Rock ‘n' rolling from Sikkim to the US: ‘You gotta be crazy about your art', says GATC

Time of India

11-06-2025

Blazing out of Sikkim and now based in Bengaluru, Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) are proving themselves to be one of India's fastest growing hard rock bands. Formed in 2009, GATC comprises Girish Pradhan (vocals), Suraz Sun (guitars), Yogesh Pradhan (bass/keys), and Nagen Mongrati (drums).
The band channels the spirit of '80s rock; with albums like
Rock the Highway
and
Hail to the Heroes
, they've built a cult following and shared stages with Hoobastank, Poets of the Fall, and most recently, opened for Guns N' Roses in Mumbai.
In June, GATC made history as the first Indian rock band to appear on America's Got Talent (AGT), with their viral cover of Adele's
Set Fire to the Rain
. In an exclusive interview with us, GATC got candid about staying defiantly rock'n'roll in a pop-dominated world. The band said, "Giving
Set Fire to the Rain
a raw, gritty, rock spin was our way of honouring Adele while making it our own.
We wanted to stay true to who we are as a band – helping us connect with a new audience."
On performing at AGT
GATC said that they have been fortunate enough to play amazing festivals, release albums internationally, and build a loyal listener base across Europe and Asia. The opportunity to be on AGT felt like the right leap for them. Speaking about performing for judges like Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, the band said: 'It felt surreal.
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Stepping onto that stage and hearing the audience roar, halfway across the world, was electrifying.
It was a culmination of years of hustle, heart, and staying true to our sound. We're grateful to have had this chance to bring our music to USA.'
Another rocking night with GNR
The band said that they've been fortunate enough to open for Guns N' Roses not just once, but twice. 'First in Abu Dhabi, and then on our home turf in Mumbai.
GN'R shaped our early years and influenced our sound so deeply, it was an absolute honour. Their music was part of our journey from the start. We learned their songs, played them at many gigs, and even posted covers online,' said the band members. 'Getting to share a stage with them felt like a full-circle moment.
Both shows, especially Mumbai, were unforgettable in every sense.'
On India's rock & metal scene
GATC believes that India's rock and metal scene has come a long way, especially when it comes to original music and live performances.
'More bands are writing and releasing their own material. That's a huge step forward. Songwriting is getting sharper, production quality is up there, and the live energy has always been strong. But, more events & venues should open up to original music,' shared the band.
Plans for 2025:
Sharing what the band plans for this year, they said, "This year is about taking our music to more cities, connecting with our fans, and keeping the energy alive on stage.
We'll be continuing to tour through the rest of 2025, with shows lined up across Asia and Europe."
From serene Sikkim to bustling Bengaluru
Looking back at their journey, GATC said, 'It has been a crazy ride. But the power of sticking together as a team is what has truly brought us to this point. It is as if nothing out there feels impossible or big, anymore. We've stayed true to ourselves and believed deeply in our music, which has opened doors across the globe.'
They further added, "We've learned that we have to be crazy about our art and just keep at it, with a lot of patience. At heart, we're still the same simple folks from the hills we were 19 years ago."
Girish's top four
Aviroop Basu from Fire in The Rodeo (Kolkata)
Nitesh Rolla from Roll Heads (Gangtok, Sikkim)
Sandeep Yogi from Guns from Country Side (Soreng, Sikkim)
Megan Rakesh from Meg and The Miracles — a 13-year-old rock'n'roll prodigy from Bangalore who's already making waves