BAND PROFILE

Barefaced Liar is a Delhi-based rock band founded in 2002 in high school by singers, song writers and guitarists Akshay Chowdhry and Sumant Balakrishnan. This is a band with a truly unique sound, seamlessly traversing through genres ranging from Blues to Classic Rock and Heavy Metal, drawing inspiration from all of them to craft their own individual sound. The musicians confess to have been majorly influenced by classic artists/bands such as The Beatles, Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, and Metallica as well as the newer sounds of Tool and Stone Temple Pilots and seek to blend their various influences to create music that adheres to convention, yet defies it.

 

In their self-titled debut album, recorded and produced by Zorran Mendonsa, BFL infused blues- based modern rock riffs with sing-along choruses, establishing it as one of the Top 10 albums of the year according to Rolling Stone Magazine and Rock Street Journal and one of the Top 5 Indian Rock Albums by Indian Rock MP3. Their passion for song-writing and creating catchy music coupled with their proficient guitar-playing, makes BFL one of the premier bands in India today.

 

Since 2008, the band’s main focus has been on taking their live show to all parts of India while continuing to compose and record their own music. They have performed at leading venues and festivals in all major cities across India since.

In 2011, for the first time ever, Indian bands were given an opportunity to open for the legendary Metallica. MTV and Talent house hosted a nationwide contest and from over 850 entries, BFL was chosen as one of the top 8 bands in the country. Their performance was documented on the nationally broadcasted show “Taking Pole Position” in October 2011. In the same year, BFL went international for the first time when they performed in Pattaya, Thailand.

 

Their performances have included:

 

  • NH7 Weekender Festival Pune (2010)
  • A five-city tour – Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad with Hard Rock Café (2010)
  • Commonwealth Games Youth Festival (2010)

 

They have also been recipients of many awards and accolades, including

 

  • Semi-finalists for the worldwide UK Song Writers Competition (2009 & 2010) for their tracks Glow and Mirage respectively
  • Winners of ‘Sea Rock’ in Bits Pilani, Goa (2008)
  • Won the Ibibo ‘Rising Rockstars’ Contest (2009) which resulted in a partial sponsorship to record their debut album
    Runners up in the Hit 95 FM Santana Challenge (2008)
  • ‘Best Guitar Players’ : IIT Roorkee (2008) and IIM Lucknow (2009)

 

BFL is currently working on their second album, to be released in 2012.

Akshay Chowdhry

Sumant Balakrishnan

Sunrise
Welcome to the new age
We belong to old ways
Sell us all a new faith
Dream what you like
If you can see the other side
We all make mistakes
But I’m not afraid to
Admit that
You bring me to my knees
I’m begging you please
How could this always be?
And I think I need to know
I was never told
You’re secret’s safe with me
For a new release
Held by unity
Oceans
Flow into the sacred
Drift into the center
Is all this for a reason?
You bring me to my knees
Dream what you like
If you can see the other side
We all make mistakes
But it’s time to
forgive and forget
Sunrise

You got me
inbetween the scenes
Don’t you know what I mean?
When you’re living a lie
Living a lie to the fullest
It seems you left me inbetween,
Don’t you know what I mean?
And now you’re tearing
Tearing through the streets
Will you pedal your wares
when you say
I don’t care for you
when you know I’ll be alright
As you sway from side to side,
A little movement
can’t be denied
Are you coming along
for the ride?
Won’t you run, run ,run and hide?
Won’t you run, run to survive?
I see a dream, a bitter queen
A little lady on a throne
When the man comes around Puts his hand on your shoulder
Try to make it through the night
Time has come to
bring down defenses along
The wall is crumbling
Crossing over, we’re almost over
Ready or not
the word on the street is
Won’t you rise up and feel this?
Break into a riot,
They’re all heavily armed
Are you ready for this?
We’re not ready
Waiting for the riot now
A new gun for hire,
More fuel to the fire
Burn it down.
Take , take, take
Take me underground,
I’m just another face
in the crowd,
What I have lost is
what you have found.
Won’t you run, run ,
run to sieze the day
I hope you can
Break into a riot,
They’re all heavily armed
Are you ready for this?
We’re not ready
Waiting for the riot now,
Count me in
Are you ready for this?
We’re not ready at all
I’m down in a hole
You got me under control,
Got me under control,
I ain’t leaving- control.
You got me under control.
Comments

