Meet Girish Pradhan | Frontman, Girish and The Chronicles

We had the good fortune of connecting with Girish Pradhan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Girish, how do you think about risk?
I see risk as something that works best when you’re prepared. There’s always a lot of hard work in the background that people don’t see. For me personally, as a singer, I had been preparing and honing my craft from an early age. That preparation gave me the confidence to take big leaps; like dropping out of college and fully committing to music.

When you know you’re good at what you do and you’ve put in the work, your instincts won’t hesitate to lead you. Taking risks then becomes less about recklessness and more about trusting your ability to handle what comes next. That mindset has shaped every big step in my journey so far.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Our story began in Sikkim, India, in a home where music was more than just sound. Girish & Yogesh’s mother, Bimla Pradhan, is a renowned Nepali folk and classical singer, and their father, Shyam Pradhan, though not a performer, is a true music lover and their greatest pillar of support. He became the first manager, mentor, and motivator. In many ways, Girish and The Chronicles was born because of them.

We didn’t have a blueprint or a well-paved path ahead, just a deep love for music and the fire to chase it. I started learning music as a teenager, drawn to the sounds of Iron Maiden, The Eagles, and Guns N’ Roses. From jamming with my younger brother Yogesh to forming our first band Anarchy, our dad was always there– organising shows, helping us buy gear, and cheering the loudest.

Later, I crossed paths with Suraz Karki and Nagen Sarki, who shared the same Eastern Himalayan fire. Over time, our lineup evolved, but the foundation we built in Gangtok, and the love and support of our parents, have always been the emotional core of GATC.

At the core of it, we just love Rock ‘n’ Roll. That’s where it all begins for us. We’re not afraid to push boundaries and experiment with it. We like to keep things raw, real, and honest– no unnecessary theatrics or over-the-top visuals. For us, it’s always been about pouring 110% into our music and letting it speak for itself. If it’s played with heart, the audience will feel it. That’s what music should be.

Sure, there are many bands around the world tapping into classic hard rock and metal, but what we do goes beyond just genre. While we love writing big anthems you can sing along to, we’re also drawn to the more intricate, layered side of songwriting. Our live shows often feel like a movie. You get the high-energy opening, a love story in the middle, something deeper simmering beneath the surface, and a powerful, sometimes dark climax that somehow leaves you feeling hopeful. And yeah, we’ll absolutely end it with a wild, fun rock ‘n’ roll outro like the credits rolling on that movie.

There are so many dimensions to what we do. It’s emotional, heavy, cinematic, and unpredictable. But honestly, a lot of that insight comes from the fans. They’re the ones who tell us it feels different, that it means something special. And maybe that’s the real magic: sometimes the audience sees things even the magician doesn’t.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If my best friend was visiting Sikkim for a week, here’s how I’d show them the best time ever, GATC-style:

Day 1: We’d start in Gangtok with a relaxed brunch at The Coffee Shop on MG Marg, followed by a stroll down the promenade. In the evening, we’d catch some live music at Gangtok Groove and Café Live & Loud: where we once played intimate acoustic sets, so it’s close to our hearts.

Day 2: Start the day with a visit to Changu (Tsomgo) Lake, return to Gangtok for momos and thukpa at Taste of Tibet, take a peaceful pause at Enchey Monastery, and end the evening with drinks and views at Pub 25.

Day 3: Time to hit the road! A scenic drive to Lachung, with plenty of stops for waterfalls, tea, and photos. Then an early transfer via Lachen to Gurudongmar Lake the next morning. We’d stay overnight in a cozy homestay and hang out by the bonfire, swapping stories.

Day 4: We’d explore Yumthang Valley with breathtaking meadows, yaks, and snow peaks. If the roads are open, we’d go further up to Zero Point. Back to Gangtok by nightfall for hot soup and sleep!

Day 5: We’d drive to Pelling, stopping at Rabdentse Ruins and Pemayangtse Monastery on the way. The mountain views here are unreal, especially with Kanchenjunga peeking out.

Day 6: We’d hike to Kanchenjunga Waterfall and visit the Skywalk near Pelling. Late lunch at a local café, then back to Gangtok.

Day 7: Final day, we’d visit Tsomgo Lake. On the way back, we’d stop for tea with a view and grab souvenirs at MG Marg. A chill dinner at Osm Restro & Lounge with some local brew to wrap up the week.

Sikkim is a beautiful contradiction: serene yet vibrant, wild yet grounding. Its magic lies not just in the landscapes, but in the music, the people, and the quiet stories that echo through the hills.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people we owe our journey to, and it’s hard to name just one. First and foremost, our parents have been the foundation. Their belief and support gave us the courage to chase this path. Our partners and families have also been a huge strength, constantly holding us up through the highs and lows.

Then there are the countless well-wishers who’ve pushed our name forward purely out of love for our music: organisers, photographers, people helping manage the band, members of the press, and even a fan simply sharing our songs with friends or using their contacts to spread the word. All of them, in their own way, have added steps to the stairway we’ve been climbing.

And of course, our fans. We truly have a unique set of fans, and the sincerity with which they support us is something special. People often underestimate how powerful that kind of encouragement can be, but for us, it has meant everything. Every single one of these contributions, big or small, has helped shape Girish and The Chronicles into what it is today.

Website: https://www.girishandthechronicles.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girishandthechronicles/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/girishandthechronicles

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/girishpradhan9

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ESmfBoAhgOPpK9tRVixBH

Image Credits
3-Prabal Deep Das, 4-Vikram Chandrashekar, 5- LiveNation ME (Jeff)