Urja Fusion Band: Live Sitar & Modern Ensemble
My band, Urja, blends the soulful sound of the sitar with drums, keyboards, and bass for a high-energy performance. Whether you are hosting a festival, a corporate function, or a lively celebration, we bring a modern fusion twist to the stage.
This is my fusion band 'Urja' performing at the Total Environment Music Foundation. The setup includes sitar, keyboards, tabla, and drums, creating a rich, multi-layered sound.
A black and white shot from our band performance, capturing a moment of intense focus. Playing with a full band requires a different kind of energy and synergy.
A clip of 'Urja' performing a fusion piece that merges the traditional chant 'Aigiri Nandini' with one of my original compositions. This shows our approach to blending different musical worlds.
Behind the scenes at a rehearsal with my band 'Urja'. This is where we experiment with arrangements and lock in our grooves before a big concert.
A post-show picture with my bandmates. The camaraderie and friendship we share off-stage is a huge part of our chemistry on-stage.
Performing my original composition "Crazy 7" with the band at a private event in Mumbai. This clip shows how we can bring our full band energy to corporate or private functions.
Gearing up for a show in Mumbai. This rehearsal clip shows the interplay between the sitar and the keyboard, a key element of our fusion sound.
About this collection
Booking a 6-piece ensemble like Urja is a significant production choice, so it is vital to ensure your venue can accommodate our full sound requirements. We travel with instruments including a complete drum kit, bass amp, and keyboard rig, which means your venue needs a 16-channel digital mixer and adequate stage monitoring to deliver the sound quality we pride ourselves on.
When I started Urja, the goal was to take the sitar out of its traditional setting and place it firmly within a modern soundscape. By combining the sitar with drums, keyboards, and bass, we create a sonic texture that bridges world music with contemporary fusion. This setup is designed for large-scale events where the music needs to cut through the room and set an energetic tone, rather than just provide background ambience.
We typically perform for 90 to 120 minutes. Because this is an electric-acoustic hybrid ensemble, the technical setup is non-negotiable for a good show. We need a professional sound system with subwoofers and tops that match your venue size, along with a dedicated sound engineer. We always mandate a 60-minute soundcheck two hours before the event to ensure every instrument, especially the electric sitar, balances perfectly with the drum kit and bass. Whether it is a corporate opening or a cultural festival, we bring our own band members to ensure the chemistry is tight and the energy remains high throughout the set.
Chintan Katti
I am Chintan, and with my band Urja, I love pushing the sitar into new territory. Music is about connection, and playing with my bandmates—who have become like family—is the best way I know to share that energy with a crowd.
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