About Us
Hello! We're Perfect Strangers. You can call us PS for short. We are a rock band from Bangalore, India and we've been making original music for the last 3 years. We have been fortunate enough to get a great response from our listeners for every original we play because of the catchy hooks and well arranged instrumental passages. Without restricting ourselves to any genre, we combine elements of pop, blues, progressive and jazz rock to compose our songs. Music and performance have been the only methods for us to truly express ourselves and we've done it entirely out of love.
Want to hear a sound clip from the upcoming album ?
The idea of recording our first album—which has become our dream this past year—is not a new one, but has only now blossomed into a real possibility because of the unwavering loyalty of everyone who has supported us artistically, stood by us and helped us see our musical project through: from our fans who never cease to amaze us, all the way to our families and friends who were the first to witness the seeds of this project when they were barely visible.
The Album
We are doing this campaign to raise funds for our first album that will feature 7 songs with a playtime of 50 min approx. We have already started the recording process and plan for release on Jan 31st, 2018.The songs have been drawn from the personal experience of band members, talking about, among other things -- social media obsession, feminism, challenges in the current music scene, support for the queer community. The idea is to to create an album that:
1) We can hold in our hands and be proud of
2) You can hold in your hands, listen to, and take a proprietary pride in
What We Need
Making a record does not come cheap. Every step of the process requires a significant amount of money. We have very high standards for our music and our fans expect the best from us, all of which makes an already expensive process even more costly.
After writing an album, it has to be recorded, mixed, and mastered. Artwork has to be made and an actual layout has to be created for physical copies. In addition, we need to create new merchandise that ties the whole thing together.
When you're a band that is trying to take that next leap like we are, there are numerous things that you simply can't do on your own and you need to hire people to do it for you. That's where PR and radio campaigns come in. Plus, you have to shoot a music video which has costs for crew, equipment, location, etc. Simply put, we need your support now.
Also, although our goal is INR 10,00,000/- , we encourage you to PLEASE keep donating even if we've hit our goal. If we make more money, we can do even more with the album and expand the reach of both our music and our touring.
All About Us
1. Vocals - Raphael Emileenaa: Queer, poly and feminist who is also a good listener, ergo I'm the forever single unpaid shrink. I use my voice to get the job done! Whatever that may be :)
2. Drums - Preran Gulvady: I have a lot of thoughts, they mull in the background as I wait for them to ripen. I release them over beer.
3. Vocals - Pranav DM: Entrepreneur. Lady killer but not serial. I handle rock and hindustani classical vocals with equal ease.
4. Keys - Steve Rajan: Wonder is my middle name. I love the piano and play a 'key' role in creating a strong rhythm section for the band.
5. Guitars - Debjeet Basu: Riffs play an important role in our songs and that's where I come in. I also wear the hat of band manager...literally:)
6. Bass - Prashanth Gnanamuthu: Holds the band together with his groovy bass playing. Also the tallest member of the band. Random info.
Cost split up
Risks and challenges
Over the last couple of months, we kept our ears to the ground, watched other people use this method and actually succeed. There have been many different approaches and fans of music are starting to understand this format, but it's lacking something. Bands and artists don't show you how the money gets spent.
We however, will account to you to show you how every penny is spent. Essentially, the success of this campaign will determine how amazing this record becomes. We are set up for Flex Funding, which means if we don't reach our goal, we are still getting the money that is raised. So, if we don't reach our goal, we will have to reevaluate how we are planning to do this record. Regardless, we are ready to deliver this thing however our campaign plays out.
Remember, anything that is available through the Rewards is exclusive to the campaign. The t shirt, hoodies, USB drive are all one time offers. None of them will ever be available again in this way.
FAQs
Q: What happens if I have contributed but you don't reach your goal?
A: We still go ahead with the project and you get what you have been promised.
Q:Does your music have any explicit content?
A:Not at all!
Q:When do we get to hear the full album and receive our rewards?
A:The plan is to release album around Jan 2018. However we have already completed recording 'Selfie', a song on people's obsession with social media and plan to release it, along with a video anytime between around Nov 2017.
Q:I don't stay in India. Can I still contribute?
A:Of course yes! Fuel a dream ensures payment gateway and online payment from anywhere in the world.
Q:When do we see you live?
A:We definitely plan to do an India tour to promote the album. Hopefully around Jan-Feb 2018. And hey..you never know...if you like the music and support us for another crowdfunding, we might do a world tour too!
