Dabba Beat, a 13-member band hailing from Thrissur, Kerala, has captured the hearts of many with their distinctive approach to creating music. With the tagline "Recycled Rhythm," the band consists of Adithyan, Ullas, Adhikrishna, Sri Hari, Niranjan, Bagvath Krishnan, Bhanav Krishnan, Prithyush, Adharsh Babu, Athish, Niranjan Krishna, and Ashik.
“What makes Dabba Beats stand out is their use of unconventional instruments—recycled items like metal tins, water drums, and discarded household items—turning them into percussion instruments that produce an incredibly unique sound”, tell their manager and mentor, Indrajith. Their music, deeply inspired by traditional rhythms and cultural heritage, is a blend of innovation and tradition, giving new life to old objects.
The group’s journey began humbly as a band of neighborhood kids. Passionate about music but lacking access to conventional instruments, they got creative and began fashioning their own out of materials readily available around them. Metal tins and water drums became their drums, and in this process of recycling, they found both their instruments and their identity. Their breakthrough moment came when they played the song Arabic Kuthu, from the hit movie Beast, composed by Anirudh Ravichander. This marked a significant turning point in their career, as it introduced them to a broader audience and earned them widespread recognition.
One of their most noteworthy achievements is their contribution to the award-winning film Pallooty 90s Kids. For this film, Dabba Beats provided the percussion for the song Naatu Pappadam, showcasing their distinctive sound and demonstrating the power of recycled rhythm. Their ability to create music from discarded materials adds a raw, earthy quality to their performances, and this has captivated listeners across regions. While they are rooted in Thrissur, their fanbase extends far beyond Kerala, with a substantial following in Tamil Nadu. This speaks to the universal appeal of their music, which draws heavily from the traditional sounds of their homeland.
Thrissur, the cultural capital of Kerala, is known for its rich tradition of music, particularly the chenda and melam—forms of percussion integral to festivals and temple rituals. Dabba Beats draws much of their inspiration from these traditional rhythms, which have been passed down through generations. Many members of the band come from artistic families, and the sounds of chenda and melam were ingrained in them from an early age. Their music, while innovative and modern in its execution, is a homage to these ancestral sounds. It is a reflection of their cultural heritage, adapted to contemporary times through their use of recycled materials.
However, Dabba Beats’ journey to success has not been without its challenges. In their early days, they faced a lack of support from both their families and their local community. Many people around them dismissed their efforts to create music with recycled items, failing to see the potential in their unique approach. Even when they participated in the audition of India’s Got Talent, the band experienced a major setback when one of their homemade instruments broke down, causing chaos and leaving them unable to perform properly. This moment of failure was disheartening, but it did not deter them from pursuing their passion.
Despite the initial lack of recognition and the technical difficulties they encountered, Dabba Beats persevered. Their persistence and determination eventually paid off. With the success of their first breakthrough performance and their subsequent work on Pallooty 90s Kids, the band started receiving praise from renowned musical figures in the Indian music industry. Esteemed artists such as A. R. Rahman, Sushin Shyam, Manikandan Ayappa, and Anirudh Ravichander have all expressed admiration for Dabba Beats, recognizing their creativity and the unique contribution they bring to the world of music.
Looking forward, Dabba Beats has big dreams. They hope to one day compose music for a feature film using their recycled instruments. Their ambition is to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible with their handmade instruments, proving that music can be created from anything if you have the passion and vision. As they continue their journey, Dabba Beats serves as an inspiration to other young musicians, showing that creativity and perseverance can turn even the most unconventional of dreams into reality. Through their recycled rhythm, they are not only creating music but also reshaping the narrative of what music can be.
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