Every band strives to make a mark on the scene. Bengaluru-based progressive music band Rainburn is doing the same, carving its unique musical identity.
Comprising frontman Vats Iyengar on lead vocals and guitar, Praveen Kumar on drums, Vineet Gogoi on guitar and vocals and Allan Julius Fernandes on bass and vocals, the four-member band believes in being organic in their music and allowing their influences to shape their songs.
Describing their musical journey since the band’s inception in 2011 as eventful, Praveen says they’ve had lots of ups and downs. “From losing band members and even going broke for a while to playing some great shows, Rainburn has gone through a lot. We’ve also learnt a lot every step of the way.”
The newbies in the band Allan and Vineeth say this is their first time in a progressive outfit.
“I used to hate progressive music earlier since I thought it was overdone. My perception towards it changed after I heard Rainburn,” says Allan. Vineet says though he has been here only a short while, he hopes to someday make it big with the band.
What inspired the name? Vats says Praveen came up with that name.
“I’m a big fan of bands that work with opposites. Like Led and Zeppelin or Black and Sabbath. The name suggests that we are covering a very wide spectrum of music. I like Metallica but that kind of name would be so limiting to me. Rainburn allows us that luxury.”
On why they opted for the progressive route, Vats says: “Progressive is a label that people put on music that has certain characters on rhythms and odd time signatures. We never sit down and make it. It comes naturally to us. I also like the term itself. Why choose an expression that belongs to someone else and limit yourself? The term progressive allows us to push the envelope.” Praveen pitches in: “The genre also allows a lot of scope to experiment and better ourselves.” Vats sums it up: “I’d like to think we make our music organically. We don’t want to be a technical band that doesn’t enjoy or express themselves in our music.”
Their five-track debut EP Canvas of Silence packs a brilliant blend of opposing Indo-progressive tonalities that throb together in eclectic energy, exuding the band’s vibrant take on music that is rooted and yet atmospheric.
Praveen points out that it’s a sound they can call their own. “We deliberately ventured on an experimental side.” Vats adds: “We play progressive but I would go home and listen to a lot of Indian music. So inevitably those subtle Indian elements are part of our sound.”
Vats says while they ran out of money and changed their line-up three times during the EP’s recording going through some real hard times, the gratification was there when it was finished. Praveen says the reviews were very positive. “We knew we are doing the right thing.”
Looking ahead, the band does have plans for a full-length album. “Right now, we will extensively promote the EP with a lot of shows. We are looking to sign up with a record label that will help push the album forward soon,” Vats and Praveen agree.
Like every band’s dream, Vats says, “I think if we can earn a living in Rainburn as musicians and sustain ourselves that will be our dream coming true. It’s difficult. A lot of mainstream bands still support themselves with other jobs. From TAAQ to Kryptos, every band has some kind of a support system backing them up.”
Meanwhile, Vats says since they are still relatively new to each other, he is really looking forward to the rehearsals. “These new guys are committed. A band should first be great friends before being good musicians. So we are looking at some good times ahead.”
On the music scene in the country and Bangalore, Praveen says compared to 10 years ago, the number of bands and venues have gone up but the music hasn’t changed.
“Music is also not as relevant to an average person as it used to be. We are living in tough times. But the scene is really good. There are lots of bands putting out good music. Hopefully, things look better a few years down the line.”
To bands that like to create their own path like Rainburn, the foursome choruses this message: “Keep at it. There is no magic formula. Don’t give up. It’s also important for every member to believe in your music,” they sum up.
Visit www.rainburn.com for more.
