Saturday 27 September 2014

Q&A WITH CHRONIC XORN (KOLKATA), THEIR NEW LYRIC VIDEO, ETC

Chronic Xorn, a Kolkata-based five-piece metal band are setting fire! The band recently got endorsed by ESP guitars through Furtados music.  Last night, they released a lyric video for their latest single 'The Great Human Failure' (check below). I've also added them to the Metalsphere list of bands for bookings, so feel free to contact me in case you want to book them! There are more details in this little interview I did with them.




For everyone who doesn't know you, introduce yourselves :)
Hi! We are Chronic Xorn from Kolkata.  The band was formed in 2008. We play a mix of melodic death and groove metal. We released our first EP in 2010 titled 'Death.Destruction.Sermon' and a full length album called 'From Mercy' in 2012.

Favourite food!
Bangalis are pretty renowned for being foodies and we are no exception to that. Just give us MEAT!

What is the mystery behind the force forming Chronic Xorn? (Simply, tell us a little history on the band!)
Well, the band was formed by Sunny, Tamaghna, Abhinav, Anindya and Jeet. However, over the years, we’ve had a lot of line up changes owing to job issues. The band was later joined by Angshuman, Suvam, Biswaroop and Sambit and that is our present lineup.

What's the metal scene in Kolkata like? 
The metal scene in Kolkata is getting better with time. In 2008 there were around 20-30 people who used to come to gigs, but since 2011-12 we have seen 200-300 people on a regular basis coming for gigs. The college fests have opened up to metal bands these days which is a real good thing and to top it off, metal bands are getting money (although it’s not a lot, but it’s still a good thing) for playing at fests.

What bands have inspired you from the start? 
We have a varied range of influences starting from Iron maiden and Metallica all the way to Dream Theater to All Shall Perish to Nile and Hate Eternal. It’s really hard to say specifically for every one of us.

You've released a lyric video for your song 'The Great Human Failure'. Why do a lyric video and what idea went behind this song? Is there going to be a concept album?
Well, basically we wanted to release a new single and instead of releasing an audio on Soundcloud we thought it’d be cool to do a lyric video with animation effects, it’s just that.
Yes, it is going to be a concept album and 'The Great Human Failure' is one of the tracks that will be present in that album. More details will be released soon from our camp!

Check Chronic Xorn's lyric video for 'The Great Human Failure' right here!



Tell me what's in store for the band? (Gigs, releases, merchandise)
Yes! Well, we are playing on the 29th of September at Elysium 2014 in Kolkata and we have a few gigs lined up in October and November (mostly not in Kolkata). We have also done a cover of Stairway to Heaven which we could not include in the album due to copyright issues. We’ll upload that cover soon. Plus, we’ve got some more teasers from the album coming soon!
New merchandise will be released along with the new album!

A message to all your lovely fans and supporters.
It has been a wonderful experience playing for you guys for all these years. Thank you for your support! Stay tuned for more of our updates. Cheers!














Chronic Xorn on Facebook
Twitter handle - @chronicxorn
Chronic Xorn on Soundcloud

\m/



Wednesday 24 September 2014

SOUND-AWAKE - INDIA'S FIRST STORE EXCLUSIVELY FOR INDIAN MERCHANDISE!

Have you heard of Sound-Awake?
They've recently opened India's first store dedicated EXCLUSIVELY to selling merchandise by Indian bands and artists. What you need to know is that this is India's one-stop shop for merchandise made by Indian bands, a convenient platform for bands to get their merch selling in a proper store and one place for people keen on buying merchandise to do so in one go! Instead of the online ordering hassle, people in Bangalore can now just take their metro or rickshaw or whatever the fuck vehicle they own and shop for stuff they'd value buying.

Doesn't mom sometimes enter the house with these random t-shirts that say 'I <3 NY' telling you, "It'll look good on you, beta"? Well, it's time you went shopping with mommy and showed her the store she can pick stuff up from which won't lead to a facepalm frenzy.

CALLING ALL BANDS WHO WISH TO SELL THEIR MERCHANDISE AT THIS STORE! DETAILS BELOW!

Orion and Albatross tees, now up for sale at the Sound-Awake store in Bangalore!


