Contrabands, a joint venture between leading record label Universal Music India, India's premier Entertainment channel Vh1 and leading live music venue Hard Rock Café, have signed on BOOMARANG - an upcoming rock band from the north east state of Mizoram.

Established as a first-of-its-kind platform for independent music in the country, Contrabands successfully launched EDM duo Lost Stories this September as the first artiste on the platform for their debut album `Music For The # Generation’. 

Selected from numerous entries on the Contrabands official website from all over the country, Boomarang hailing from the heart of the seven-sister states, was formed in 2005. When they started off Boomarang emulated bands such as Rage Against the Machine. Band members Atea (vocals), Boom aka Lalruatliana Hangsing (. Guitars), Joshua (Bass) and RS aka Rosangliana make for a closely-knit ‘Junk’ rock band, something they like to call themselves as they are famous for their musical blend of jazz, funk and Punk.

Preceded by their first single Stellar, the video of which has premiered on Vh1, their debut album, Home will be released later this month supported with a multi city tour at Hard Rock Café outlets across the country. The 14-track album Home, in the works since 2009, was recorded in Aizwal by Mizoram-based producer and event organizer Victor Vanlalhruia.

According to the band the single Stellar was recorded in 2008 and they even made the video for it in 2009. But it’s only now that the song is getting recognized on a larger scale.

Thrilled to be a part of the illustrious Universal Music roster, the band commented, “We are glad to be working with Universal on “Contra Bands” Project to be given a chance to spread Boomarang’s music to the world. This is a dream come true for us. Everyone needs good Rock ‘N Roll everywhere and we are here to deliver just that. We would like to thank all our fans and supporters for believing in Boomarang ever since we started. What we do is make good music for everyone to enjoy.  What everyone enjoys is what makes a great music. Kudos -to everyone at Universal, Vh1 and Hard Rock Café, we salute you!”

Though relatively new on the mainstream music scene, Boomarang is no stranger to laurels having won many national awards in addition to performing at international festivals. They have played alongside international acts like Korn, Lamb of God, Aurora Jane, Fire house, Tribal Tech, Enslaved, Intron out and Scott Kinsey Band. Besides they have also been named ‘Top Ten Bands to watch out for’ by the Rolling Stone magazine in India.

Speaking on the occasion, Devraj Sanyal, Managing Director, Universal Music/EMI Music, South Asia said, “Though India is home to immense musical talent, musicians from beyond the key metros of the country always find it tough to make it to the mainstream stage.  However, with `Contrabands’, we have created a platform for musical talent from any and every part of India! And we are glad that one such band BOOMARANG – from Mizoram - has made it to the `Contrabands’ property.  We believe that they have what it takes to make it to the mainstream stage and with the combined might of Universal Music, Vh1 and Hard Rock Café under `Contrabands’ we will ensure their debut album HOME takes them far and wide well beyond they could ever imagine.”

Commenting on the multi city tour and performance by the band – Boomarang, Sanjay Mahtani Co-Founder and Executive Director, JSM Corp said, “Hard Rock Café has always endeavored to bring forth an extraordinary musical experience for music enthusiasts. With Boomarang multi-city tour we are hoping that their sound is introduced to the Indian audience which is progressive in nature and perfectly blends with the identity of Hard Rock Café. We hope through this platform, the band gets its due success and connect with the right audience.”

FerzadPalia, Sr. Vice President and General Manager – English Entertainment, Viacom18 Pvt Ltd, said, "Vh1, with its broad base of fans across India, strives to ensure that it reaches audiences across different regions of the country. With Boomarang on Contrabands, we’re reaching out to fans in a region that’s so music-rich and one whose breath-taking talent is waiting to be tapped. We’re very excited and are sure our fans are going to love the band.”

Check out when Boomarang plays in your city at the following Hard Rock Café outlets.

21^st November, Mumbai [Worli]

28^th November, Delhi

5^th December, Bangalore.

11^th December, Mumbai [Andheri]

12^th December, Pune

19^th December, Hyderabad