Latest news with #GATC
The Hindu
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Indian rock band Girish and the Chronicles in America's Got Talent
Indian band Girish and the Chronicles — featuring Girish Pradhan (vocals), Nagen Mongranti (drums), Yogesh Pradhan (bass), and Suraz Karki (guitar) — recently appeared on America's Got Talent (AGT) Season 20 auditions. The Nepalese boys from Sikkim performed a cover of Adele's Set Fire to the Rain. What was it like performing in front of the AGT judges? Girish, the band's lead vocalist, recalls that right until they stepped on stage, they kept telling themselves, it is what it is. But the moment the crowd roared, reality hit — this was happening. As soon as Nagen hit the kick and snare, with Yogesh and Suraz following in perfect sync, it felt like diving straight into the opening of a full-blown concert. The energy was electric — something they bring to every show. While the band has played major stages, this performance, Girish says, carried a whole different kind of adrenaline. The band says signing up for America's Got Talent was simply too good an opportunity to pass up. After all, it has been the No.1 summer show in the U.S. for 19 years — and for a band like theirs, bold moves come naturally. Performing in the birthplace of rock 'n' roll felt like the next logical step. As for what's next if GATC moves forward — originals or covers? Girish hints that whether it is their own compositions or a reimagined classic, they never hold back. 'We stay true to our sound and give it everything on stage,' he adds, keeping the rest under wraps. 'Some things are better left as a surprise.'
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Rock ‘n' rolling from Sikkim to the US: ‘You gotta be crazy about your art', says GATC
Blazing out of Sikkim and now based in Bengaluru, Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) are proving themselves to be one of India's fastest growing hard rock bands. Formed in 2009, GATC comprises Girish Pradhan (vocals), Suraz Sun (guitars), Yogesh Pradhan (bass/keys), and Nagen Mongrati (drums). The band channels the spirit of '80s rock; with albums like Rock the Highway and Hail to the Heroes , they've built a cult following and shared stages with Hoobastank, Poets of the Fall, and most recently, opened for Guns N' Roses in Mumbai. In June, GATC made history as the first Indian rock band to appear on America's Got Talent (AGT), with their viral cover of Adele's Set Fire to the Rain . In an exclusive interview with us, GATC got candid about staying defiantly rock'n'roll in a pop-dominated world. The band said, "Giving Set Fire to the Rain a raw, gritty, rock spin was our way of honouring Adele while making it our own. We wanted to stay true to who we are as a band – helping us connect with a new audience." On performing at AGT GATC said that they have been fortunate enough to play amazing festivals, release albums internationally, and build a loyal listener base across Europe and Asia. The opportunity to be on AGT felt like the right leap for them. Speaking about performing for judges like Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Howie Mandel, and Mel B, the band said: 'It felt surreal. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pinga-Pinga e HBP? Tome isso 1x ao dia se tem mais de 40 anos Portal Saúde do Homem Clique aqui Undo Stepping onto that stage and hearing the audience roar, halfway across the world, was electrifying. It was a culmination of years of hustle, heart, and staying true to our sound. We're grateful to have had this chance to bring our music to USA.' Another rocking night with GNR The band said that they've been fortunate enough to open for Guns N' Roses not just once, but twice. 'First in Abu Dhabi, and then on our home turf in Mumbai. GN'R shaped our early years and influenced our sound so deeply, it was an absolute honour. Their music was part of our journey from the start. We learned their songs, played them at many gigs, and even posted covers online,' said the band members. 'Getting to share a stage with them felt like a full-circle moment. Both shows, especially Mumbai, were unforgettable in every sense.' On India's rock & metal scene GATC believes that India's rock and metal scene has come a long way, especially when it comes to original music and live performances. 'More bands are writing and releasing their own material. That's a huge step forward. Songwriting is getting sharper, production quality is up there, and the live energy has always been strong. But, more events & venues should open up to original music,' shared the band. Plans for 2025: Sharing what the band plans for this year, they said, "This year is about taking our music to more cities, connecting with our fans, and keeping the energy alive on stage. We'll be continuing to tour through the rest of 2025, with shows lined up across Asia and Europe." From serene Sikkim to bustling Bengaluru Looking back at their journey, GATC said, 'It has been a crazy ride. But the power of sticking together as a team is what has truly brought us to this point. It is as if nothing out there feels impossible or big, anymore. We've stayed true to ourselves and believed deeply in our music, which has opened doors across the globe.' They further added, "We've learned that we have to be crazy about our art and just keep at it, with a lot of patience. At heart, we're still the same simple folks from the hills we were 19 years ago." Girish's top four Aviroop Basu from Fire in The Rodeo (Kolkata) Nitesh Rolla from Roll Heads (Gangtok, Sikkim) Sandeep Yogi from Guns from Country Side (Soreng, Sikkim) Megan Rakesh from Meg and The Miracles — a 13-year-old rock'n'roll prodigy from Bangalore who's already making waves