Here is a small Q&A with the Sound-Awake boys, so small that it is really only three questions. That's all you need to know.

Tell us something about Sound-Awake! (members, how old the company is, et al) 
Sound-Awake (formed in January 2012) is a capsule with Fellow Artist Management, Downtown Gig Production and Booking. At Sound-Awake, we completely thrive on the DIY motto and believe in one single entity called music.
Sound-Awake is setting its foot forward as the fuel for the Artists in the country. Our team comprises of Sangeeth Ram (Founder/CEO), Rohan Thomas, Abdul Sathar, Preran Rai.

What is it that made you want to open a store dedicated exclusively to Indian bands/artists? 
Keeping in mind the day to day struggles an Indian band/artist goes through when it comes to reach and recognition, The Sound-Awake store is doing its best. We have a wide array of merchandise on sale from fantastic and unique Indian bands/artists and wish for the list to keep growing.

A list of artists whose merchandise you have acquired as of now
The Raghu Dixit Project [Bangalore]
Lagori [Bangalore]
The Down Troddence [Bangalore]
Parvaaz [Bangalore]
Live Banned [Bangalore]
Orion [Mumbai]
Albatross [Mumbai]
Threinody [Bangalore]
As we keep searching [Pune]
Rock Paper Scissors [Artwork by Smita Murugan]


Store address: 
The Sound-Awake Store
#28, 1st Floor, Public Utility Building,
MG Road, Bangalore,
India 560001


If you are lost or want to get your merchandise selling at the store..
Feel free to call Sangeeth Ram on +91 9535336383 or email soundawake.mailbox@gmail.com



We wish the team good luck on their awesome venture! Long live Indian music, and more importantly the people who support independent artists!

Tuesday 23 September 2014

GIG UPDATE AND INTERVIEW WITH THE STORMBRINGER TEAM (THE STORMFEST ANNIVERSARY)

Pepsi MTV Indies Live and The Stormbringer present The Stormfest Anniversary, this weekend in Pune! Here's an interview I've done with the organizer that's bringing to us one of the most kickass gigs in proximity on the 28th of September 2014. Man, this Pune scene is killing it. Mumbai, it's time we travelled to Pune for gigs. I'm going for sure!



For you lazy fuckers who don't want to read the poster, here is the lineup:

Orcus (Mumbai)
Providence (Mumbai)
THE DOWN TRODDENCE (Kannur/Bangalore)


Name of organizer (come on come on tell us, don't hide!) 
We’re collectively called The Stormbringer – Tushar Joshi, Utkarsh Golatkar, Kaushik Joshi & Aakanksha Rao

Favourite food 
Tushar - Cinnabons
Utkarsh – Anything non veg. (including the jokes)
Kaushik Joshi -  Dabeli (seriously)
Aakanksha Rao – Wada Pav

Which was the first gig you did in Pune?
Our first gig was 'The Stormfest' on 21st September 2013. We had Virion, Cruoris, Adamantium , Bleeding Edge, Cosmic Infusion and Gutslit. It was at this crappy banquet hall in Wakad but it was one mental gig! All the Pune bands gave a stellar performance and Gutslit & Cosmic Infusion killed the crowd.

What's special about this anniversary edition of Stormfest? 
We've grown a lot over the last year and come a long way from an underground venue, low budget etc. to commercial, ambient venues and high-profile bands. We decided we need to get the best band in the current scene and couldn’t think of anyone else other than The Down Troddence who’ve recently won 8 awards at the Rolling Stone Metal Awards (2014). We’re also getting Providence who have gathered a lot of fans in Pune since the last time they were seen by Pune fans, so we’re really keen on having them both!

