MUMBAI: To build a platform for independent music in India, Sennheiser the 70-year-old German audio brand, announced Knight Shades as the winner from the North Zone on the basis of on-ground finale held at Hard Rock Café on 24 August. Sennheiser raised the stakes this season with the first ever and much awaited Zonal finales. The face off was graced and judged by none other than the talented jury – Surojit Dev-Founding member and Leading Drummer of ThemClones and Subir Malik- Keyboard player, renowned manager of noted singers and driving force behind Parikrama- One of India’s oldest rock bands.

Out of the compelling 121 entries from the North, the bands that were crowned the top three bands were- Knight Shades (winner), Warwan (Rank 2) and Naalayak (Rank 3). The grand finale evening saw Knight Shades, Warwan and Naalayak (top 3 finalists) battling it in the presence of a cheering crowd and music maestros of the north. Apart from the performance by the top three bands, Delhi also witnessed a soulful headliner act by none other than Faridkot. Knight Shades turned out to be the crowd favourite and the judge’s choice to grab the No. 1 spot. Knight Shades will now further battle it out in Mumbai for the grand finale on 21September to win the trophy of the most coveted band in India, prizes worth 20 lakhs and two year endorsement by Sennheiser which will give them access to Sennheiser gear by being the face of Sennheiser for the next year.

Speaking about the success of North Zonal finale, Sennheiser India director professional segment Vipin Pungalia said, “I am extremely excited and ecstatic in looking at what we have been able to achieve with this event. We wanted to go a notch higher with Season three and deliver our promise of bringing future of audio to music lovers by giving talented artists a platform to prove their mettle, and today I believe we have achieved that. The immense talent that we have witnessed in this journey is a testimony to the fact that India has a plethora of talent across the country waiting for the right platform and opportunity to prove them.”

Commenting on the finale Subir Malik said, “This was my first time being associated with Sennheiser for such an event and I could not be more thrilled. The talent we witnessed here was mind blowing. It feels great to know that there are companies like Sennheiser who are providing for such a platform for young artists.”

Delhi – based alternative rock band drummer Surojit Dev commented on Sennheiser Top 50 saying, “Being a part of a band I understand the level of stress and anxiety artists go through while performing, however, our top three finalists did a brilliant job and we couldn’t be more proud. I can’t wait for what Sennheiser has for its coming season and hope to be a part of the Sennheiser family in the events to come as well.”

The zonal finalists and runner up will get a chance to bag E 935 Wired and HD 200, and E 835 and HD 215 respectively.

Commenting on their win, Knight Shades band said, “This is dream come true for us. From the very beginning, the experience has been nothing less than amazing. Sennheiser has done a great initiative by encouraging budding musician like ourselves and helping us provide with a platform to showcase our work in front of a cheerful crowd. They have helped us provide with an experience of a lifetime. We look forward to winning hearts in the grand finale at Mumbai as well.”