When the crowd screams in unison for ‘Kandisa’, Rahul Ram assures them that Indian Ocean will not go home without having performed the song for the Bengalureans. The five members comprising Indian Ocean had the crowd, numbering well into the thousands, eating out of their hands at Forum Mall, Koramangala.
From ‘Behney Do’, which is a youth anthem, to ‘Jhini Re, Indian Ocean’s rendition of Kabir Das’s poem, this contemporary fusion rock band’s infectious energy and emotion were carried into the crowd.
Renowned for their eclectic mix of songs with a deep history behind them, Indian Ocean’s music often uses folk elements with a contemporary touch.
They have also made music for movies such as Black Friday and Masaan . Over cookies and coffee, the band talks about their music.
Rahul Ram, the band’s lead vocalist and bass guitarist, observes the changes he has seen over the 26 years of the band’s existence. He calls for a quick average of ages of the members to be taken and arrives at the conclusion.
“We are a much younger band now!” he laughs, pointing out the “youngest babies,” Tuheen Chakravorty, who plays the tabla, and guitarist, Nikhil Rao. On a more serious note, “The music we made was almost entirely instrumental when we started off. Gradually, the vocals came in, along with new instruments like the clarinet and saxophone. The band is also more rock-y now,” says Rahul.
How has the Indian music scene evolved over the years? “The changes have been drastic! At the time of our inception, was the big pop explosion in India. Soon after, people discovered that Bollywood music sells. The result is that you barely see independent musicians on television today,” explains Rahul.
“Everything has gone digital now, and the way music is sold has changed. When was the last time you bought a CD?” he asks, pertinently. Their album 16/330 Khajoor Road was available for free download, with one new song being made available online each month starting in 2010.
Similarly, Tandanu , the album containing Indian Ocean’s collaboration with seven musicians, was launched song-by-song on iTunes, on a weekly basis.
Rahul is unable to pick a favourite among all the tracks that Indian Ocean has made over the years. He makes Nikhil, the newest addition to the band, pick, and Nikhil says, “My favourite track constantly changes, but it currently stands at ‘Gar Ho Sake’, which was made in collaboration with Shubha Mudgal.”
On the aspect of performance spaces, Nikhil says he prefers a closed auditorium, where the music can be heard better. If he had to give a piece of advice to upcoming musicians, what would he say? “Work hard, work relentlessly and work with people you like,” says Rahul.
Indian Ocean has performed in Bengaluru several times and has never had a bad show, says the band.
Rahul also has a connection with Bengaluru that goes back several years. He laments the sorry state of the traffic in the city.
“Three hours from the airport to Banashankari!” he exclaims. “The city has changed, but I still love the trees, the food and the people.”