What was the initial idea behind organizing gigs?
I’ve (Tushar) been part of the Pune music scene since 2004 performing in a few bands, the likes of Campus Rock Idols and some Mixtape events, Yamaha Roxx etc., doing gigs on a regular basis. We had a lot of gigs until I left the country in 2008. I returned in 2013 hoping to perform again but only to find that there are only competitions and mall gigs where bands could perform with an exception of very few independent gigs. That was pathetic! Bands should not have to compete with each other and malls are no place for a band to perform. Moreover, the bands end up paying up to Rs. 1000 as registration fee just to get 15 minutes of crappy sound from a sound engineer whose forte is Indian festivals, playing to a crowd of Honey Singh & EDM lovers and at the end of it, bands get disappointed because they lose to a band that has been playing for years. They also get into a state of bitching about the other bands, which was really unhealthy for the scene as we’re all in this together and suffering equally. So I realized that something needs to be done about this and decided to get into organizing gigs.
Also, the idea behind doing gigs in Pune was that other organizers were bringing in bands from outside and the local bands were barely getting a stage to perform. I was also told by a very prominent independent event organizer that Pune bands aren’t good. I refused to accept that as we’ve always had some really great bands come out of the city in the past. Currently, in my opinion, we definitely have some amazing talent in the city that just needs to be nurtured and encouraged. However, if I’m being biased and if its true that they are in fact not worth giving a stage to perform, then unless they are given a chance with a fair setup where they can perform, they can’t be expected to improve. It was that simple. So I formed The Stormbringer as an initiative to promote the local bands/artists.

What genres have you been doing gigs in?
We’re involved with bands/artists right from Classical to Extreme Metal. We’re in it to promote independent music so we don’t segregate genres.

Besides this, what is it that you do for a living, or is this your only job?
I (Tushar) do this full time. Utkarsh is a vocalist. Kaushik works in Kirloskar's accounts department and Aakanksha works for AIESEC.

Do you play music? 
I play bass, rhythm guitars (I’m really bad). Utkarsh is a vocalist for Chaoskampf and the only talented musician in the team. Kaushik and Aakanksha, both are professional bathroom singers.

What lies ahead for the Stormbringer!?
We’re planning a lot of things. Next step will be to move into other cities apart from Pune and improve the independent music scene there. So watch out people, THERE’S A STORM COMING OUT OF PUNE!! \m/


RSVP for The STORMFEST ANNIVERSARY EDITION HERE!
Here's the Facebook page for the Stormbringer.. CLICK CLICK!

See you this weekend, Pune!
\m/

Monday 15 September 2014

DRUMMER WEEK: GAUTAM DEB (NOISEWARE, PMOC)

I've known Deb for a few years now, competing with Chronic Phobia at many gigs with Noiseware! He's one hell of a drummer! Check this long interview I've done with him. :)






Full name and age.
Gautam Deb and just turned 25.
I'm feeling extremely old already.

What is your favourite dish/cuisine?
Indian (home) food any day.

Kindly tell us about all your precious gear! (Sticks, cymbals, kit, skins, gear/bags)
I have a Mapex kit in Pune but will be upgrading it soon, and got a Roland TD 11k  E- kit in Bombay. I've got 15 gorgeous cymbals from Soultone cymbals.
I'm currently in love with them. I've got a mix of dark and bright sets.
As for sticks, I use either a Vic Firth or Vater 5A/5B/7B.
All gig bags and practice pads are sorted, thanks to Alberto. He's a God's gift to all the musicians in Bombay.

How long have you been playing the drums?
I've been playing since nine years. I took drumming up seriously when I was in school in Pune and was very sure that this is what I am going to do.

What got you into playing drums?
Women/girls.
Then I realized there’s more to it….haha!

Have you learned to read music as well, or do you just play by ear?
I use a lethal combination of both.
I got myself into reading a couple of years back but then I developed my own style of reading, thanks to my school/teacher/college ….Noiseware.
I programme what I play so I get a midi chart and I use that chart as my reading sheets.
The advantage is that I can hear what I write and even slow down the tempo if I want to which I’m sure a piece of paper can't do, but then when I'm jamming, I just use my ear and try to create something and then take it to the midi charts.
Reading is an important aspect and helps understand time and every musician should at least know it if not use it.

Loud and pounding| soft and accurate| the normal drummer. What do you prefer?
Is this a sexpert question? haha…but anyway
It depends on what you are playing. Currently I freelance as a drummer and playing different genres needs different styles of playing. So, understanding the physics of dynamics is important.




What thought goes into the composing process?
This one is all about the ear. No amount of charts can help you make a good song unless you are Beethoven.
If it sounds good then it is good. For learning and refining, yes, charts would definitely help you.

