Qureshi: The Esoteric Collective was born in late 2013 and is based in London. The band is comprised of six core members, who bring together rich and varied ethnicity and heritage. Qureshi is an experimental and interactive group, which blends cinematic sounds, jazz and hip hop fusion. They combine strings, woodwind and brass with electronic effects, and shape their unique sounds across interactive multimedia platforms. The band will entice the audience into interacting and becoming part of The Esoteric Collective through sound.

2 Minute Interview:

How does your workshop relate to being in the NOW?

Qureshi will create one song / piece as a response to recording and interacting with participants over the week long NOW programme. Our work is all about capturing people’s emotions/feelings/reactions in that moment – allowing someone to express themselves instantly.

What are you most looking forward to doing within your slot at NOW?

We are looking forward to interacting with people and creating a unique piece of art.

Any tips on how the audience can most benefit from your workshop? 

Interaction is key. No experience necessary. All you need to do is interact.

At Deptford Lounge:

Qureshi will be based at Deptford Lounge for the whole week from 23 – 28 June. The band will be finding out what your reactions are, what you are feeling and how much you are feeling in the NOW and enticing you into the sounds of the ‘Esoteric Collective’. On the day of their workshop (Friday 27 June, 5pm), Qureshi will take pre-recorded interviews and sounds from throughout the week at Deptford Lounge and play them as vocal loops or samples, transforming them into a song that will be composed on ‘music day’ by participants of the festival. The song will be available for free download after the event.