Summer is here and so are sundowners to make the scorching heat bearable. One of the first to kick-start the season of music-against-the-setting-sun is High Street Phoenix, Mumbai, with the second edition of their recently launched, big-ticket, mega music property Awestrung. This month brings India’s electronic music’s youngest poster children Sandunes, Nicholson & Fuzzy Logic accompanied by indie/ alternative pop outfit The Color Compound and hip-hop/drum, bass band Bombay Bassment. An open-to-all, FREE gig, Awestrung returns on 31^st May.

For the uninitiated, Sandunes is the full time electronic music project of Sanaya Ardeshir - Mumbai based producer, composer & synth player. From early influences in jazz and blues, to a defining stint with London underground sounds, her music blends various organic and electronic elements into a hybrid zone that lies somewhere between electronica, garage and post dubstep - tying in with a unique South Asian feel. Easier described outside the genre-box, Sandunes' live set, incorporating a range of controllers and instruments has been performed in cities across India and in Sri Lanka and Germany. Joining Sandunes on stage will be the gifted musicians Nicholson and Fuzzy Logic.

Nicholson is a singer-songwriter & keyboardist based out of Mumbai who is heavily influenced by jazz, folk and electronic music. Nicholson's ensemble is straying away from the traditional 'band setup' and as GQ says, “In a scene obsessed with rock, funk and EDM, Nicholson’s electro-organic sound is a genius blend of husky, musky tones and beautiful storytelling.” As music writer Bhanuj Kappal aptly describes, “His critically acclaimed May 2014 debut For What – a warm, intimate EP anchored by lush piano chords and Nicholson’s restrained, languid vocals – drew comparisons to James Blake and Joni Mitchell.”

Whether playing a DJ set with live vocal loops or performing with analog synthesizers, drums and other instruments, Fuzzy Logic, aka Arfaaz Kagalwala, aims to make electronic music more personal. His music video from his latest EP debuted on VICE’s Thump Channel and was also ranked as one of the tracks of the week on the European music blog DAMM, alongside internationally acclaimed artists such as Chromeo and Flying Lotus. MTV Indies named Fuzzy Logic as one of the "10 Indie Electronica Artists That You Cannot Afford To Miss", while VH1 rated his Money Talks EP an 8 on 10. Incidentally, this is the same rating they awarded Daft Punk's Grammy winning-album Random Access Memories. His current sound combines elements of UK garage with elements of deep house and techno.

Fresh from the successful launch of their debut music video earlier this month, The Color Compound will play a host of their original compositions from their last album “From where we stand” along with two brand new songs that the boys have added to their repertoire. Bombay Bassment released their self titled debut album in October 2014. Coming soon in mid 2015 is the Remix album of the same tracks done by Randolph Correia (Func).

Opined Mr. Rajendra Kalkar, Senior Centre Director, High Street Phoenix, on the upcoming show, “This is the first time a mall will be hosting a sundowner and that in itself is exciting for us in many ways, not to mention, the performing artists boast of exceptional musical caliber and dedicated fan-following High Street Phoenix has always tried to bring varied experiences to their patrons and Awestrung is another step in that direction. We have consciously kept the gig open to all and free because we want to bring good music closer to the masses, especially to those who wouldn’t have had a chance to hear such talented musicians otherwise. The Courtyard of High Street Phoenix on 31^st May will hopefully have a beautiful mix of ardent music lovers and enthusiastic new listeners who will keep coming back each month for more spirited performances.”

Varied genres, five established names with great performances to boot, and some amazing F&B to set the mood, High Street Phoenix’s May edition of AWESTRUNG looks all set to spread some good vibes all around.

Venue: High Street Phoenix, The Courtyard, Mumbai

Date: 31st May 2015

Time; 6. 30 pm - 10 pm