What other music projects are you currently a part of?
Currently I’m writing an album with Noiseware (Metchul) and PMOC (Pinnochio's Moment of Clarity) which is sort of a post rock album.
Creatively I’m just involved with these two projects.
Last year I worked on an album with Reverrse polarity with Keshav Dhar producing it and it was a great learning experience for me.

Do you have a day job? What is it that you do?
Not really. I play the drums and I make a living out of it.
I also have a design firm so I switch temporarily during an off-season.
So yeah, two professions as of now but never ever a day fucking job.

Your favorite musicians (Indian)
Guitar: Warren Mendonsa, Prashant Shah (Scribe),Adhiraj (Noiseware), Anurag Shankar (Siddharth Basrur project)
Bass: Sheldon D'silva, Carl Peters, Rushad Mistry, Abhinav Chaudhary (Circus), Adi Mistry
Drums: Jai Row Kavi, Gino Banks, Vinayak Pol, Nishant Hagjer (UndyingInc), Varun Venkit, Ranjit Barot
Vocals: Vishwesh, Siddharth Basrur, Clinton Cerejo, Shashank Bhatnagar
Any other instrument:
Taufiq Qureshi (Percussions) Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia (Bansuri)
Zakhir Hussain(Tabla), V.Selvaganesh

Your favourite musicians (international)
Guitar: Fredrik Thordendal, Tosin Abasi,  John McLaughlin, Andrew Goddard, Wes Borland, Dave Brubeck
Bass: Roy Mitchell (Mutemath), Jon Stockman( Karnivool), Victor Wooten,  Jaco Pastorius, Sam Rivers, Tal Wilkenfeld
Drums: Steve Judd, Darren King, Chris Coleman, Tony Royster Jr, Tomas Haake, Matt Halpern, Vincent Colaiuta, Dave Weckl, Travis Barker, Kerim Krimh Lechner
Vocals: Fin Greenall (Fink), Ian Kenny, Bruce Dickinson, Corey taylor,
Any other instrument:
Daniel Waples - hang drum
Chick Corea- Piano
Hiromi- Piano/Keyboard
Hans zimmer- composer and music producer
Bonobo- composer

Can we expect a release from your band(s) any time soon?
Both the bands Noiseware and PMOC are planning to release their albums by end this year.

Whom do you look up to, as a musician and a band?
There are so many hardworking musicians in the country today.
Some musicians/bands inspire me the most are Sahil Makhija,Rahul Hariharan,Coshish and also people like Nikhil Udupa,Himanshu,Rishu,Shadaab,Bobin james,Uttara Mendonsa who are building the Independent music scene.

A message to all your fans (hello ladies!)
Hello Ladies Call me maybe!? Please.
All guy fans…Only chat online maybe.

Thanks so much for your time! 
Its always a pleasure chatting with you Pratika.
You are awesome!






Noiseware on Facebook
Pinocchio's Moment of Clarity on Facebook


\m/

One more interview and lets wrap this up!





Thursday 11 September 2014

DRUMMER WEEK: VIBHAS VENKATRAM (ECCENTRIC PENDULUM)

Every whack and hit in the technical space seems to seamlessly fit into this drummer's spectrum! One of the tightest and best drummers in the Indian metal scene, Vibhas Venkatram of Eccentric Pendulum is the man behind the indispensable odd time signatures and grooves in this band! Here's a quick and crazy interview with this guy!

Photo courtesy: Munz Photography






Full name and age.
Vibhas Venkatram, 27.

What is your favourite dish/cuisine? 
Street food, Indian, Thai, Italian (Anything vegetarian)

Kindly tell us about all your precious gear! (Sticks, cymbals, kit, skins, gear/bags)
I have a basic GB&A 5-piece drumkit, Pearl Omar Hakim Signature snare drum, Tama Iron Cobra double pedals, Sabian B8 pro hi hats, Wuhan China cymbals (12" and 14"), Meinl HCS Splash cymbals (8" and 10"). I use Vic Firth 8D/85A sticks.

How long have you been playing the drums?
I've been drumming since August 2005.

