The average Bengaluru musician is not an island. Multi-talented and multi-faceted, musicians in the city often play as part of an array of line-ups across styles and genres, apart from their main band. Vineeth Vincent, a freelance beatboxer and musician, says artiste work with a range of bands because they like to experiment with different genres and styles. “When you tie up with another musician, your flavour changes, giving you scope to take different creative directions. Money is another reason. Musicians work with other bands so they can make ends meet.”
Guitarist Ashley Joseph from mash-up band Zehen often shares the stage with other bands. “I get various opportunities, but I pick the ones that adhere to the style I play since I need to be comfortable. Another important factor I look out for is that the musicians be seasoned. I do it because I love to do it, but for some it is their bread and butter. Even playing a small gig is a help since they set out to be fulltime musicians.” Ashley adds that there are also cases when a band member bails out and you need to step in. “I freestyle with a number of bands but I still have my main band which I prioritise over the others. People mainly do it since there is more money as a session musician than playing with just one band. The phenomenon is picking up in Bangalore since almost every day there is a new band being formed with the intention of creating a new, fresh sound.”
Siddharth Abraham, the frontman of rock band Solder, points out that this is a recent development in the city. Musicians are using the experience to learn from one another and establish themselves. “Doing that in one band is not enough. Another reason is that the musician may like two styles of music. For example, he may play in one band doing original compositions and another playing covers and may not want to mix the two up. Playing with different people also helps exchange of ideas and styles that will help the overall quality of music in the city.”
Michael Antony Dias from Mad Orange Fireworks says his band members regularly play for other bands.
“I’ve always wanted to stick to one band. But in the current scenario, if you want to survive doing music, in a city like Bangalore, you need to improvise and look for options. We all play with around five to six bands. It is fun since there are more opportunities to do what you love. It keeps you active as a musician. It also allows you to play different genres and experiment on new material.
The trend is picking up well. Previously, people would start a band and stick together. But, if you want to do something more with music, it is not feasible to stick to one band. I’m presently also playing on solo projects collaborating with a range of artistes apart from the main band. There’s more experience and fun that way.”
Session Perspective
When you play with other bands, the music really grows, affirms Jagadeesh M.R from world music band Moonarra. “Moonarra, for example, presents more of a jazz band scenario. I’m part of everything else but also part of a main band that gives me an identity. Our members have our own solo projects and individual interests but their alignment to the band remains the same. Looking at it from a creative direction point of view, it allows our members to look at writing their own songs and still being part of the larger band. That kind of freedom allows their creativity to grow.”
Buck matters
The average Bengaluru band gets paid anywhere between Rs. 5,000 to 10,000 per show. The payment varies depending on the venue. Individually, the average musician will get anything from a free gig to Rs. 5,000.
