SURYA SAMARTH J
Rock Band
Bridging Stars
It all started at the college Canteen. "We should start a band" I exclaimed. Five boys sat at the table sipping hot tea and that's how the band was born.
Originally formed as Third Eye, later rebranded as Bridging Stars and now known as Sunny Side Up. Under my lead (Bridging Stars), we were an Indian rock band blending elements of Rock, Hindustani, and Indie music. We transcended language barriers, merging diverse musical styles to forge innovative sounds that resonated deeply with us and our audience. For a band chasing professors for attendance and for mainstage slots at fests, we never imagined performing at Hard Rock Cafe one day. Through struggles, fights, and solidarity, our love for each other and our music always persevered.
HardRock Cafe - Bangalore, India
Set Duration : 3 Hours.
Marking a milestone in our journey, Bridging Stars sold out the show at Hard Rock Cafe, Bangalore, on April 16, 2021. Our three-hour set featured classics such as 'Dream On' by Aerosmith, 'Last Resort' by Papa Roach, 'The Trooper' by Iron Maiden, 'Comfortably numb' by Pink Floyd, 'Crazy Train' by Ozzy Osbourne and music from the Indian band The Local Train, weaving together a unique musical tapestry that resonated with fans old and new.
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I personally directed and edited an advertisement that was aired on social media platforms to advertise our band.
The concert was ticketed and available for purchase through companies such as PayTm Insider and BookMyShow.
Some snippets of our electrifying performance
Phoenix Market City - Bangalore, India
Set Duration : 3 Hours.
Reflecting on a remarkable evening at Phoenix Market City's main stage, we brought a three-hour set to life under the open skies of Bangalore. Our musical journey that night spanned the energetic beats of Bon Jovi, the soul-stirring rhythms of The Local Train, and the heartfelt melodies of Bollywood. The open-air venue resonated with every chord and lyric, creating an intimate bond between us and the audience, making it a night to remember.
Beer Adda - Bangalore, India
Set Duration : 3 Hours.
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Bangalore, our night at Beer Adda was nothing short of magical. As the bar buzzed with the energy of live music, we delivered a heartfelt three-hour set of Bollywood music that truly connected with the local crowd. Each song was performed with raw, live instrumentals, enhancing the authentic vibe of the venue. It was an evening where melodies flowed as freely as the drinks, creating memorable moments of joy and camaraderie.
NH7 REFUEL - Bangalore, India
Set Duration : 2 Hours.
Tucked away on the outskirts of Bangalore, NH7 Refuel was the perfect backdrop for our regular weekend gigs. Over two hours, we serenaded the audience with a captivating blend of Bollywood mashups and Western tunes, creating memorable evenings where melodies echoed the unity and excitement of our diverse audience.
Phoenix Market City - Bangalore, India
Set Duration : 3 Hours.
In our early days, before we had a dedicated practice space, we seized every opportunity to perform live, including a memorable three-hour mashup set at the food court of Phoenix Market City, Bangalore. Those were the days of navigating complaints from neighbors about our sound, but each performance, no matter how small the venue, was a stepping stone towards our dream.
Waves, Bits Pilani - Goa, India
Set Duration : 30 minutes.
During my undergraduate years, our band made a significant mark by being the first to represent Presidency University at the prestigious Waves event at BITS Pilani, Goa. Recognized nationwide, we competed against some of the top university bands in India. This 30-minute set not only showcased our musical prowess but also cemented our place in the university’s history as trailblazers in the music scene.
Silent Shores - Mysore, India
Set Duration : 3 hours.
Invited to perform at the luxurious Silent Shores Resort in Mysore, we delivered a lively three-hour set that captivated an exclusive audience. This all-expenses-paid engagement not only allowed us to showcase our music away from our home base in Bangalore but also to enjoy the resort’s amenities, making it a truly memorable experience both on and off stage.
Winter Carnival - Presidency University, Bangalore, India
Set Duration : 3 hours.
At the Winter Carnival, our band, born and bred at Presidency University, delivered a show-stopping 30-minute set at the personal request of the university chairman. Performing on our home turf during Christmas, we not only captured hearts but also set the stage ablaze with songs handpicked by the chairman himself. The crowd's electric response reaffirmed our status as the university's top band, skyrocketing our campus fame and proving that we were the main act, not just another university band warming up the crowd.
Meraki University Fest - Bangalore, India
Set Duration : 45 minutes.
At Meraki University Fest, our band stole the show as the climactic final act, delivering a rock-infused performance that electrified the crowd. Despite initial resistance from the cultural coordinator, our rebel spirit couldn't be quenched—thanks to the overwhelming student support and a nod from the university president, who's a staunch fan of our work. That night, not only did we play music, we made a statement, asserting our dominance as the university's premier band. It was a performance that will be etched in the annals of the university's history, a testament to our unwavering spirit and undeniable talent.
MSRIT Fest - Bangalore, India
Set Duration : 15 minutes.
At the MSRIT Fest, our first ever foray into an intercollegiate battle of the bands, we were truly amateurs—failed on stage for being uncoordinated and unsure, but brimming with passion. This performance, far from perfect, was the catalyst we needed. On that stage, amidst seasoned bands, our eyes were opened to the vast potential ahead of us. It marked the humble beginning of our journey from amateurs not knowing how to do crowd work, dress as a rock band and many more such instances to the anchor rock band of our college, driven by a promise to ourselves to transform our raw energy into electrifying performances.