What got you into playing drums?
Repeated playing of Slipknot's 'Iowa' and Linkin Park's 'Hybrid Theory'. A couple of friends wanted to jam and were looking for a drummer to perform at a college fest.  I loved the experience and after that, it just turned into a serious hobby.

Have you learned to read music as well, or do you just play by ear?
Both. I prefer playing by ear unless there is an intricate drum beat/fill which I HAVE to play the way it is composed, in which case I refer the sheet music.

Loud and pounding | soft and accurate | the normal drummer. What do you prefer?
The dynamics depend on the type of music. I prefer varied dynamics (again, depends on the music)

Eccentric Pendulum (2012)


What thought goes into the composing process?
A lot of thought. Heh. To be open minded, creative and coming up with parts that don't just mindlessly follow the guitar riffs. Smooth transition between parts of the song, a few good fills etc. Basicall,y to break the monotony in metal drumming (or try to!)

What other music projects are you currently a part of?
I'm trying to explore the non-metal side of music. I've been jamming with a bunch of amazing musicians and should be performing real soon.

Do you have a day job? What is it that you do?
I am a full-time musician. I teach, record and perform.

Your favorite musicians (Indian, other than EP members, of course)
Guitar: Tony Das, Pradeep Ramanathan, Anshuman Mishra, Sandesh Nagaraj.
Bass: Gurdip Singh Narang, Abbas Razvi.
Drums: Manu Krishnan, Abhinav Yogesh, Yadhunandan Nagaraj, Mithun Puthanaveetil
Vocals: Sylvester Pradeep, Bruce Lee Mani

Your favourite musicians (international)
Guitar: John McLaughlin, Paul Masvidal, Chuck Schuldiner, Jeff Loomis, Greg Howe.
Bass: Anthony Jackson, Justin Chancellor, Tetsuo Sakurai , Mariusz Duda.
Drums: Gavin Harrison, Danny Carey, Sean Reinert, Simon Phillips, Thomas Haake, Vinnie Colaiuta.
Vocals: Daniel Gildenlöw, Maynard James Keenan, Thom Yorke,  Warrel Dane, Mikael Akerfeldt.
Piano: Hiromi Uehara, Robert Glasper

Can we expect a release from your band(s) any time soon?
Eccentric Pendulum's second album is on its way. We are looking for an early 2015 release. (hopefully!)

Whom do you look up to, as a musician and a band?
Musicians/Bands who keep pushing the boundaries. Hiromi Uehara, Thom Yorke, Tool, Meshuggah,  Cynic, John McLaughlin, Gavin Harrison.

A message to all your fans (hello ladies!)
Thanks for all the support. Keep an open mind and support all artists. Cheers!

Photo courtesy: Danz Photography

Eccentric Pendulum on Facebook


\m/


Friday 5 September 2014

DRUMMER WEEK: VIRENDRA KAITH A.K.A VIRU (DEMONIC RESURRECTION, SCRIBE, ETC.)

Always known as Viru, this man needs no introduction. From Demonic Resurrection to Far Travel Music, Viru is a drummer with versatility, power and a bunch of other drumming skills! He is, without a doubt, one of the best drummers in India This also being one of the best interviews I've done, here's a detailed conversation with Viru! Check it out!

From Demonic Resurrection's 'The Demon King' photoshoot


Full name and age.
Virendra Gagan Kaith, 33

What is your favourite dish/cuisine?
Dal rice with papad and achaar. And Indian Chinese food.

Kindly tell us about all your precious gear! (Sticks, cymbals, kit, skins, gear/bags)
I got a Mapex "Pro M" kit
All my drum accessories are also by Mapex
Promark sticks
Zildjian Z3 cymbals, and only my hi hats are K series
Pearl Demon Drive Pedals
American Tourister backpack
Walking shoes from Decathlon which I also use while playing drums, sometimes.

How long have you been playing the drums?
It's broken up into sections. I started playing drums when I was in school and my uncle would set up the whole kit in our living room (joint family vibe). I played a couple of gigs with my uncle where I would  support him on the octopad or congas while he would be on the drumkit. Then I properly started playing drums while I was in college, which is in the year 2000. Used to jam with Mithun (Guitarist of PDV) as we were in the same college. But then from 2002 to 2005 I started working in a recording studio called Throatlatch. That is when I was more inclined towards how to record and mix rather than actually playing the drums. But then that experience has helped shaping myself as a drummer. From 2005, I started playing regularly as a drummer and even got to join PDV. And in 2007, I joined Demonic Resurrection. Since then there has been no looking back (Because there's only a backdrop behind me!)

