Susmit Sen: The Melodic Innovator of Indian Fusion Rock
Chapter 1: Early Life and Musical Awakening
Susmit Sen, a renowned Indian guitarist and composer, was born into a musically inclined family in Mumbai. His journey with music began with a guitar that his father bought for his elder brother. Captivated by the instrument, Susmit started playing and found his calling in the strings. His fascination with music grew, and despite being a self-taught musician, his dedication and passion led him to become a maestro.
Susmit completed his schooling from St. Xavier’s School, Delhi, in 1981, and graduated from Hansraj College. His academic journey was marked by a deepening engagement with music, setting the stage for his future career.
Chapter 2: The Birth of Indian Ocean
In 1990, Susmit Sen, along with vocalist Asheem Chakravarty, founded Indian Ocean, an Indian fusion rock band. The band soon welcomed Rahul Ram in 1991 and multi-instrumentalist Amit Kilam, forming a quartet that would revolutionize the Indian music scene. Indian Ocean’s unique sound was characterized by the blend of Indian rhythms, melodies, and folk music influences, creating a new genre that resonated with audiences.
Chapter 3: Achievements with Indian Ocean
Indian Ocean’s innovative music led to widespread acclaim. The band produced five studio albums and a live album, “Desert Rain.” Their concert DVD, “Indian Ocean Live In Concert,” recorded a two-hour live performance at the Garden of Five Senses in Delhi and was released in 2008. The band’s journey and impact were captured in the documentary “Leaving Home – the Life & Music of Indian Ocean” (2010), directed by Jaideep Varma. This documentary won the Award for Best Arts/Cultural Film at the 58th National Film Awards, marking a significant milestone for the band and Indian music history.
Chapter 4: Solo Career and The Susmit Sen Chronicles
In 2011, Susmit Sen released his first solo album, “Depths of the Ocean,” which had been in the making for a decade. The album featured collaborations with notable artists like Shubha Mudgal, Nitin Malik, Papon, and Asheem Chakravarty. The following year, he formed The Susmit Sen Chronicles, a new setup of artists including drummer Nikhil Vasudevan, bassist Anirban Ghosh, tabla player Varun Gupta, and vocalists Amit Sharma and Sudhir Rikhari.
In June 2013, Susmit made the difficult decision to leave Indian Ocean to focus on his solo career. However, he joined the band for a farewell tour at the end of 2013 before officially departing. Guitarist Nikhil Rao replaced him in the band.
Chapter 5: Continuing the Musical Journey
In 2014, Susmit Sen released his second solo album, “Ocean to Ocean,” featuring a collaborative track with Bernie Marsden, the former Whitesnake guitarist. This album was a testament to his evolving musical journey and commitment to innovation. That same year, he published his memoir, “Ocean to Ocean: A Memoir,” co-written with Sehba Imam, providing an intimate look into his life and musical career.
As a tribute to his contributions to music, the Dehradun Guitar Company created the SS Series of Guitars named after Susmit Sen, celebrating his influence and legacy in the music world.
Chapter 6: Legacy and Influence
Susmit Sen’s impact on Indian music is profound. Rolling Stone India recognized his contributions by featuring two songs, “Ma Rewa” and “Kandisa,” from Indian Ocean’s 2000 album “Kandisa,” in their 2014 listing of “25 Greatest Indian Rock Songs of the Last 25 Years.”
Susmit’s work with Indian Ocean, his solo projects, and his influence on future musicians underscore his significance in the Indian music industry. His dedication to blending traditional Indian sounds with modern rock elements has left an indelible mark on the genre.
Discography
With Indian Ocean:
– Indian Ocean (1993)
– Desert Rain (1997)
– Kandisa (2000)
– Jhini (2004)
– Black Friday (2005)
– 16/330 Khajoor Road (2010)
– Footballwaaliyan (2019)
With Susmit Sen Chronicles:
– Depths of the Ocean (2011)
– Ocean to Ocean (2014)
Filmography
– Swaraj: The Little Republic (2003)
– Black Friday (2004)
– Peepli Live (2010)
– Footballwaaliyan (2019)
Works
– Ocean to Ocean: A Memoir (with Sehba Imam), HarperCollins, 2014. ISBN 9351362019.
Conclusion: The Enduring Melody
Susmit Sen’s journey is a testament to his relentless pursuit of musical excellence. From founding Indian Ocean to embarking on a successful solo career, Susmit has continually pushed the boundaries of Indian fusion rock. His innovative approach, dedication, and passion have made him a pivotal figure in Indian music, inspiring countless musicians and music lovers alike. As he continues to create and perform, Susmit Sen’s legacy as a musical innovator and pioneer will undoubtedly endure for generations to come.
