Peter Cat Recording Co., an Indian band hailing from New Delhi, has embarked on a remarkable journey from local indie favorites to global sensations. Their recent performance at the historic Troubadour in West Hollywood marked a significant milestone in their ascent to international acclaim.
The band, formed on New Year's Day 2011, has come a long way since their debut album "Sinema". Named after a restaurant in Kolkata, Peter Cat Recording Co. has evolved into a musical powerhouse, blending disco rhythms with jazzy psychedelic melodies. Their unique sound, reminiscent of Frank Sinatra's crooning style, has captivated audiences worldwide.
The release of their album "Bismillah" in 2019 catapulted them onto the global stage, attracting a diverse fan base. Now, five years later, their latest album "BETA" has solidified their international status. The band is currently on a 77-stop world tour, "Good Luck Beta '24", spanning North America, Europe, and India.
Suryakant Sawhney, the band's vocalist and guitarist, attributes their success to the deep connection fans have with their music. "It requires people to know them, have heard them, internalize them, know the lyrics so then they can enjoy themselves," he explains. This connection was evident at their West Hollywood performance, where fans sang along to tracks from "BETA", despite its recent release.
The current lineup, consisting of Sawhney, Karan Singh on drums, Dhruv Bhola on bass, Rohit Gupta on keys and wind instruments, and Kartik Pillai on guitar and various instruments, has been working together since 2018. Their synergy on stage creates an atmosphere akin to a theatrical performance.
"I think if you want to stick together as a band, there are some things that would seem to be fundamental where you have to be able to split a lot of your success equally, regardless of how it works. So, sometimes you need to operate more like a family, just in order for it to work, actually, because I think all this stuff gets complicated."
The band's approach to music-making is collaborative, with all members contributing to production. "BETA", their 13-track album, showcases their versatility, seamlessly transitioning between genres from alt-rock to disco. Recorded in various locations, including Goa, India, and Joshua Tree, California, the album reflects the band's global influences.
Peter Cat Recording Co.'s rise to international fame is a testament to their unique sound and dedication. From their first international show in Berlin in 2015 to opening for Khruangbin on select dates of their current tour, they continue to push boundaries and redefine the global music landscape.
As they continue their world tour through December 2024, Peter Cat Recording Co. stands as a shining example of India's rich musical heritage blending with contemporary global sounds, creating a truly unique and captivating musical experience.