What got you into playing drums?
Music was always being played in my house as my uncle was a professional drummer. We were very encouraged to participate in all these extracurricular activities in school, so that got me excited about rhythms in general. I remember, I used to set and program different grooves on my uncle's Roland SPD-20. Since then, its been a journey of meeting like-minded musicians and friends that got me into playing drums on a professional level.

Have you learned to read music as well, or do you just play by ear?
I would initially practice by listening to songs and figuring out parts. Then, I was also fascinated to learn how to read music, as everything that was available online was in musical language, so I learnt reading music by myself through online content available on the internet. It's a combination of both that has helped me explore more boundaries.

Loud and pounding | soft and accurate | the normal drummer. What do you prefer?
I would ideally prefer a loud and pounding drummer, because I am more inclined towards listening/playing a lot of metal music. However, as a freelance musician, I have learnt that there is so much more in playing different styles that enhances the music as a whole. So you can't go bashing the drumkit at all the gigs. Sometimes, it is more challenging to go a step back and maintain a clarity in your playing, that suddenly gives the music another dimension.



What thought goes into the composing process?
I am actually not someone who can compose something from scratch. But I work as an arranger, where if someone has an idea, I can maybe enhance it with whatever knowledge I have gather. And always, for me, music comes first. I treat the arrangement depending on how the music flows.

What other music projects are you currently a part of?
I will try and name them all:
Demonic Resurrection (Metal)
Scribe (Scribecore)
Sparsh (Hindi Rock)
Mihir Joshi Band (Blues Rock)
Far Travel Music (Electro Alt)
Treble Bite (Rock N Roll)
Ash King (Bollywood Pop)
Mahalakshmi Iyer (Funk Fusion)
FIFA 14 Career Mode :P
Clash of Clans ftw!!!!


Your favorite musicians (Indian)
Guitar: Prashant Shah
Bass: Rushad Mistry
Drums: Gino Banks
Vocals: Papon
Any other instrument: Rasika (Flute/Vocals)

Your favourite musicians (international)
Guitar: Fredrik Thordendal (Meshuggah)
Bass: Billy Sheehan (Naicin)
Drums: Tomas Haake (Meshuggah)
Vocals: Corey Taylor (Slipknot)
Any other instrument: Zakir Hussain
LeRoi Moore (Dave Matthews Band)

Can we expect a release from your band(s) any time soon?
Demonic Resurrection - Released in July, 2014
Far Travel Music - EP released in June, 2014
Sparsh - Working on the debut album, hopefully by this year end
Mihir Joshi Band - Album released in June 2014
Scribe - Hail Mogambo!!!!!!!!!! :)

Whom do you look up to, as a musician and a band?
As a musician, it would be Gino Banks, he should endorse the slogan "Eat drums, sleep drums, play drums". He is like an inspiration that pushes your limits to make you a better musician every day.

A message to all your fans (hello ladies!)
All my bands are releasing newer stuff this year. So go grab your copy. And you can get in touch with me through my facebook page if you have any queries regarding drums, or how to be in so many bands :P
Also, I am up to play FIFA anytime!!!!  Or even rink football!!!!


Demonic Resurrection on Facebook
Scribe on Facebook
Sparsh on Facebook
Far Travel Music on Facebook
Treble Bite on Facebook
Ash King on Facebook
Mahalakshmi Iyer on Facebook




\m/

Wednesday 3 September 2014

DRUMMER WEEK: VARUN SOOD (BLAKC)

Varun Sood is a fucking metal drummer and there's no doubt about that! Earlier being drummer of former Delhi band 'Frequency', he now works in Mumbai. Besides his amazing corporate job (lul), he is drummer of Blakc. Having played at Slayer and Metallica tributes in the past, this hard-hitting drummer is an absolute treat to watch, and you can take my word for it. He's one of the tightest drummers I've seen live in recent times. Check this cute interview I did with the Punjabi drummer!




