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• Comment: Please read WP:BLP for what is needed for the bio of a living person and WP:REFB on how to do it. UtherSRG (talk) 11:27, 7 September 2024 (UTC)

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Claver Menezes (born 1974) is an Indian guitarist, composer, and record producer known for his work in the Indian rock music scene. He is the founder of Hangar Studios and has played a significant role in promoting independent music in India. He is recognized for his solo projects, collaborations, and as a member of bands such as Zedde and Claver & The F Band.

Early Life

Claver Menezes was born in Mumbai, India, and was raised in a musically inclined family, which influenced his early interest in music. By the age of 12, he started playing the guitar and was inspired by rock bands such as Iron Maiden, Scorpions, Metallica, and the guitar virtuoso Joe Satriani. At 14, he formed his first band, Rust Angels, and began performing at college festivals, gaining recognition for his guitar skills and stage presence.

Career

Metallion - In 1992, Claver was a member of a band called Metallion. Although the band was short-lived, it played a role in shaping his early career and establishing his reputation as a talented guitarist in Mumbai's rock music scene.

Rust Angels (1991-1998) - Claver Menezes founded Rust Angels in 1991, which became popular in the college circuit for their dynamic performances and cover versions of hard rock and heavy metal classics. The band reached the finals of the "Live Wire" competition at IIT Mumbai's Mood Indigo Festival in 1993. Rust Angels continued performing throughout the 1990s, becoming a notable presence in the Indian rock scene.

Solo Career and Hangar Studios (2000–Present) - In 2000, Claver established Hangar Studios, a recording studio to support and promote rock music in India. His first release was a cassette album titled "F.O.K (For Our Kids)", an instrumental project that marked his entry as a solo artist. He later released "The Unborn Recital" (2001), which featured some of India's top guitarists, and "Screwed" (2002), which highlighted various Indian rock bands. Claver built his own studio and focused on solo projects and producing music for a range of artists, helping shape the careers of several emerging talents in India's independent music scene.

Work at Radio Mirchi and Other Musical Engagements - Claver Menezes worked as a Promo Producer Director at Radio Mirchi, one of India's leading radio stations, creating promotional content and managing music-related programming. Between 1998 and 2000, he was also a member of the house band, The Rubber Band, for the popular TV show Movers and Shakers. In 2000, Claver performed with Gary Lawyer's band, Apache Indians, showcasing his adaptability and range across different musical genres.

Formation and Success of Zedde (2008-2014) - In 2008, Claver Menezes formed the band Zedde with fellow musician Tirthankar Poddar (Tublue). The band quickly gained recognition in the Indian rock scene with their original music and energetic live performances. Their song "Mumbai" won the "Anthem of the Year" title at the AVIMA 2010 awards, and they were named "Best Band" at the ArtistAloud.com Awards in 2010. Zedde reached the top 10 in the Hard Rock Rising 2012 competition, competing against 12,000 bands worldwide.

In 2014, Claver and Tirthankar had a fallout, leading them to part ways and decide not to work together again. This marked the end of Zedde's original lineup. Over time, both artists moved on to their individual musical paths, and they maintain a cordial relationship today.

- Claver & The F Band (2019–Present) - In 2019, Claver started Claver & The F Band, which features a diverse lineup of talented musicians and vocalists. The artists have collaborated on various songs and performances, contributing to the band's dynamic and diverse presence in the music scene.

Impact on the Independent Music Scene

Claver Menezes has been a dedicated advocate for independent music in India. Through Hangar Studios, he has consistently promoted emerging talent and supported rock music in a market often dominated by mainstream genres. He has performed at several venues known for supporting indie artists, including The Stables, Finch, Hard Rock Cafe across India, Someplace Else, 1000 Oaks, High Spirits, Rule 34, and Jazz By the Bay.

