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The Works The Works was formed when Mihir decided to put together a good old fashioned rock 'n' roll band. He met up with Shannon, whom he had seen before with another band and asked him if he'd like to join him in forming a new band. Shannon agreed and soon Hansel, Shannon's childhood friend joined in on drums. Partho came along next on the rhythm and lead guitar and the last person to join was Michael who stepped in on bass to complete the band. |
A bit about band members: |
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| Mihir...in his own words... This truly has been an amazing first season for the band. 13 gigs, numerous media mentions and a whole lot of fans everywhere we went. Couldn't possibly ask for a better start. Before I say a thing about myself...let me, on behalf of the band thank each and every one of you who've come for our gigs and made our first few months of existence so special for us. YOU make The Works ...work! :) Hmmm....well I've always loved music. Its been my best friend for most of my life. Singing was a natural extension of my love for music. Though I've had no formal training, I see Elvis, Roger Whittaker, Dean Martin, Nat King Cole and The Beatles as my first few music teachers. Loads more great musicians and singers taught me loads more as time progressed.The Eagles, Queen, ACDC, Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Eric Clapton, Led Zeppelin and a whole lotta other bands added to the education. I fell in love with rock music but at the same time my first few teachers stayed close to heart. I also learnt a lot from country singers and a whole lot of blues singers. You haven't heard great music till you've heard a lot of country and blues...this I'm certain of. I must also mention some Indian bands that have made a difference to me and to the Indian music scene that The Works is now a proud part of. A big thanks to Pentagram, Zero, Parikrama, Soulmate, Motherjane, Dream Out Loud, Vayu and so many other awesome bands that have paved the way for us. Well, I'm still learning every day and its astounding as to how much great music there is out there in the world. The endeavour is, to listen to as much of it as I can and maybe make a bit of it before I call it a day. In my brothers in this band, I have found the band I've waited all my life to be a part of. I'm proud of my brothers and I'm damned proud of The Works. Shannon is without a doubt the perfect guitarist to complement my wild side on stage and Partho gets perfectly the tranquil side of me. Hansel's smile and attitude keeps this band ticking and every bassist who has played with us so far has added something special to the band. We just want to make good music and have fun doing what we love most. Are YOU ready for us? Well...ready or not...here we come!!! |
 Lead guitarist Shannon has been playing the guitar for over 11 years and has been in a number of bands before The Works came along. He is possibly one of the most flamboyant guitarists on the music scene right now. Don't take anyone’s word for it though…watch the band live and decide for yourself. |
Shannon...In his own words... I started off playing the guitar at age 6. My dad inspired me to learn the instrument. I used to go to his shows and watch him play, and he never failed to amaze me. He was always so innovative. At the age of 10 I was deeply inspired by bands like 'DEEP PURPLE' and 'GUNS N' ROSES'. I mastered the songs 'November rain', 'Smoke on the water' and 'Sweet child o' mine' back then and to me, these were my biggest childhood achievements. I formed my first band when I was in school, at the age of 13. I further got exposed to other styles of music. My styles include blues, classical, rock, jazz and funk. My biggest influences are my Dad, Slash, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai, Joe Satriani and Van Halen. The guitar is a virtually limitless tool of expression and I love exploring the dynamics that are possible on the guitar. Just the way you touch a note or pluck the strings changes everything, and how a melody speaks on an instrument is really what determines the effect it will have on a listener. There is not a single note I play that's not laboured over until I am in total control of the sound. The phrasing, the articulation, the dynamics and everything else are carefully thought out and performed a million times in my head and on my gutar. All of this was a tremendous challenge at first but once I got better the tough stuff started to become easy. To me, this is one of the beautiful aspects about evolving as a musician: You get to go deeper and deeper and deeper. |
 Partho is more of a "feel musician". He loves the guitar and it almost becomes an extension of his soul and emotions. He loves playing acoustic guitars, plays mainly rhythm on the electric with The Works but is also a mean lead guitarist in his own right. |
Partho...in his own words... I started playing the guitar when I was 16. Back then when I learned a few chord progressions and pentatonic scales and thought I knew everyting but obviously that was just the start. However, after beginning my real discovery of the music world, I realized that in order to make a mark, I needed to be different, I needed to have a style of my own. I have been working since then and I hope that I have developed somthing that I can call my own. The work continues but its a lot of fun learning something new everyday! My influences are Eric Johnson, Greg Howe,al di meola, Andy Mckee, Eric Clapton and Paul Gilbert. One of the things I picked up was the fingerpicking style ofguitar playing. After working on the fingerpicking style for a whole, I played and won a few solo guitaring competitions which was most encouraging. I personally feel that no other guitar can give the soothing and melodious feel like an acoustic guitar. Its been a few months now that The Works have been together and I must say that it's a great pleasure to play besides talented musicians who I have grown really close to. This is a band that I know I can grow in and be myself. Its been awesome so far and I can't wait for the months and years to come. |
 Hansel feels that he was meant to play the drums. He is happiest when he's on his kit and his awesome rhythms and incredible energy ensures that the band and the crowds keep rocking and rolling all the way! |
Hansel...in his own words... Well, I started off learning the piano…but ended up being a drummer. J I took up the drums because I could grasp beats and rhythms very quickly. Each time I played the drums I felt good so I decided to get better at them. I play the drums by ear I've not really had any professional training. I have however learnt a lot from drummers like Ian Intheado,Cassy, Joshua Vaz and Roy I started drumming at the age of 7. I've played with many guys but never had a proper band as such until now. I love listening to gospel music and enjoy playing it too. Indian drummers that have influenced me apart from Joshua, Ian and Roy are Gino Banks, Lindsay D'Mello, Ranjit Barot. My experience with The Works so far has been amazing. I really feel that all the other guys are really good and it's a thrill working with them. Mihir, Shannon and Partho have been amazing to be with. This is really special for me. All the bassists who've played with us have also been really good. Its great to be a part of The Works! |
 Michael was the last addition to the band. He has been playing the bass professionally for many years now...and apart from being an excellent bassist he is also a fabulous backing vocalist. He has played with many bands in the past but now is playing full time with The Works! |
Thats a bit about The Works. See you at their next gig! |
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