Retrograde
SAI SANJIT SRIDHAR
Producer | Composer | Lyricist | Instrumentalist
The realisation of this album has been a true pursuit of his musical dreams. The journey of a scrawny little boy horsing around with his guitar, imagining grand scenarios while acting them out in his room - to getting some of the eminent names in the industry on board, has been incredibly exhilarating.
What if the only way forward is backward?
This album was conceptualised as a reflection of society,
of life, of you, of me, and of us before us.
THE TEAM
Sujith V V
PRODUCER | SOUND ENGINEER
ACOUSTIC GUITARS
Suji brought in a mammoth contribution to the final sound and vision of this project. Overall, his technical and creative input were not only a gold mine during the individual recording sessions but the overall sound of the album. Adding acoustic/electric guitars, synths and even a soul stirring solo to the mix, removing parts that were not quite required as well. He really dug deep to make Retrograde sound like it does today. From day 1 we were all aligned with what the concept was and he stitched it together and brought it to life rather seamlessly.
Suyash Gabriel
DRUMS
Suyash, an unparalleled force on the drums, stands as one of the nation's premier percussion virtuosos, earning acclaim for his exceptional talent and distinctive style. Renowned for his explosive fills and meticulous attention to detail, he has etched a signature sound that elevates any musical composition. Suyash seized the album and propelled it into an entirely new dimension. His unparalleled contribution has left an indelible mark, establishing him as one of the driving forces behind the project's evolution.
Tim Palmer
MIX ENGINEER
Tim Palmer has produced and mixed for iconic artists across classic and alternative genres, including Robert Plant, David Bowie, Tears For Fears, Porcupine Tree and U2 to name a few.
Tim's mixing prowess shines through his contribution to Pearl Jam's "Ten," now among the top 50 best-selling albums, inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2021. His 2001 Grammy-winning work on U2's "All That You Can't Leave Behind" includes hits like "Stuck in a Moment" and "Elevation." His magic touch is exemplified by him setting the tone for the entire album with the single "Qualms of the Sheep." Tim Palmer is a living legend in the music industry.
Riju Andrews Jacob
VOCALS
An absolute powerhouse of a vocalist with roots stemmed deep in western classical music, Riju (Mr.Andrewz) took the vocal arrangements by the scruff of the neck and slammed it out of the park. Intricately arranged harmonies, intelligent melodies and a plethora of sounds and parts have made the vocals on the album hit you like a wall of sound. Apart from just the vocal arrangements, Riju and his partner Gowri Rekha composed and wrote the vocal lines of the track “From Under”.
Rex Vijayan
MIX ENGINEER
Avial has been a profound influence on me since my teenage years. Rex possesses a musicality and attention to detail that are truly unparalleled. His contributions to both Avial and the Malayalam film industry have left an indelible mark.
Every listen to any of his works unveils numerous layers, showcasing a depth that continues to resonate with me. Rex Vijayan stands as a true pioneer of the alternative rock scene in the country, shaping its landscape with his unique vision. His meticulous attention to detail has made this album sound absolutely mammoth.
Venkatram Viswanathan
ART DIRECTOR
Originally from Chennai and now based in France, Venky is a highly skilled animator known for his work with Steven Wilson and Metallica. He played a pivotal role in creating the visuals for Retrograde, contributing to concepts, song artwork, and the main album art. Beyond his design expertise, Venky, as both a passionate music lover and proficient musician, provided continuous feedback and dedicated listening throughout the project.