In this day and age, when every other day sees the rise and fall of a different boy band, the emergence of Weston Estate as that fresh vitality has come to beguile young hearts throughout the country. The Indian-American fusion boy band came into existence back in 2017 in North Carolina. Since then, they have been seamlessly blending cultures, sounds, and styles, resonating with people from all walks of life. Catchy tunes with great lyrics have them boundlessly fastening onto the mantle of “ya aunty’s favorite boy band,” capturing not just the teen demographic but the hearts of parents and older generations alike.
“I think what they do very well is the simple stuff,” said Ananthajith Muralidharan, a junior at Lebanon Trail High School. “Simple melodies, simple beats, and simple lyrics, all on an elevated level. To me, it’s comfortable. I can always return to a Weston song and feel a sort of equilibrium.”
Weston Estate is a five-man team of talented souls: Marco Gomez, Tanmay Joshi, Abhi Manhass, Srikar Nanduri, and Manas Panchavati. Each one gives the quintet his peculiar flavor, making their unity nothing but fresh and exciting. In 2022, their latest album was released, titled Maggie Valley. The name shows just how far they go as they change and express themselves as artists. Listening to the various fusions between pop and R&B along with classic Indian influences merged into a symphony can give a special aura to today’s music spectra.
“I have always been an R&B fan growing up and I feel like this is the general basis for all of the songs they make,” said Anya Biju, a senior at Lebanon Trail High School. “I have also already grown up listening to pop music with my friends and my family so this blend of music is honestly the exact replica of who I am/what I’ve grown up listening to!”
What makes Weston Estate unique is not just their music but the personal connection they have with their ever-growing fanbase. Social media played a huge role in their rise because, through behind-the-scenes peeks, interactive Q&A sessions, and electric performances, they could communicate directly with their audience and captivate them with their music.
“My favorite band member is Marco Luka and after my friend and I spoke to all of the members, I came back home and he had actually replied to my story and thanked us for coming out,” said Biju. “They are very genuine but it was really fun because it shows they truly care about their fans!”
“Estate-ers,” otherwise known as the name of their fanbase, have often claimed that Weston Estate’s music serves as the soundtrack of their lives – illustrating turning points, an escape, and a home. Naturally, their music resonates with fans through the lyrics of their songs as they speak to the feelings of the youth – joy, first love, and maturity. The energy was alive as every note was cheered and loved.
“My experience at the concert was definitely unforgettable,” said Biju. “This was the second concert of theirs I went to so it was really fun because this time, my friends and I got the Gold VIP Pass so there was a meet and greet. It was a little shorter than other concerts I’ve been to but they are my favorite band so it was really fun! My favorite song is Saturday Nights since day one and they didn’t play it, unfortunately, but all of their new songs are centered around loss of love and it’s a little different from what I’ve heard from them!”
Be it from the grounds of Weston Estate to the shores of England, their journey has been a testament to their dedication and hard work. Despite some band members touring and creating new music, each one holds humble qualities, making them very down-to-earth. The band gives importance to talking about their roots, how and why they matter, and the significance of the rich, cultural heritage each member brings into the circle. Their work is an assurance to spark an entirely new generation of artists – people who aim to prove that diversified backgrounds can coexist in harmony within the field of music.
“I think Weston opened my eyes to the possibilities that come with being a part of the music industry,” said Muralidharan. “As a kid, I always wanted to be part of a band with my friends. However, as I became older, I realized that there was almost no South Asian representation in the Western music scene. It made me feel isolated and alone in my dream of being a musician. Eventually, I stumbled across Weston’s music in April of 2024 and quickly began to enjoy their music. Seeing other South Asians just like me, living my dream, was nothing short of inspirational.”
With the music industry in constant evolution, Weston Estate comes forward to lead the coming wave of boy bands. Their cultural influences, captivating melodies, and heartfelt lyrics give them that fresh breath the industry was waiting for. From what it would seem, their next moves are awaited by fans, proof that Weston Estate is here to stay and not just a phase.
“Recently, I’ve seen Weston hoodies everywhere around school, even on people who I’d never expect to listen to,” said Muralidharan. “I think what propelled them to this new level of fame was their familiar music and message.”
As Weston Estate is starting to pick up pace in the music world, one thing’s for sure: they’re going to capture hearts, inspire dreams, and meaningfully redefine what a boy band is to an entirely new generation. Keep watching them shine – Weston Estate is just getting started.
