Swaraatma’s live show in Chennai promises vibrant music and enduring stories

We are always running. From villages to towns, from towns to cities, from Chennai to Bombay, from London to New York, and, if ambition permits, to Mars. Yet in that desperate search to find somewhere else, we often lose sight of the roots that keep us anchored. Bengaluru-based folk-rock band Swarathma’s debut Tamil song ‘Ayyanar Kudurai’ captures the hunger for escapism.

Taking seven years to make, it tells the story of a temple horse who leaves home in search of something greater, but returns to the same banyan tree, realizing that his belonging was never lost, only forgotten. This weekend, the band is bringing the song for the first time to Chennai, the land that inspired it.

“We love performing in Chennai because the audience there knows the music, and playing for such an audience is creatively satisfying,” says Jishnu Dasgupta, the band’s bass guitarist. Swarathma will perform in Chennai after a gap of two years.

Bengaluru-based folk-rock band Swaratma. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Beyond the story the songs tell, Swaraatma is known for turning his shows into dialogues with the audience rather than one-sided performances. “The audience response is never passive. It’s an exchange of energy,” says Jishnu. “Our singer Vasu will go into the audience, and interact with you very closely. We will bridge the gap between the audience and the stage,” says violinist Sanjeev Nayak.

In their repertoire, songs like ‘Manwaa’ and ‘Raah E Fakira’ stand out for both their musicality and the vibrant energy they generate. “Manwaa has a good vibe and there is a violin solo which I love playing,” says Sanjeev.

Each song in Swaraatma’s set has been carefully selected. “For Chennai, we wanted to bring tracks that are reflective, soulful and creatively challenging,” says Jishnu. “Songs that we don’t get to perform often, but which feel alive in this city.” The band treats their set list like a map, weaving familiar tunes with new journeys, allowing the audience to walk with them through energy and quiet introspection.

Swaraatma in Bengaluru at Mahindra Percussion Festival. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Paying careful attention to which songs resonate live also shows how Swaraatma’s sound has evolved over the years. “We’re all curious music lovers,” says Sanjeev. “The music we listen to shapes the new ideas we bring to the band. Sometimes inspiration comes from a tune we thought of while stuck in traffic, or a simple riff on the guitar. We jam on it, let it simmer, and come back to it until it finds its form.” Over time, their blend of folk and rock has expanded to include disco elements and more energetic, danceable tracks, composed for the recording studio as well as the stage.

Some moments on stage are almost ritualistic for the artists. “The part I look forward to is usually towards the end of the set when we are playing ‘Naane Daari’,” says Jishnu, referring to a Kannada song from his sophomore album. those with capsWhich was co-produced by musician Loy Mendonsa. “By that time, the audience is well marinated and ready to take off. The energy can be transformative.” Recalling the Zero Festival in Arunachal Pradesh, he recalls, “There were about 3,000 people jumping together at the same time. It was such a beautiful sight, knowing that we had a role in it.” Even in Chennai, where the audience will be smaller, the band is confident that 300 people can feel like 3,000 if you have the right kind of atmosphere.

Swaratma will perform at The Madras Taproom on October 11 at 8 pm. ticket open in.bookmyshow.com Starting from ₹599.