Full name and age.
Varun Sood (aka Punjabidrummer on Youtube), 29.

What is your favourite dish/cuisine?
I guess it’s a close competition between Rajma Chawal and Golgappe (better known as Pani Puri in Mumbai)

Kindly tell us about all your precious gear! (Sticks, cymbals, kit, skins, gear/bags)
I am really gear agnostic as of now since I have broken all my cymbals. So I basically play whatever is available at the venue. However, I do have a faithful Iron Cobra double bass pedal that has been serving me for a good 6 years now.

How long have you been playing the drums?
I think I have just completed 8 years.

What got you into playing drums?
I remember seeing Prestorika, a popular thrash metal band from Delhi playing at my college in 2003, and all I remember is staring at the drummer belting it for an hour. I just knew then that this what I want to learn.

Have you learned to read music as well, or do you just play by ear?
By ear. I have tried to dabble with learning notations but honestly I really suck at it.

Loud and pounding | soft and accurate | the normal drummer. What do you prefer?
Loud and pounding any bloody day of the year!

Live with Blakc


What thought goes into the composing process?
I have always wanted to be “a band’s drummer”. My job is to get the foundation right and that’s what I try and do with every song. I mostly sit with the bassist and the guitarist to figure out what groove fits the song best.

What other music projects are you currently a part of?
As of now, I play full-time for Blakc. However, I am open to playing sessions (Hullo! Can anyone hear me??)

Do you have a day job? What is it that you do?
Yup. I work as a Financial Analyst for a real estate company.

Your favorite musicians (Indian)
Guitar: Akshay Rajpurohit, Warren Mendonsa, Bruce Lee Mani, Adil Manuel
Bass: Roop Thomas Philip, Ashish Sharma (ex-Frequency)
Drums: Jai Row Kavi, Rahul Hariharan, Viru Kaith, Nishant Hagjer, Gino Banks
Vocals: Sidharth Basrur, Shashank Bhatnagar

Your favourite musicians (international)
Guitar: Steve Vai, Stephen Carpenter (Deftones), Fredrik Thordendal, Dave Mustaine
Bass: Billy Sheehan, Flea, Stuart Zender (Jamiroquai)
Drums: Tomas Haake, Brad Wilk, Lars Ulrich, Abe Cunningham, Dennis Chambers…this list is too long to fit the page
Vocals: James Hetfield, Chris Cornell, Zach de la Rocha, Chino Moreno

Can we expect a release from your band(s) any time soon?
We (Blakc) are working really hard towards our third album and we expect to come out with a new record in 2015.

Whom do you look up to, as a musician and a band?
Too many to list here, but as a musician definitely all my favorite drummers listed above.

A message to all your fans (hello ladies!)
Just a big hug and thank you for supporting me so far. Keep doing the same and I’ll keep drumming forever! :)

Somebody's preparing for kids :P 


Blakc on Facebook

\m/


Monday 1 September 2014

DRUMMER WEEK: MAYANK SHARMA (ZYGNEMA, ATMOSFEAR, AGNYA)

One of my oldest friends in the Mumbai metal scene, Mayank Sharma is the metronome behind some really kickass bands, one being one of India's biggest metal bands Zygnema! Playing different styles from power groove/heavy metal in Zygnema to death metal in Atmosfear and some fusion with Agnya, Mayank never fails to come across as one of the tightest and most accurate live drummers we've seen. Working on recording live drums for all of these bands, he is also now going to be an active part of Providence. Here's an interesting interview with Mayank!


Zygnema


Full name and age.
Mayank Sharma, 25

What is your favourite dish/cuisine?  
My favorite would be Kheema that my mom makes. We have kheema parties at my place. :P

Kindly tell us about all your precious gear! (Sticks, cymbals, kit, skins, gear/bags)
Vater Drum Sticks, Sabian cymbals. I have a Gladnick (local manufacturer) Custom kit for home practice. I majorly use Evans Heads and a Tama Iron Cobra double-bass pedal.

