Making a significant moment in the independent music scene of Manipur, popular indie post punk band, ‘The Dirty Strikes’, released the much awaited music video of their latest english single ‘The British Monarchy’ after a long hiatus.
In a small gathering of fans and music enthusiasts, the post punk band released their video at A-Z restaurant in Kwakeithel, Imphal on Friday.
The Dirty Strikes received appreciation and garnered fans in Manipur through their self titled debut EP ‘The Dirty Strikes’ in 2011.
The EP consisted of five songs all of which received huge appraisal from fans and music enthusiasts. After that, the band followed suit and released three more singles before completely disappearing from the music scene following the death of a fellow bandmate.
The band is specially known for their outspoken lyrics and straightforward authentic sound.
‘The British Monarchy’ is the band’s first music in nearly 10 years and this time, the band is back to reclaim its position as one of the most popular rock bands.
Interacting with media on the sidelines of the release event, vocalist of The Dirty Strikes Kenedy Heigrujam stated that the lyrics for their latest single was written around three years ago but could not compose it as the band members were pursuing personal businesses then.
“Although the song is in english; the feelings and music is authentically presented from our personal experiences of growing up in Manipur,” he said.
He pointed out that the song mainly focused on presenting the post-colonial experience from a contemporary indigenous perspective.
“When the British left Manipur, they left residues of their goodness and wickedness. But the remnants of wickedness which they sowed still lingers on and has distorted our perception of values, ideal principles and historical traditions in society,” he said.
He also highlighted that the band regained their confidence after a very long time and were slowly striving to tap back into their old groove with two new band members.
“We are preparing for our full-length debut album which we are planning to release next month,” he added. The album will consist of eight tracks including ‘The British Monarchy’.
He noted that making music was an intricate and tedious process and hoped that their fans would embrace their music and also soak in the diverse layers of their music.
On the conflict, he wished that people and groups would realise the struggles of music artists in Manipur and aid in revamping the scene.
“No force can oppress the voice of art. More artists and artistes will come out as such a suitable chord needs to be played to address their sufferings and grievances,” he said.