He has also participated in music festivals such as Rocktober Fest, Rock Raid Fest, and Independence Rock, which, while not the largest festivals in the country, have been significant in promoting independent music and creating a community for diverse artists and fans. Claver has openly discussed the challenges faced by independent musicians in India, including financial sustainability, audience reach, and industry recognition. He encourages new artists to remain true to their creative vision while navigating the industry's realities.

Discography

Albums

"F.O.K (For Our Kids)" (Cassette Release, Year Unknown) "The Unborn Recital" (2001) "Screwed" (2002) "Crooked Ways" (2018) "Diverse Delusions I" (2019) "Diverse Delusions II" (2021) "The Word" (2022) "Divide" (2024)

Singles

"Let it Snow" (2018, Re-released) "Fractured" (2018) "Quarantined Lover" (2020)

Film Scores

"Sacred Evil" (2005) "Shree" (2013)

Television Series Title Tracks

"Khul Ja Sim Sim" "Dekho Magar Pyaar Se" "Dhamaal Express" (9X launch) "Bombay Talkies" "Muskaan" "Har Dil Jo Love Karega" "Andekhi - Season 2"

Artist Collaborations

Prasad Salian Sherrin Varghese Nikhil Raj Uzgare M Premjit Meitei Sid Saxena Ashwini Torvi Uday Iyer Rozzlin Pereira Riyaz Qadir Nitish Roque Pires Christina Andrew Shawn Pereira Sidd Coutto Neha Gandhi Sujit Kumar Suzanne D'Mello Teemeer Chimulkar Gary Lawyer Sukhbir Kalsi Megan Fernandes Dimple Cyrus Alvares Tara Sanya Afreen Andrea-Jo Franco Ghofran Zeino D'Evil Michelle Alvares Coutinho K.C. Loy Yousuf Tareen Maahir Siddique Jaishankar Hebzy William Darren Das Upasana Chhetri Manas Jha

References

• Gig Review: Claver & The F Band, Mumbai. Rolling Stone India. Retrieved from Rolling Stone India.
• RS Daily Music: Here’s What We’re Listening to Today – Claver Menezes. Rolling Stone India. Retrieved from Rolling Stone India.
• DiMarzio Tone Zone Featuring Claver Menezes. The Stockist. Retrieved from The Stockist.
• Carol Shredding. Mumbai Mirror. 13 August 2012. Retrieved from Mumbai Mirror.
• A Zedde Indie Rock. Deccan Herald. 5 February 2013. Retrieved from Deccan Herald.
• Claver Menezes and Ashwini Torvi Release Album "The Word". Mid-Day. 17 October 2022. Retrieved from Mid-Day.
• Music That Heart Strums. The Tribune. 22 March 2016. Retrieved from The Tribune.
• Claver Menezes & Ashwini Torvi’s Album "The Word" Releasing Soon. Hindustan Metro. Retrieved from Hindustan Metro.
• Chandresh’s Popular Christmas Songs. Times of India. 25 December 2010. Retrieved from Times of India.
• Zedde Push the Tempo. News18. 15 April 2012. Retrieved from News18.
• Shree Hussain Kuwajerwala Midst His Fans at Shanmukhananda Auditorium. Hamara Photos. 23 April 2014. Retrieved from Hamara Photos.
• Mid-Day Mumbai Guide: Make the Most of Thursday to Sunday. Mid-Day. 30 March 2023. Retrieved from Mid-Day.
• The TimeOut Mint Planner. Livemint. 17 July 2011. Retrieved from Livemint.

External Links

• The Word
• Diverse Delusions
• Divide
• Diverse Delusions II
• Quarantined Lover
• Crooked Ways II
• Zedde
• Fractured (Single)
• Let It Snow (Single)

This page will be placed in the following categories if it is moved to the article namespace.

Categories:

• 21st-century Indian musicians
• 21st-century Indian musicians
• Indian guitarists
• Indian rock musicians
• Indian male singer-songwriters
• Indian record producers
• Indian music composers
• Living people
• People from Mumbai
• 21st-century Indian composers