Machines haunt me
Can’t drive me insane
They’re stealing
a piece from life again
So carry on
And nothing will be the same
Are you man enough?
To hell with all the chosen ones
The key to my salvation
has been redefined
Lets go, lets go to the Alamo
I’ve been waiting
for my whole life
to fight the memory,
the enemies
Of all that stood before.
Wait-
You were never in this life alone
You will never understand it all
Who will ever know my name?
Like a stranger
I’m roaming this town
You lied to me all along
There’s a price
on my head in this town
There’s a price on my head
On my head
On my head in this town
Is there anybody left to save?
I don’t wanna be
the one to dig your grave
They hold your hand
cut you down.
Too many men have died today
Read about ,
read about my
death & deception
So read about
read about why
It keeps me alive
Lets go,
lets go to the Alamo
I’ve been waiting
for my whole life
to fight the memory,
the enemies
Of all that stood behind me
I’ve been waiting
for my whole life
To fight the memory,
the enemies that
Stood before

Raise your arms
Testament to our time
You strike
At the heart of
all that’s wrong
Pressing on without a fight
Lead them on
You just don’t seem
to get it right
You don’t seem to be afraid
Stay true to the letter
Fall in line on my command
There is no choice
Sign your life away
Your mark upon the land
I hear your voice resonate
You deserve this
When you commit
Your only son to war
Embrace the disorder
Don’t call it murder
Go for the kill
Stuck at the border
Don’t drink the water
There is no reward for
Your being a martyr,
When you’ve been lead
Upto the slaughter
In dishonor
Promises in gold
The sun may never rise again
The stories that they told
Your promises are old
The sun may
never shine again
All the kings’ men
have been sold
It doesn’t bother them at all
You’ll be the
one to take the fall
I’m wounded, bleeding out
I’m leaving with a picture
The only one that matters
Celebrate,
the return of innocence
You’ve spent,
more than you ever meant
Protecting the ignorant
Believed them all
Just don’t seem to get enough
You never seem
to satisfy yourself
Your appetite for
more and more
You’ve preserved this
For the next in line
They’re running out of time
You take me higher
So I can see for miles
In my head
I’m floating the skies
Shades of grey and white
You take me higher
So I can see for miles in my head
So I can see for miles
In my mind’s eye

You said I
Think too much about my
Own life
I deny
You don’t know me right
I’m not ready yet
Take me down that aisle
Let’s leave it out for a while
It makes no sense to me
I’m not ready
Not gonna let you ever go
This time it feels so right
I know it
Not going to
let them ever stop me
Only one thing
C’mon
C’mon baby get down
After all the things
said and done
I hope you know
You’re way out of my league
And have you figured
out what went wrong?
I know you know
You’re way out of my
You’re way out of my league
Oh no,
The tables haven’t turned
I’ve still got my whole life
Place your bets tonight
Because I’m not giving in
Can I leave myself behind?
I know that you don’t mind
Show me that golden smile
Something, somewhere
I don’t know
But you’re where
I don’t go
And baby
Just call my name and
I’ll let you know
Something, somewhere
I don’t know
You’re where I don’t go
Baby you make me
You make me
I meant you no harm

I hate being late
I’m out the doorI hate being late
I’m out the door
I didn’t even notice you there
And so much more
And silently
‘Cause I hate everybody
Everybody knows the score
They couldn’t even wait
You and me took us down another road
No one needs to know
Not very far to go
No one really needs
A new breed of hero
You’ve known this all along
I can take it
I just want everybody to know
I dedicate this
To the one that
just won’t let me go
You gave my life another lease
All the strength thatyou left me
Off and onFor far too long
For far too long
And I believe
The guiding light
I didn’t know
the native tongue
I travel in disguise
Don’t you lie to me
Don’t you lie to me at all
Set me free
You’ve been
ooking for a reason
Another reason to run
You’re hopelessly divided
Can you turn it back around?
I didn’t even notice you there
And so much more
And silently
‘Cause I hate everybody
Everybody knows the score
They couldn’t even wait
You and me took us down another road
No one needs to know
Not very far to go
No one really needs
A new breed of hero
You’ve known this all along
I can take it
I just want everybody to know
I dedicate this
To the one that
just won’t let me go
You gave my life another lease
All the strength thatyou left me
Off and onFor far too long
For far too long
And I believe
The guiding light
I didn’t know
the native tongue
I travel in disguise
Don’t you lie to me
Don’t you lie to me at all
Set me free
You’ve been
ooking for a reason
Another reason to run
You’re hopelessly divided
Can you turn it back around?

