Red Baraat

Overview

Formed in 2008, RED BARAAT is a pioneering eight-piece band from Brooklyn, New York. Conceived by Sunny Jain, the group has drawn worldwide praise for its singular sound -- a merging of hard driving North Indian bhangra rhythms with elements of jazz, go-go, brass funk, and hip-hop. Created with no less a purposeful agenda than manifesting joy and unity in all people, Red Baraat’s spirit is worn brightly on its sweaty and hard-worked sleeve. And is being returned to them in cities all over the world, as word spreads of the band’s incredibly powerful live performances.  In 2013 Red Baraat released Shruggy Ji, their second full length and first properly distributed record. It debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music Charts. An even more estimable feat, considering the band chose to self-release the record on their own Sinj Records imprint. At the same time, Red Baraat occupied three of the top ten selling records on ITunes North American world music sales charts. In June, Red Baraat issued Big Talk, a platter of songs recorded during the Shruggy Ji sessions, which also includes remixes by friends and bandmates in TV on the Radio and Antibalas.  With their records receiving feature attention and critical praise in major outlets including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, Weekend Edition, and the BBC, the group’s frantic touring schedule continues without rest- touring nearly 200 dates a year, with major festivals like Bonnaroo, Central Park Summerstage, and Hardly Strictly Bluegrass behind them, and Austin City Limits, and Bumbershoot ahead. The group will also undertake tours of both India and Pakistan before the close of 2013.