April 10, 2024, India: Converse India reveals “Connect with the Unexpected” – a vibrant journey that ignites the creative spirit across India, aiming to weave a grassroots network of emerging creatives. This campaign is a tribute to the rich tapestry of Indian music, celebrating culture and self-expression. At the core of this special project is an amalgamation of diverse music genres: Hindustani Classical, Multilingual Rap, Funk, R&B, Jazz, Blues, with dashes of Pop, Beatboxing, Desi Hip Hop, and Indie. This melting pot of sounds creates an alchemy of styles, giving birth to music that’s unexpected and entirely unique.
Delving deep into India’s underbelly of music, the campaign invites creators who embody raw, unfiltered artistry. These emerging artists, brimming with talent, join hands to create 4 original tracks that carry personal narratives of special journeys filled with strife and fearlessness. The compositions are a testament to the power of collaboration, where unexpected connections foster innovation and originality.
The campaign’s message is clear: there are no boundaries in creativity. Inviting artists from all walks of life who are reflective of Converse’s ideology of free-spirited expression and uninhibited ambition, we’re putting emerging talent on the map, introducing their music to a wealth of listeners the world over. The campaign alludes to the brand’s eye for untapped potential with a pulse on cultural currency and a proclivity to always speak to the zeitgeist.
Collaboration
Under the banner of Converse India’s ‘Connect with the Unexpected’, these collaborations highlight the diverse and dynamic nature of India’s contemporary music scene, bringing together artists of varied backgrounds and styles in a celebration of creativity.
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Nanku x Karun
Nanku, a 24-year-old music maven from New Delhi, infuses his unique brand of music with his experiences in remixing and songwriting about self-realization. His album “Nanku Sharma” remains a favorite, with hits like ‘Kaafizyada’ and ‘5 min’ demonstrating his innovative take on Indian Pop Music. Collaborating with Karun, a Delhi-born poet and songwriter, whose journey began with notebook scribbles and evolved into emotion-charged songs, this duo represents a creative force.Karun’s albums ‘Granth’ and ‘Qabool Hai’ showcase his versatility and vulnerability, making this partnership a blend of lyrical depth and inventive sounds. The track to be revealed on social media on 19th April, 2024 Here’s the link to the campaign film: https://youtu.be/VVg_JxdiVOY?feature=shared
Krameri x Dhanji
Krameri, a student of A R Rahman, brings a fresh perspective to music creation. With 10 singles, 2 albums, and 4 EPs since her 2019 debut, her sound is constantly evolving. Dhanji, an Ahmedabad city native, is known for his vivid, narrative-rich rap verses. His prolific output includes 7 mixtapes in 3 years and the upcoming album ‘Ruab’. This collaboration between Krameri’s innovative soundscapes and Dhanji’s rap artistry promises to be a unique musical experience. The track to be revealed on social media on 10th April, 2024 Here’s the link to the campaign film: https://youtu.be/43i5wEjgnCA?feature=shared
Pho x Bagi Munda
Pho, a beatboxer, singer, and songwriter, has been immersed in the art world for most of her life. Her transition from beatboxing to songwriting and singing has made her a notable figure in the Delhi music circuit. Bagi Munda, a Chandigarh-based rapper and visual artist, is known for his impact on the local hip-hop culture. His album “Dusvipass” and his work with UNDERPASS crew have made him a symbol of creative resilience. Their partnership is a collision of styles resulting in a high octane and gritty number. The track to be revealed on social media on 16th April, 2024 Here’s the link to the campaign film: https://youtu.be/9pKnZLlxATU?feature=shared
The Siege x Aksomaniac
The Siege, a Mumbai-based rapper, has made his mark with the album “Bubble Car,” chronicling his personal growth. His influence in the underground hip-hop scenes of Mumbai and Delhi is substantial. Aksomaniac, an engineering student and trained pianist from Trivandrum, brings a mix of R&B, Jazz, Blues, and Pop to the table. This collaboration melds The Siege’s raw rap narrative with Aksomaniac’s melodious versatility, creating an intriguing musical fusion. The track to be revealed on social media on 13th April, 2024 Here’s the link to the campaign film: https://youtu.be/91yQz_oLTq0?feature=shared ‘Connect With The Unexpected’ is available on Spotify
About Converse
Converse Inc., based in Boston, Massachusetts, is a wholly owned subsidiary of NIKE, Inc. Established in 1908 as a rubber company, the introduction of its first canvas basketball sneaker propelled a legacy as the original brand of youth culture around the world. Today, Converse is a progressive and highly inventive footwear and apparel brand that champions creativity and individuality. The interpretation and adoption of its iconic sneakers, including the Chuck Taylor All Star, One Star and Weapon continue to enable self-expression in the creative, basketball and skateboarding communities. Website | Instagram | Facebook
About Bhaane Retail Pvt Ltd
Bhaane Founded in 2012, is an India & SE Asia focused – young, merit based, highly specialized retailer & retail strategic partner, founded by Anand S Ahuja & Sonam A Kapoor. Sonam, an actor and tastemaker has an unerring eye for design, with a finger on the pulse of global fashion, while Anand, a sneaker enthusiast, helms Shahi Exports India’s largest apparel manufacturer and spearheads Bhaane’s strategic partnerships with global brands and entities such as Converse and NBA India. Website | Instagram | Facebook