With roots in multiple genres of music, and more than a decade making music together, Delhi 2 Dublin has evolved and put together their own sound. Their newest album, We Got This, was released in May and is the latest step in that evolution and exciting brand of music from the Vancouver-based band.
We caught up with Sanjay Seran on the phone to talk about their new music, the album, the band's career, and played a round of 5 Quick Questions in the lead up to their show at the Drake Underground in Toronto.
Early in our call, after offering congratulations on the new album, we talked about the changes and growth since Delhi 2 Dublin first came together. Sanjay told us that they're smarter now. They've got a better approach to what they do and the music they make. He was hesitant and didn't jump to the word wisdom (we all know it feels pretentious to call yourself wise), the more we talked about learning and observing and finding a better way to do things, the more wisdom clicked for both of us.
click to see full sized imagesOn Wednesday night, Trish hit the Drake Underground in Toronto to see Delhi 2 Dublin play for a crowd 4,000 kilometres from their home base in Vancouver.
The dark, downstairs venue wasn't at capacity for the show, but the energy was up and ready. When the music started playing the fans moved closer to the stage to bring it all together. The band worked the stage as they played, supplying their own energy as they received what the crowd was giving them.
And with a full, rich sound (with Ravi's drum leading the way) Delhi 2 Dublin gave Toronto a show and sound and experience they could move to.
When we had Sanjay on the phone, we talked about the live show, and what it's been like playing the new music for fans. The lead singer pointed to the Canada Day show they played earlier this summer. He said that the headlining spot in Vancouver was special. Being there and playing for a happy, celebratory crowd was fantastic. But, just as great as headlining was, the opportunity to spread their message through their music was great as well. He knows the importance of taking advantage of those chances, and he feels like they did.
More than anything though, Sanjay sounded really, really happy and proud of We Got This. As a singer, he told us that he feels the new songs give him the chance to be less of a full-time hype man and concentrate more on singing the songs. And while he still embraces the interactions with the crowd and conducting or hosting the party that the band is leading, he's also happy to let the music and songs do the work.
After more than a decade doing what they do: Playing, travelling, writing, recording, and all the rest of the music business life, it's great to hear the excitement and pride for a new album. It's also cool to see Delhi 2 Dublin getting ready to hit the road to play in North York and London, ON as well as Atlanta, GA and then Asheville, Carrboro, and Charlotte, NC before coming back up to Canada and hitting the LUNA Arts Festival in Revelstoke, BC.
There are more shows on the schedule as well, and more to be added. So keep up by checking the website's tour date list -> here.
Explaining Delhi 2 Dublin to someone who hasn't heard the music. On Facebook under genre, the band says "It's a worldwide thing". On Wikipedia, the list of genres includes Bhangra, electronic, funk, dub, reggae, hip-hop, and Celtic. To call it an amalgamation or mashup or multi-influenced unique sound is all accurate. And for those who know and love it, the label doesn't matter anyway.
Congrats to Sanjay, Ravi, Serena, and Tarun on the new album and everything that comes next.
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Thanks again to Sanjay for taking the time to catch up with us on the phone. Want to know who he would love to duet with? What album he's reaching for on a road trip? His dream venue? We've got that and more right here.
Here we go!
5 Quick Questions with Delhi 2 Dublin
