Once upon a time, the creative musings of a burgeoning neo hip-hop band from Bengaluru began to coalesce into what would become a staple in their live sets—a captivating track titled ‘Yuh’. The six-piece ensemble known as Till Apes has woven this number into the fabric of their identity over an extensive period of five years. Today, their perseverance and tinkering have culminated in the song’s highly anticipated release.
Saxophonist Gautam David from Till Apes reveals that ‘Yuh’ has transformed into something of a tradition for the band. The time they have spent mastering the track in live performances has allowed them to imbue it with intricate rhythmic changes, enhancing the overall experience. “Playing this song for so long actually allowed us to make several small changes when we finally recorded it, making the most of the pocket that was created with rhythmic quips and alterations here and there,” explains David.
When ‘Yuh’ commences with its pendulous synth/piano introduction, crafted by Philip John, it entices listeners into a musical escapade. The slick guitars of Amrith Raghunathan pave the way for the rhythmically charged verses delivered by Hanumankind. Soon enough, David’s saxophone emerges, allowing the melody to take flight. The foundational rhythm section, consisting of bassist Soorya Praveen and drummer Sange Wangchuk, not only supports but leads the charge into elaborately dexterous sequences that maximize the song’s brief yet impactful two-and-a-half-minute duration.
This fresh release is reminiscent of the band’s earlier work such as ‘World Domination’ and ‘Scissor Salad’. It has become a linchpin in their live shows, never waning in its ability to electrify the crowd with its tightly coiled intensity and the explosive energy of Hanumankind’s verses. “It’s short and crisp, plus the intro always has us tensing up right until the big release where Hanumankind comes in with his lyrical flow,” says David, underscoring the track’s vital role in their repertoire.
The extended interval leading up to ‘Yuh’s unveiling had little to do with procrastination and more with strategic planning. With ample material ready for follow-up, Till Apes wanted to ensure a steady stream of releases in 2024. David adds, “We wanted to make sure we’re steadily releasing songs in 2024, hence the long wait,” revealing a glimpse into the collective’s artistic vision and foresight.
Till Apes treated fans to ‘Yuh’ live earlier in March at the Jameson Connects event held at Lalit Ashok, sharing the stage with the talents of singer-songwriter Frizzell D’Souza and the “organic electronic” sound of Belgium’s Stavroz. As part of the event, the band brought fresh instrumental creations to the fore and a setlist featuring tracks that hadn’t seen the limelight in quite some time.
Given the diverse personal projects of each member, live performances in Bengaluru are likely the most feasible option for the band at present with no tours on the horizon. Instead, the focus is aimed squarely at orchestrating new releases. Recounting the journey to this point, David recalls the surreal experience of playing at venues across the country and gracing festivals like Lollapalooza India in Mumbai in 2023. With a plethora of new content under their belt, Till Apes spent most of 2023 perfecting their material, with an eye toward a new chapter in their musical evolution. “There’s a lot of new material that we’ve been writing and we want to make sure it’s produced to the best of our abilities,” David shares enthusiastically.
As Till Apes’ soundscape continues to evolve, there are more releases on the horizon—singles, EPs, and perhaps albums that showcase the result of a year’s worth of fine-tuning their myriad ideas. According to David, 2024 will be about sharing their creativity with the world—a journey that they hope listeners will join in. “Maybe the odd show here and there, but 2024 is all about getting our new material out because Till Apes’ soundscape is evolving and we want to have you along for the ride,” David concludes with anticipation for what lies ahead.
