Susmit Sen, guitarist and founder member of Indian Ocean has decided it is time to let go of the reins of what has been a phenomenal journey with a band he had once started with Asheem Chakravarty. In an official statement, Sen, says, "Right now, I am at my creative best. Indian Ocean is a sound and style we created. After more than 27 years of playing I feel that I am brimming with more compositions, more music – but in a grammar and style that is different from Indian Ocean.” He adds that moving on shall be beneficial to both him and the band.

Budding guitarist, Nikhil Rao, brother of the band’s manager shall step into his shoes, a replacement Sen is very optimistic about. ”He will be able to give a lot of impetus to Indian Ocean as he will not only add value to concerts but will also be able to create new music with the band in their signature style.”

Drummer Amit Kilam adds, “We have many productive years ahead of us, and Indian Ocean is keenly looking forward to our new phase. We have always wanted to make music that does not adhere to any set formula. This new change will ensure that the band will again break the formula that it had created for itself over the years! “

When asked about the people he is collaborating with and his second album under his solo project, The Susmit Sen Chronicles, Sen said, “I cannot run away from myself now, can I?  But, with everyone collaborating, the album should sound very different from what has been out there.” The Chronicles had released their first album, Depths Of The Ocean, in 2012.

Susmit Sen will be performing with Indian Ocean for the promotion of a coffee-table book on the band, in what will be his last and farewell tour with the Indian Ocean lineup. Sen commented, “It is going to be very special for me. If all works out, we hope to DO something special as well.”

Photograph by Kuntal Mukherjee