In the heart of Mumbai's vibrant music scene, a new band is gearing up to leave an indelible mark on the city’s formidable rock landscape. CONTRA, born from the reunion of old friends Manas and Dean, released their self-titled debut EP on 20^th October, 2024.

This four-track offering, produced by indie veteran Siddharth Basrur at his Aural Pleasure Studios in Bombay, promises to be a tour de force of raw emotion, compelling storytelling, and music that hits hard where it needs to.

The Birth of CONTRA

CONTRA's story is one of reunion and reinvention. At its core are vocalist Manas and guitarist Dean, whose musical partnership dates back to the early 2000s when they were part of the band REVOLVER. Life, as it often does, took them on separate paths. Manas spent 15 years in New York, carving out a solo career that saw him collaborate with some of India's most respected musicians. His 2023 'Freedom or Love' EP and 2022's 'Trifecta' EP featured an impressive roster of talent, including Warren Mendonsa, Jai Row Kavi, Sidd Coutto, Dhruv Visvanath, Siddharth Basrur, and Keshav Dhar.

Meanwhile, Dean remained in Mumbai, becoming a pivotal figure in the city's alternative sports scene. As the founder of Longboard Crew India and owner of the Nightrain store in Navi Mumbai, Dean fostered a community that went beyond the thrill of speeding down highways at 40 kmph. His crew became a family, using longboarding as a tool to combat addiction, navigate family troubles, and find direction in life.

When Manas returned to Mumbai, the old friends reconnected, and the spark of CONTRA was ignited. The band's name, suggested by Dean, is a nod to his love for all things 80s - from the iconic video game to the raw energy of Guns N' Roses. But CONTRA is more than just a nostalgic throwback. For each band member, it holds a unique significance, evoking ideas of being contraband, contrarian, or most vividly a force of contrast in a world that often demands conformity.

A Debut to Remember

CONTRA made their first live appearance in May 2024 at the Rock Raid Fest at Glocal Junction, Worli, Bombay. The event, produced by Hyperlink, saw them share the stage with indie rock legends including Claver & the F Band, Sceptre, BLAKC, Ravi Iyer, and Chandresh Kudwa. This debut performance was more than just a concert; it was a statement of intent, announcing CONTRA as a force to be reckoned with in India's indie music scene.

Having set the stage with the Rock Raid Fest, CONTRA with their EP just released is all geared up for a hard hitting performance at Half Life on 27^th October 2024 where they will share the stage with stalwarts Daira and Runt. That’s not all, the band will also feature guest performances by Siddharth Basrur, Sid Coutto, Shawn Pereira, Teemeer and Aniket Waghmode.

Looking to the Future

CONTRA stands at the threshold of what promises to be an exciting journey. The band's unique blend of personal storytelling, social commentary, and on your face music positions them as heralds for a new era of Indian indie rock.

"This EP is more than just a collection of songs," says Manas. "It's a reflection of our journeys, both individual and collective. We've poured our hearts into these tracks, and we can't wait to share them with the world."

Dean adds, "CONTRA is about challenging the status quo, both in music and in life. Whether it's through longboarding or through our songs, we want to inspire people to find their own path, to confront their demons, and to live life on their own terms."