If you’re starting to feel alone
Darling
Break out of this habit
You’re missing everything
Climb on my back
Get up again
Don’t keep me
waiting for so long
A reason to be strong
I know that you’ll be
Safe my child
Raised
I’ll kneel until I
Come to this world all alone
And I will be there
Let me leave
And you will still glow
When I’m gone
I don’t mean to
light the way
Live to fight another day
You’re on your own
We’re going to find
a way to be
A little less
Does it make you
feel at ease?
Stuck in a maze
going nowhere
Should I let you know?
Out of sight
Out of mind
If it doesn’t seem too wrong
(stay a little while)
Today seemed so long
Is innocence so hard to find?
Hold on – I’m gone

I’m paving the way for the future,
Testing the limits of
what I’m capable
There’s no escaping it
There’s no way out of here
I’d rather be
A victim or a casualty
Take your eyes off me
Your hatred is a new disease
Lift your head up
You’re pride is unbroken
I’m calling out sinners that I see
Freedoms a gift I give myself
You think that you
can beat it out of me?
You free the radical
Fear
Fear is for the weak
Not the restless kind
Can you speak?
You breathe in the
world that you live in
They don’t call it a crime
I’d rather be
A victim or a casualty
Take your eyes off me
Your hatred is a new disease
Crossed the line
But you’re pride is unbroken
I’m calling out
sinners that I see
Freedoms a gift I give myself
You think that
you can beat it out of me?
You free the right
Leave it upto me
You’re the one that needs it
You take it out of me
You feed off your release

Deep down,
Can you tell that it’s over?
Can you tell me
I’m sober
I have no recollection
It’s all been done
Hold on
To the things that
you’ve longed for
Don’t gauge my reaction
Because I know
I’ll be waiting
When you’re going
Inside
To seek a new meaning
Your halo is breaking
Are you still believing?
A vision
To stop me from leaning,
So many things to remember
As soon as it’s over
Enlightenment is spreading thin
Lives in us all
You wait for the reason
Until it’s gone
You’re cold
Your comfort means
nothing to me
And I wait for the others
Won’t wait for you and me
Confessions of
A former love
Resonate through me
Is there any other way
To make amends
The way we’re going
There won’t be much to say
In the rain, in the rain
I seek the ones I love
In the rain, in the rain
You’re still the ones I love
The river may flood
I see myself wading
through the mud
They’re crying out for blood
They don’t seem
to ever get enough

bfl
April 09, 2013
Based out of a country and culture that is still embracing the concept of rock ‘n roll and live music, BFL has worked passionately on honing their craft and believe that their hard work is ready to be recognised on a global scale
Indian express
4th April 2013
BFL performance at Hard Rock Cafe, New Delhi

What’s your favorite song from the first album?

 Out of my League Unity Mirage As soon as its over Free Radical Glow The Minotaur To the Alamo Turismo

11th April 2013
Beatles Tribute at Hard Rock Cafe, Hyderabad

 

4th April 2013
BFL performance at Hard Rock Cafe, New Delhi

 

23rd March 2013
The Big Gig 2013 at Rokeby Highlands, Mussoorie

 

15th March 2013
BFL Pink Floyd Tribute at Attitude Alive, Gurgaon

 

7th March 2013
BFL performance at Nexus 2013, Venkateswara College, New Delhi

 

12th Feb 2013
BFL performance at The Portside Cafe, New Delhi

 

8th Feb 2013
Mercedes Event, Jai Mahal Jaipur

 

7th Feb 2013
Fly Festival Pre Party @ Raasta, Hauz Khas Village

 

22nd Dec 2012
The Wild Wild Fest @ Zorba(MG Road), Delhi

 

20th Dec 2012
Hard Rock Cafe, Hyderabad

 

15th Dec 2012
Pink Floyd Tribute @ Taj Gateway Hotel, Agra

 

1st Dec 2012
Someplace Else – The Park, Kolkatta

 

