In partial fulfillment of a Digital Humanities project for the course Digital Humanities and Cultural Informatics at Jadavpur University, Aryayan Bhowmick has selected a few notable rock bands from Kolkata for his research. Focusing on In Human, The Unofficial Utopia, and DreadHammer, Aryayan aims to shed light on a vibrant rock and metal subculture that thrives at the heart of Kolkata.
Each of these bands has released their own albums, with notable works including Evocation EP by In Human, Sovereign by DreadHammer, and Realitized Fiction by The Unofficial Utopia. While these albums have received critical acclaim internationally, local recognition and footfall often remain limited. Aryayan's project seeks to bridge this gap, offering an in-depth exploration of these bands and their ongoing efforts to produce high-quality music.
The website, titled "Kolkata Rocks Perennially," serves as a platform to raise awareness about these emerging artists and to highlight their achievements. Although the music of these local bands is born digital, they also release limited-edition collector CDs, retaining the nostalgic feel of '90s rock. This effort aims to archive these enthralling and visually captivating compact discs, complete with stunning graphics, to show that music isn’t confined to Spotify, even in the era of posthumanism. The attempt is also to provide links to their websites and channels, making it easier for a global audience to discover these select bands. By compiling detailed metadata, the project provides valuable insights into the local rock and metal scene, emphasizing the passion and dedication of the bands that continue to create and innovate.
Research and Project by Aryayan Bhowmick