Hindustan Times
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sikkim band GATC on America's Got Talent feat: Playing in front of Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara was pinch-me moment
Indian hard rock band Girish and The Chronicles (GATC) made history by becoming the first Indian rock outfit to make it to the next round of America's Got Talent. The four-member band from Sikkim performed a reverb-drenched cover of Adele's Set Fire to the Rain that left judge Simon Cowell visibly stunned and Mel B declaring it her favourite performance of the season. 'For a rock band that started in the hills of Sikkim being seen and celebrated on such a massive global stage is both surreal and humbling. The Northeast has always had a deep-rooted appreciation for rock music. So when a platform like America's Got Talent shines a light on us, it naturally brings attention to the whole ecosystem. We started GATC at a time when everyone was chasing newer subgenres in the country, but we stuck with the sound we loved: classic hard rock. That choice set us apart, and maybe that's what made moments like this possible. So yes, the spotlight does feel more intense – but it also feels like a celebration of staying true to who we are, and where we come from,' says vocalist Girish Pradhan. A post shared by America's Got Talent Auditions (@agtauditions) Ask if they saw it coming, and GATC bassist Yogesh Pradhan adds: 'Seeing Steel Panther on America's Got Talent a couple of years ago definitely planted the seed in our minds, but we didn't expect it. It all began with a message on Girish's personal Instagram from one of the producers of America's Got Talent. They had come across a soundcheck reel he posted from their performance at Independence Rock, and it clearly struck a chord.' Sharing how making it to the next round of AGT felt like, guitarist Suraz Karki says, 'America's Got Talent is one of the biggest stages in the world, and when the opportunity came along, it felt like the right time to bring our music to a broader audience. We've toured across Europe and Asia over the years, but this felt like a rare opportunity to share our music with an even wider audience in the USA. Standing there, playing our hearts out in front of the audience, Simon Cowell, Sofia Vergara, Mel B and Howie Mandel – it was nothing short of a pinch-me moment for us.' Ask how they plan to prepare for AGT, and drummer Nagen Sarki shares, 'Our aim is to be ourselves and express that authentically through our performances. At the same time, we're working quietly behind the scenes to stay ready for whatever this journey has in store for us. Maintaining that balance will help us give our all on the America's Got Talent stage.' Assam's Binita Chetry became the first Indian to reach Britain's Got Talent finals recently. And now GATC. Mention how the Northeast seems to be on a roll, and Girish says, 'It's amazing to see artistes like Binita Chetry, Maya Neelakantan, and now us making it to global platforms like Britain's Got Talent and America's Got Talent. It's a proud moment not just for the region, but the entire country. It shows the world that India is bursting with creativity and passion. We're proud to carry that spirit forward and hope it inspires many more artists to dream big and break barriers!'
The Hindu
29-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Girish and the Chronicles bring their hard rock power to Hyderabad
Mention Bengaluru-based Girish and the Chronicles (GATC) in a room full of rock fans and watch the mood shift — soaring vocals, powerful guitars, and memories of the band's blistering live sets take centre stage. For over a decade, the four-piece band has been a driving force in India's hard rock and melodic metal scene. Originally from Sikkim, GATC comprises Girish Pradhan (vocals), Nagen Mongranti (drums), Yogesh Pradhan (bass), and Suraz Karki (guitar). Having shared stages with rock royalty — Guns N' Roses, Skid Row, Nazareth, Alter Bridge, and Megadeth's Chris Adler during his India tour — GATC's resume reads like a metalhead's dream. But speak to Girish and the conversation returns to Sikkim, where it all began. 'My brother and I were discovering music on our own,' Girish recalls. 'We grew up in the cassette era, which forced us to really listen. Yogesh was playing around with guitars, and I started taking vocals seriously at around 14. Music was always around — our mum's a singer and most of our cousins played guitar.' That early exposure, thanks to cassettes and classic MTV, was formative. 'Shows would play everything from Iron Maiden and Bon Jovi to Lenny Kravitz and Metallica. Songs like Jaded, It's My Life, and Fly Away just blew our minds. Later we realised many of these bands were already legends from the '80s!' Girish credits their musical awakening to the rich, music-loving culture of the Northeast. 'We were lucky to grow up in it.' Their first band, Anarchy, formed when Girish was in Class 11 and Yogesh in Class 9. 'I was on vocals and rhythm guitar. Yogesh started out on drums. Our dad, Shyam Pradhan, who was a football commentator, was incredibly supportive,' Girish says. Their breakout moment was at a school show in 2004 that drew over 5,000 people. 'We were blown away,' said Girish. Now, over two decades later, GATC is set to perform in Hyderabad on May 31 at Hard Rock Café. 'It's not our first time in the city, but we're always excited to play. Every show feels new,' says Girish. Those early gigs were more than just performances — they were GATC's initiation into the world of concerts and crowd energy. Over the years, the band took every opportunity that came their way. Their commitment to rock 'n' roll often earned them the wrong kind of attention. 