8th Nov 2012
Hard Rock cafe, New Delhi

 

2nd Nov 2012
Blue Frog, New Delhi

 

13th Oct 2012
Bacardi Nh7 weekender @ Buddh International Circuit

 

13th Sept 2012
Nh7 weekender pre-party with Them Clones @ Powerplay (Gurgaon), New Delhi

 

8th Sept 2012
The Gig Week Closing night with Junkyard Groove @ Sura-vie (CP), New Delhi

 

23rd Aug 2012
The Beatles Tribute @ Hard Rock Cafe, Hyderabad

 

16th Aug 2012
The Beatles Tribute @ Blue Frog, New Delhi

 

 

 

1 June 2012

 

24 May 2012
Hard Rock Café, Bangalore

 

18 May 2012
Rockafella, New Delhi

 

10 May 2012
Hard Rock Café, New Delhi

 

5 May 2012
Second Sin, New Delhi
thumb
April 09, 2013
Based out of a country and culture that is still embracing the concept of rock ‘n roll and live music, BFL has worked passionately on honing their craft in terms of combining technical skill and quality songwriting and believe that their hard work is ready to be recognised on a global scale
Indian express

 

bfl
March 25, 2013
Music In The Mountains
Barefaced Liar from New Delhi treated the audience to an array of musical genres including pop, classics, blues, classic rock besides rock and roll
HT City, Dehradun

 

HT city_Dec 10
Dec 10, 2012
Delhi-based band Barefaced Liar performed at the W.O.R.M.E fest at Someplace Place, The Park, Kolkata recently
HT City, Kolkata

 

Sakalbela_Dec5
Dec 5, 2012
Hitting the right note
Barefaced Liar intoxicated the audience with their music. All the songs by the lead vocalist & lyricist of the band Akshay Chowdhry & Sumant Balakrishnan raised a cheer from the audience
Sakalbela, Kolkata

 

Dec 5, 2012
Delhi based Barefaced Liar headlined the Eastern zonal finals of W.O.R.M.E FEST 2012
Telegraph, Kolkata

 

Dec 1, 2012
BFL performs at Nokia Lumia WORME
BFL performs at Nokia Lumia WORME at Somplace Else, The Park, Kolkata

 

August 2012
It’s been half a century since The Beatles recorded their first single “Love Me Do”, yet Beatles tribute bands are still a veritable industry in the West, with names like the Beetles…
TimeOut Delhi

 

August 31, 2012
In the process of their natural progression, Delhi rockers Barefaced Liar have broadened the horizons of their sound incorporating an atmospheric vibe as a thoroughly engaging counterpoint to their bared-knuckle riffage.
NME India

 

August 22, 2012
“We will be taking in all the key points in the Beatles’ fabulous musical journey from the early days of ‘Please Please Me’ and ‘With The Beatles’ to the latter day era of the ‘Abbey Road and ‘Let It Be’ albums”, says singer/guitar player Akshay Chowdhry.
NME India

 

August 16, 2012
The image above popped up on my Facebook page one day and immediately caught my attention. This was one gig I knew I couldn’t miss, for reasons more than one. One, being a lifelong Beatles fan, and not getting nearly enough opportunities to hear them covered live, this sounded promising.
Deep-arted Blog

 

June 13, 2012
When they first started out, Barefaced Liar seemed armed with the single point agenda of letting their volume knobs do the talking, which was absolutely fine because even as they worshipped at the high decibel altar, BFL never failed to give melody its due attention.
NME India

 

May 29, 2012
We are not trying to make any statement. We just want to be known as passionate musicians,” says Akshay Chowdhry, the vocalist and guitarist of the band.
Times of India

 

May 16, 2012
BFL is also known for its tribute concerts — funny, creative and at times completely surprising.
Deccan Chronicle

 

Jan 2012
We are thrilled to have been in such esteemed company in our category and are grateful and excited about this prestigious win! 2012 is looking to be a big year for Barefaced Liar.
Bite my Music

 

2010
Where rock meets blues
Delhi based Barefaced Liars has a distinctive sound and high hopes The Hindu, Hyderabad

 

2010
Musical Mayhem
Midday, Bangalore

 

2010
Back in the game
After laying low for awhile now, Barefaced Liar dusts up and gets it act together Rolling Stones, India