Once called Medusa, their sound reflected the very name of the band — it was aggressive, heavy alternative rock. After many years of writing music together, Medusa discovered, after line-up changes, that the sound was different from their very first album. With help from U.K. producer John Leckie, who had been instrumental in creating successes like Radiohead’s The Bends, Kula Shaker’s K and Muse’s Origin Of Symmetry , Medusa was chosen as one of the four Indian bands to be featured in a special compilation album called Soundpad . Perhaps, with that as their catalyst, Medusa metamorphosed to Sky Rabbit, an avatar that played electro/indie post-punk. As part of Mixtape’s (an event management agency) five-year anniversary showcase, Sky Rabbit is all set to perform in Chennai this weekend. Rahul Nadkarni (guitar and samples) talks about their music and more.
How would you describe the evolution of Sky Rabbit?
Three of us (Siddharth, Raxit and I) have been playing music together for over 10 years now. Over the years, we went through a number of line-up changes that caused our sound to evolve. After a few years, we found ourselves settling into the current line-up, which includes Harsh on the drums. Initially, we called ourselves Medusa. The change to Sky Rabbit was to act as the distinguishing factor that was meant to separate us from our previously heavier sound. The name comes from the idea that when you look up at the sky, the cloud formations you see are endless. Similarly, we would like to explore infinite sounds as a band.
How do you define your sound?
It would probably be a mix of electro, alternative, pop, rock, post-punk styles.
Sky Rabbit featured in the British Council Soundpad compilation CD. How did that come about?
We participated in a band hunt hosted by the British Council to give bands from India the opportunity to work with legendary music producer John Leckie. The audition went well.
How did touring the UK help?
It was an incredible experience, to be given the opportunity to perform on international stages to brand-new audiences. It let us experience what it is to actually tour on a bus and understand how a developed music market actually operates.
What can we expect at your gig in Chennai?
We are really excited to be playing in Chennai. This is actually the first time we are performing at a venue that is open to the public. There will be no entry fee and so we hope everyone in Chennai makes it a point to come out and join us. It’s a big night for us all and we will be playing a few unreleased songs that will feature on our upcoming EP.
Who are the musicians who influence you?
This list is endless for the music we enjoy. We have reached a point in our lives where other people’s music doesn’t influence us as much anymore. We draw influences from our everyday lives, the things we experience, and we gather together with our individual instruments and find a way to express ourselves and narrate our experiences.
Sky Rabbit will perform at Aqua, The Park on June 13 at 9 p.m.
