Randolph Correia is undoubtedly the original rock boy! Strumming the guitar for India's first revolutionary rock band Pentagram, Randolph has come a long way from the head-banging death metal fan; from where he began his ‘instrumental' journey.
Climbing the musical ladder steadily, today this suave musician is some what of an idol for anybody with a penchant for anything rock, core or metal. He is a star in the world that ‘rocks'!
A tete a tete with this charmer reveals his tale of glory.
How it all began
I went to art school while I was very young, something that happened subconsciously I guess; I always knew music flowed in my system instead of blood! So art school - that is where my music education began in the true sense.
My mates and I used to inspire each other with thoughts of changing the world with music, philosophy, history and art. But my music education had begun even before all that. As a kid in a Goan household I was introduced to lots of cool western music from James Brown to Bob Marley to Pink Floyd, before I even knew who they really were.I started playing guitar at the age of 15 because of my love for death metal at that point.
Why music as an occupation among many others ?
Music didn't really shine in my mind as a profession or an occupation; it was my single-minded passion. Music always spoke to me and subsequently I spoke through music.
Of course, without forgetting the fact that I had to practice guitar till my fingers blistered, which almost made me give it up! But at the end of it , the fact that I wake up every morning loving what I do and still being excited to ‘get to work' is worth all that hard work; blisters, achy joints, croaking voices, all of it!
Describe your journey till date
If I had to sum it up in two words – mind-bending! I always admit that I feel like the luckiest guy in the world. All this said, only I know how hard I've had to strive towards my goal and the zillion sacrifices I've had to make on the way.
Guitar, drums; the whole works...
I'm basically a guitarist . But I really wish I could be a drummer; to be honest,I can play a beat. I joke around on the synth a bit, the piano and a few samplers. I could pretty much jam on most percussive instruments as good as an ape!
What kind of music should ‘beginners' be listening to ?
I've always believed music is a calling; your beats will come to you automatically. Give all kinds of music a go; from retro, trance, hip-hop to Latin and see what appeals to your ear-drums. My personal favourite would be music with soul, edge, poetry, and lots of distorted bass. Everybody should try this out.
Future plans?
Professional plans are one thing, that's gonna take its course if I keep working hard. But I have other parallel ones; music to me means love and freedom and through this very medium I want to create in the minds of the people, more respect for the planet and to stop being so selfish and greedy. That's my ultimate goal.
“Be yourself and stand for what you believe in, no matter what others say.” – with that mantra, Randolph raps off!
