the band’s sound is the sheer range of genres that each musician is influenced by. With inspiration ranging from jazz, blues, classic rock, alternative rock to metal — and everything in between — each member of The Mihir Joshi Band (MJB for short) brings something unique to the table.
ALSO READ: Band Faridkot launched their second album in Delhi
On their a-ha moment: Says Mihir, “I started the project in 2012 to play songs I had written and the covers of some of our favourites in the blues and blues-rock space.”
On their brand of music:
“Blues-influenced rock music is the perfect way to describe our sound. To be honest, each member of the band has myriad influences and, somewhere, they kind of play a part too. But the simplest way to describe us would be a rock n roll band that loves blues!” says Mihir.
ALSO READ: The Kawa Brass Band to perform in Scotland for 2014 Commonwealth Games
On their influences:
Mihir is a fan of The Beatles, The Eagles, The Rolling Stones, Cream, Dire Straits and of artists like Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix, Gary Moore, BB King and John Mayer. He says, “Elvis Presley and Dean Martin have also been a massive influence. I also love country music and southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers Band and ZZ Top.” His songwriting is drawn from bands influenced by blues. Sanju, who plays for Mumbai-based metal band Devoid, loves everything from Guthrie Govan to Mutemath to really heavy metal bands. Viru plays with two other Mumbai bands, Demonic Resurrection and Scribe. He listens to everything from rock n roll to metal. Their newest member Ruell, who plays for Bombay Bassment, listens to everything from hip hop and dance music to rock n roll.
On their way forward:
MJB is excited about their debut album. “It’s called Mumbai Blues not because its songs are about Mumbai, but since it’s blues/blues-rock music from Mumbai,” says Mihir about the title. The album has songs about love, heartbreak, traffic jams, potholes and even Sachin Tendulkar. “Basically, all the things that give a regular Indian the blues,” adds Mihir. After the album’s launch, they plan to tour as much as possible, play their music in as many cities across the country. Explains Mihir, “I believe our music is something that a lot of people can connect with. We want to go out and meet those people and play for them. Nothing beats playing live on stage.”
On mihir’s iPod Something Like Olivia — John Mayer Ode To A Sunny Day — Blackstratblues Old Love — Eric Clapton A Life That's Good — Lennon and Maisy I Can’t Tell You Why — The Eagles
LISTEN: Songs of Mihir Joshi Band
WATCH: Mihir Joshi Band performing live 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps'