Swaraj, their latest, and first nation-wide, release, allows Mumbai audiences to experience the musicians’ take on live ethnic electronic music. “A month ago, my friend Ambrish suggested that since I was looking to release an album, maybe I should do it in time for the Republic Day,” says the 25-year-old Anand. When he logged on to his Myspace page, there were 15 demos from various artists waiting for him. “Can it get simpler than that? I chose the best from that list and the result is Swaraj,” he says.

Anand and Pandey consciously produce music only with friends as “you share a part of yourself only with someone you know”. “We have the same philosophy for our gigs—why would you play for a crowd that doesn’t want to reciprocate,” says Anand. Their association with seasoned multi-instrumentalists, musicians, producers and established sound engineers has resulted in previous compilations like Azad-e-Hind, Café Sunset and Indian Electronica Café on itunes.

The duo also claims to live the philosophy of their latest album. “All the chains are in the mind. We firmly believe in self-rule. Irrespective of whether we make it, me and Ankur have made it,” says Anand. He also attributes his meeting Pandey as a machination of the Universe. “We met through the music industry, where everybody knows each other. But he was lost in life, and needed some guidance. Now, we both guide each other. There is no pretense between us,” he says.