For pop singer Rodney Fernandes, who kicked off his career when he was 12, pursuing music rather than studies, was a bee in his bonnet. His grandfather was his inspiration. “My interest for music developed listening to the instrumental music my grandfather played. That’s when I realised that it was my ‘true-calling’, since then music has always been a part of me,” says Rodney.
Today, with his 10-member band, he says, for an enthusiastic vocalist, performing on stage should not only be a matter of enjoyment, but also of celebration. It is an obligation to keep the crowd entertained. “Simplicity and high spirits are the key to get in with the crowd. Unlike other bands where music is given priority, we focus on the way we present ourselves, the costumes, props or energy we employ to keep the audience engrossed in the performance. We also make sure we hang out with the crowd after the show.”
Having sung in Konkani for Finding Fanny, Rodney say, “Today’s Bollywood songs are no more about music. Music directors who make music want to sing themselves. Though I did a few songs for Hindi movies, I am more interested in doing shows.” Starting from his very first album, In Akhiyon Mein to the Orion Festival Of Giving, a charity programme held in the city, spreading love and awareness had been his only vision. “Money apart, to me, music is all about spreading love. I’m striving for it. We can also use music to spread awareness among people, as it reaches to a large mass. Basically, music is madness filled with love.”
