Kolkata-based band Krosswindz has every reason to be on cloud nine. Three of the band’s songs — Jokkhon moner kone from the album Jhora Palok and Nobi mor poroshmoni and Pran Krishno from the album Phire Dekha — have been nominated for the Grassroot Grammys (Just Plain Folks Awards 2017 in Los Angeles) this year in the Best Asian Song category. The awards ceremony is slated to be held in November in the US. The nominees also include an array of respected Asian artistes and bands such as band Techung and The Wind Horses, Tashi D Sharzur, Nickris Brothers, Zublee Baruah, Manash Mahanta and Gor Mkhitarian. And to find a place amidst such renowned musicians and bands is in itself a huge achievement. This award goes to the performers of music based on original or traditional compositions. “Krosswindz provides a unique and hybrid modern/progressive take on many folk rock songs and have added their own original mix of traditional Indian and western instrumentation. They are a great addition to the burgeoning expansion of Indian and Indian-influenced music, which is finding a wider audience worldwide, thanks to the internet. Nothing spreads musical ideas more effectively than performing it live for new and appreciative audiences around the world. Their albums are a positive boost for both the band and their development as well as the audiences they reach, who will expand their own musical tastes and gain first-hand appreciation of a different but musically connected culture,” said Brian Austin Whitney, founder of Just Plain Folks (JPF).Band member and guitarist, Vikramjit Banerjee , or Tuki, ashe’s popularly known, toldus, “We are ecstatic about the nomination, it means that the world has taken notice and acknowledged our talent.It’s a very special moment for the Indian music scene because it’s the first time that three songs from an Indian band have made it to the final stages of the awards. One of the three songs is vocalist Chandrani’s composition, which has been nominated by the judges, and the other twosongs of ours are folk numbers. The Grassroot Grammys are highly regarded in the indie/underground music scene worldwide. So, I’mreally proud of the three nominations that we have garnered.”We wish the team all the very best andhope they make us proud by bringing the award back home.