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Agnee, the iconic band that has become synonymous with the independent music scene in India, is turning 18th. Debuted in 2007, the band comprising vocalist Mohan Kannan, guitarist Kaustubh Dhavale or Koco, bassist Chirayu Vedekar, and drummer Hrishikesh Datar, has released over 50 songs, carving a distinct space for itself in the world of rock and independent music. During their trip to Lucknow to perform at the Repertwahr Festival, we sat down with Mohan and Kannan and spoke about music and more music.
Koco added, “From the start, our focus has always been on creating music that feels meaningful. We’ve never been one to chase trends or make songs based on what’s popular. Instead, we focus on creating songs that we’ll be proud of even a decade later. For us, the challenge has always been to keep our music relevant without losing our identity, and I think we’ve managed to strike that balance pretty well over the years.”
Live shows have become more than just performances; they’re now complete experiences
The band reflected on the resurgence of live shows following the pandemic. “The pandemic made people realize how much they missed live music,” said Mohan. “There’s something magical about experiencing music with a crowd, and that’s why live shows have made such a strong comeback. People want to feel that connection again. Another thing I’ve noticed is that the production quality of live shows has improved a lot. Artists are putting in more effort to create immersive experiences. For example, someone like Diljit Dosanjh is setting international standards with his shows, and that’s raising the bar for everyone.”
(L-R) Ninad, Mohan Kannan, Kaustubh Dave Koco, Chirayu Vedekar, Kevin Pillai, Hrishikesh Datar
Koco added, “Live shows have become more than just performances; they’re now complete experiences. It’s not just about the music anymore it’s about storytelling, visuals, and creating a vibe that stays with the audience long after the show is over. We’re also working on reimagining our live shows to match this trend. It’s an exciting time for live music, and I think we’ll see even more innovation in this space in the coming years.”
Bollywood is now incorporating diverse sounds leading to rise of independent artists
When asked about the positive changes they’ve seen in the music industry over the years, Mohan replied, “In Bollywood, things have really evolved. Earlier, Bollywood music had a specific sound. Now, with composers like Amit Trivedi, Pritam, and Badshah, there’s a mix of all kinds of genres. One great result of this is the rise of independent artists. People who never listened to independent music are starting to recognize and appreciate it because Bollywood incorporates such diverse sounds. But one thing I miss is the old-school way of making music for films—when the music director, lyricist, scriptwriter, and director all worked together to tell one cohesive story. That synergy made the songs and the films connect so well. Now, it feels like there’s a patchwork approach, one song from here, another from there.”
Koko concluded, “This is an exciting time for music. In the last 20-25 years, I haven’t seen a better period for live music, recorded music, and even the industry itself. People are willing to appreciate and spend on music. It’s flourishing, and I feel lucky to be part of it at this moment. The kind of musicians entering Bollywood has also changed.” He further added, “Earlier, voices like Kishore Kumar or Kumar Sanu were instantly recognizable. Now, musicians come from diverse backgrounds, blurring the lines between Bollywood and independent music. For instance, AR Rahman started in a band called Nemesis Avenue, and Vishal Dadlani came from Pentagram. This diversity makes today’s music rich and dynamic. It’s truly a great time for music.”
Koco performing at the festival in Lucknow
There’s a warmth here that makes you feel like you belong
Speaking of Lucknow, the duo shared their affection for the city’s hospitality, food and the weather, which makes it all the more endearing. “Lucknow is great for me because I have a lot of friends here, and I’ve spent a lot of time in this city. Every time I come here, I feel very welcome. Whether it’s the food, the hospitality, or how people treat their guests, they’re fantastic,” shared Mohan Kannan, the lead singer of Agnee. Koco echoed similar sentiments, adding, “For me, it’s two things: the weather and the food. My favorites are the biryani and kebabs here. My mother-in-law is from Lucknow, so she’s always giving me lists of places to explore in Lucknow. This city has an old-world charm that I find endearing.”
We haven’t strayed too much from our roots
When reflecting on how their music has evolved, Mohan commented, “Our music has evolved a lot since we started, but we’ve never strayed too far from our roots. Initially, our compositions were mostly guitar-driven, with drums and bass being the primary elements. Over time, Koco has introduced more layers into our music adding strings, orchestration, and other elements that make it sound fuller and more contemporary.”
Vocalist Mohan Kannan performing on Lucknow
We serve the song rather than showcasing our individual talents
Reflecting on their journey as a band Mohan and Koco shared their thoughts on some of their most special tracks. “Kaise Ho Tum is special,” said Mohan. “It was the first time we worked with Shilpa Rao, a close friend. She sang the female version, I did the male, and we were super excited in the studio. But after listening to it for a few days, I realized the words had lost their meaning amidst all the vocal acrobatics. So, we’re-dubbed it to keep it simple, and it turned out beautifully. That experience taught us an important lesson: when you’re recording a song, it’s about communicating honestly. It’s not about showing off.”
Koco commenting on the same added, “Yeah, I think we all share a certain humility as musicians toward the song. We serve the song rather than showcasing our individual talents. The song is king—not Mohan’s great voice or Rishi’s drumming. We only add what’s needed to make the song better, nothing more. It’s never about showing off.” Reflecting on his favorite songs, Koco mentioned, “Aahatein really got us recognition. We didn’t expect it to blow up the way it did. We’ve done other songs like, Hello Andhero that we thought would go further, but there’s no formula to predict which song will become big. That said, we give every song 100%, whether recording or performing. All our songs are like our children. You can’t choose one over the other.”
-Amina Ashraf
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