How long have you been playing the drums?
9 Years

What got you into playing drums?
I got pulled in by Linkin Park. I really enjoyed the grooves that Rob (drummer) played and how different the patterns were in each song. My father, being a drummer who always wanted me to learn drums, forced me into learning instruments. I come from a family of musicians so every one wanted me to learn something and I acted like a rebel as they were all forcing me (WHAT A FOOL I WAS)
When I was in the 11th standard, a guy did a guitar solo performance at the Annual College Programme. He was Shrikant Sreenivasan (Coshish). I went back home and I thought “I have a drum kit, why can't I just start practicing and then call Shrikant over to jam with him?".. and that is how it all began!

Have you learned to read music as well, or do you just play by ear?
I do know to read and write music, but I only approach it when it's needed, but generally I play by ear. If I do not understand a part maybe I would check out its transcripts, but that hardly ever happens.
I started learning the drums on my own and after a year or so I realized that I need to learn the instrument properly from a good teacher and then I found the best set of teachers I could have and got myself enrolled in the classes. Gino Banks, Sandy, Vinayak Pol, Jai Row Kavi. It was compulsory to know to read and write music with the above mentioned teachers.

Loud and pounding | soft and accurate | the normal drummer. What do you prefer?
It's about the type of music that I am playing but my personal favorite is LOUD AND POUNDING!



What thought goes into the composing process?
I am a very groove and accent-oriented person, At times, I try and follow a riff with its own groove and accentuate according to the riff. At times if I feel a different rhythm and groove to a riff or a pattern can go well together, so I just try and apply that. At times it's as easy as something just popping up in your head or you feeling something perfectly fits in and you try it. It is easily executable but then there are times when you think of something and executing it takes days.

What other music projects are you currently a part of?
I am with a Death Metal Band  - Atmosfear and a ambient fusion band – Agnya. I am also now helping Providence with the drummer duties.

Do you have a day job? What is it that you do?
Play Drums

Your favorite musicians (Indian)
Guitar: Prashant Shah, Sidharth Kadadi, Charan Singh Pathania, Bruce Mckoy
Bass: Roop Thomas, Sheldon Dsilva, Reuben Bhattacharya, Anish Nair, Leon Quadros
Drums: Gino Banks, Jai Row Kavi, Virendra Kaith, Nishant Hagjer, Tao Issrao, Rahul Hariharan, Hamza Kazi
Vocals:Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy, Jimmy, Siddharth Basrur, Sunneith Revankar

Your favourite musicians (international)
Guitar: Dimebag Darrell, Fredrik Thordendal, Marten Hagstorm, Mark Hosking, Andrew Goddard, Adam Jones, Devin Townsend, Vogg, Mattias IA Eklundh, Wes Borland
Bass: Jon Stockman, Sam Rivers, Dick Lövgren, Justin Chancellor
Drums: Morgan Agren, Thomas Haake, Gene Hoglan, Gavin Harrison, Danny Carey, Benny Greb, Jojo Mayer, Stef Broks, Chris Adler
Vocals: Devin Townsend, Randy Blythe, Phil Anselmo, Max Cavalera, Corey Taylor, Ian Kenny, Maynard James Keenan


Can we expect a release from your band(s) any time soon?
All the bands that I am with are working on albums.
I have already finished the drum tracking for Atmosfear and the bass is also done. After we finish tracking guitars and vocals, it'll be closer to seeing an end product.
Zygnema will be entering the studio in the first week of September to track the drums and follow on.
Agnya might also be entering the studio by mid September or early October to work on the full length album.
So yeah, there's a lot of stuff is happening in a span of two months and I will also be working with Providence on their album.

Whom do you look up to, as a musician and a band?
As a musician I look up to every other musician to gain knowledge from them. Every one teaches you something or the other. I have been learning so much from the drummers around me, like few simple fills and their application, which I might not have thought of. I keep me ears and eyes out to the musicians so that I can learn something new from them. As a drummer, I look up to all my favorite drummers.

A message to all your fans (hello ladies!)
Thank you to every one for the support and for appreciating my work. If you are a musician then keep practicing and you will achieve what you want. If you are not a musician, just enjoy the music and get drunk. And then drink again.



Zygnema on Facebook | Twitter | Reverbnation
Atmosfear on Facebook and Twitter
Agnya on Facebook



\m/