The Score Magazine - Archive April 2009 issue! | Page 25

music we listen to, the people we are- and what comes out is just naturally a mixture of styles.”
Which raises the question of conflicts.Evidently, I wanted some dirt on the band. But like a seasoned rockstar
Suraj responded, “We do have creative conflicts and it does result in our music going off in unplanned tangents
to adjust our different perspectives. It is sort of like a bunch of people with different likes having a friendly con-
versation; except that we’re a band and the conversation is our music.”
As our conversation went on amidst his airport dinner and my scribbles on a notepad, I noted that there has
been a huge gap between their first 2 albums because of a band reshuffle that involved a change in their guitar-
ist. Once Deepu got into the picture in mid-2005, these guys got to work and subsequently released their new
album Maktub in September 2008. Maktub means ‘It is written’ in Arabic, which is just another way for the band
to say that this is their destiny.
As it turns out we won’t have to wait too long for the next album. They have signed a contract with a label to
release 5 albums in 5 years, of which the first is Maktub. They’re even getting their own studio! So looks like we
can expect a lot more from this band in the years to come. In fact, they’ve already got 16 tracks in the pipeline
and 30-40 shows scheduled per year!
Talking of their tracks, these guys have gone digital and gone the extra mile by allowing listeners to download
songs directly from their website in a move to kill piracy. People can choose to pay any amount they deem fit or
even take it for free. Much like Radiohead, yet the effectiveness does come into question.
“It works because it kills piracy. And financially, it works as well. Since October for instance we’ve had 50,000
songs downloaded. Most importantly, we think it is really nice that people try to contribute their bit. It does take
a bit of effort and we really appreciate the people who do that. And for everyone else, we’ve given them a legal
way of listening to our music.”
The band believes that they are all very spiritual, although not always religious. “Spirituality is essential for musi-
cians and perhaps that is reflected in our music.”
It sure is.
Within 25 minutes of a telephone call, I had this band pegged as one that was not only spiritual but clear in the
vision & direction of their music. They take diversity and use it to evolve as a single unit. And this is their success
mantra. It is no wonder they managed to bag the Best Rock Band in Asia award.
“Any parting words?” I asked.
“We are happy that the AVIMA awards will open new doors for us to play all over the world. In many ways that
is always the finest reward.”
With that Motherjane took off [literally] to Calcutta where they have a gig scheduled. Let’s hope to see them
soon in Chennai as well.
The SCORE Magazine | April 2009
25
Rock Reign