ABOUT ME choomBUCK is the stage name of Prasun Basu. An MBA by profession, I have been a music enthusiast throughout. Trained in Hindustani Classical music, I was never confined by the rules of any particular musical genre. My diverse musical upbringing with countless influences has shaped my music and is sure to take a very different path in the future. My curiosity in many genres led me to becoming an independent experimental composer and producer. The album ‘Before I turn 30’ is a great example of how these influences have played a role in shaping my music. EARLY LIFE I started learning Hindustani Classical music vocals at the age of 6. Not coming from a family with any musical background, I was quick to pick up basics and was soon a popular figure in the local school circuit winning several inter-school competitions. I took a keen interest in musical instruments and picked up harmonium, tabla, guitar and keyboards when in school. My formal training in Hindustani classical music took a hit when I had to move out for further studies. INFLUENCES Having learnt Hindustani classical vocals, I grew up listening to a lot of classical greats like Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, Ustad Amir Khan, Ustad Rashid Khan to name a few. I also listened to a lot of Bengali folk, film music, ghazals, and instrumentals and was introduced to western music at a much later stage. My greatest impact and inclination towards western rock started by watching the Woodstock 99 live concert of Metallica. With my experiments with electronic and computer music I came across several pop, dance and electronic music that have shaped the way I produce music now. BANDS Playing in bands have been the most liberating experiences for choomBUCK. It’s one of the main reasons he still plays along with a coupe of rock bands even with his solo album and work! The high that one gets as he sings his heart out in front of an audience is something that is irreplaceable. It all started in school with ‘Godz’, which was 3 guys doing what they loved best – create their own music. During his engineering days he was part of ‘Tapasya’ which was a eastern outfit and ‘Eleventh Hour’ which belted out rock music. The greatest success that choomBUCK had with bands was with ‘Phootage’ which was one of the most popular bands in Bangalore with the hit song ‘Choli ke peeche kaali naagin’. They even came out with a studio recorded EP. Currently choomBUCK plays with ‘Konnect’ and ‘EVH’. SKILLS I am primarily a vocalist having learnt Hindustani classical music for over 12 years. But that hasn't stopped me from exploring other musical genres and instruments like guitars, keyboards, tabla, drums, harmonica, pianica and much more. It all adds to the ability of composing experimental music independently. I am also handy with various DAWs including Fruity Loops, Nuendo and am a Apple certified Logic Pro user. I have my own recording setup at home where I spend a considerable amount of time doodling with software and instruments and coming up with experimental music. I also write most of his lyrics ably supported by his wife when there is a need for hindi lyrics.