'There was a phase when people labelled us as 'boys with bad habits' just because we were in a rock band,' Girish recalls. 'It wasn't pleasant. But nothing is permanent, thankfully.' When asked what fuels his songwriting, Girish says it is deeply personal. 'I started writing from a young age, and my songs often reflect my own situations — what kind of year it's been, what's going on in my life or around me.' Was there ever a moment when the dream felt uncertain? 'Absolutely. I pursued nothing but music. I was in a band that didn't work out. Then I went solo and dropped out of engineering—without telling anyone. It was a risk. But I knew this was what I had to do.' That decision took him to Kathmandu, where he spent a transformative year immersed in the city's vibrant music scene. 'Kathmandu was my real college. I learnt everything I could about music there.' In 2009, he returned to Gangtok and recorded his first single, Angel, with his brother, who was home for the holidays while studying sound engineering. Around the same time, Girish's YouTube channel began gaining traction. 'YouTube became a turning point. It's how music lovers discovered us,' he says. 'Honestly, YouTube and Facebook were our passports to popularity.' The momentum continued. In 2010, GATC became the first band from the Northeast to be invited to a European music festival— Suncane Skale International Music Awards Festival in Montenegro, Europe. Two years later, in 2012, they spent a full year as the house band for a major club in Hong Kong. Their debut album released in 2014 — and now, their fourth album is slated for a September 2025 release. Girish And The Chronicles will be playing at Hard Rock Cafe, Hitec City, Hyderabad on May 31.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
GATC Health Paper Quantifies AI-Driven Capital Efficiencies and Advances Human-Centered Drug Discovery
IRVINE, Calif., May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- GATC Health Corp, a leading tech-bio company leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to transform drug discovery, has published a new paper, AI in Drug Development: Advancing Capital Efficiency, Reducing Animal Testing, and Driving Precision Medicine. The paper details how advancements such as GATC's Multiomics Advanced Technology™ (MAT) platform are reshaping pharmaceutical development by improving speed, cost, and accuracy while reducing reliance on animal testing through human-relevant AI models. Ultimately, these technologies provide practical solutions to the industry's key challenges and promise to deliver better, safer treatments—faster—to patients. Highlights include: Validated, Highly Accurate Predictions: GATC Health's MAT was validated by University of California, Irvine, with predictions of sensitivity at 86% and specificity at 91%. Digital Twin Models: Models of human biological systems can test thousands of drug candidates in silico—achieving results 1,000x faster than conventional methods and at dramatically lower cost. Reduction in Animal Testing: The platform simulates human biology, enabling accurate predictions without animal studies and supporting regulatory shifts like the FDA Modernization Act. AI-driven methods could replace animal testing for up to 38.4 million animals annually. Public Health Impact: Accelerated drug development means faster access to new therapeutics, with the potential to save millions of years of human life. "This paper underscores our commitment to scientific and ethical progress in drug discovery," said Jayson Uffens, Chief Technology Officer at GATC Health. "By improving capital efficiency and reducing animal testing, we aim to advance both innovation and responsibility in the industry." Transforming Drug Development EconomicsTraditional drug development can cost up to $2.4 billion and take 12 years per drug. GATC's MAT platform streamlines discovery and preclinical phases, enabling companies to avoid costly investments in unlikely candidates and reinvest savings into further research. As noted in the paper, AI-driven preclinical assessments can cut animal use, increase human relevance, and reduce expenses by up to 90%. This streamlined process can shorten time to Investigational New Drug (IND) filing from over a decade to under two years. Advancing Ethical, Cost-Effective SolutionsConventional animal models often fail to predict human outcomes and raise ethical issues. GATC's AI-driven approach reduces animal use by up to 70% per drug candidate, aligning with global moves toward non-animal testing. Virtual toxicology datasets and digital twins replace animal models with more accurate and humane alternatives. Aligning with Regulatory TrendsThe paper details how AI technologies support evolving regulatory requirements, enabling faster, more precise, and ethically responsible drug development. GATC Health invites industry stakeholders to review the full paper and participate in the ongoing dialogue about the future of drug discovery. Visit GATC Health's Resources page to download the full paper. About GATC HealthGATC Health Corp. is a technology company transforming drug discovery and development through its AI-driven platform and approach. The company's validated and proprietary Multiomics Advanced Technology™ (MAT) simulates human biochemistry's billions of interactions to rapidly create novel therapeutics, identify and confirm targets, accelerate development, and derisk drug pipelines by predicting efficacy, safety, and off-target more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE GATC Health Corp
