The Score Magazine - Archive July 2016 issue! | Page 43

GYPSY SOUND REVOLUTION
In an intimate conversation over guitars and snacks, the
Gypsy Sound Revolution band members enlightened us
with the journey of gypsy music right from its origins
in Rajasthan, to their current stand in the world music
scene. Here's a brief account of what they said.
Could you tell us what The Gypsy Sound Revolution is?
The Gypsy Sound Revolution is basically an evolution of the sound,
returning to Rajasthan where gypsy culture originated. We used to
play in L.A. a lot, but when we played at Colombo we discovered a
lot of Indian musicians and we decided to collaborate with them. It
wasn’t just the music, but the culture and the sentiment that got to
us. We blended our music right there and it worked out. So we went
further in that direction, playing at Rajasthan’s International Folk
Festival. When we realized that gypsy culture comes from Rajasthan,
we met all the musicians and tried to listen to all the instruments
and how they articulate their music. One after another, they all came
in and played their music and we were blown away. But when Neru
and Manju played, we knew they were the guys we were waiting for.
And that was it.
Usually this folk culture is a temporary interest. It’s a short
collaboration. We wanted to make this last. We had some beautiful
moments, blending culture and religion and music itself. It took us
sometime to realize the human connection at a deeper level. It’s a
work in progress and we try to make it better every day.
Are there any challenges you face while trying to blend
these cultures?
“How you do anything, is how you do everything”. The challenge was
getting everybody out of their comfort zones. You don’t know what
you’re doing unless you do it. Everyone has their own repertoire and
bring something unique with them. So we need to work on the human
first. We ate together, lived together, and understood each other’s
habits and behaviors. We put everyone under one roof and that’s how
it started to work.
The Gypsy Sound Revolution has been a lineage that has opened
many doors for us. Here, people really get what we’re doing. This
is our market because people are so open to fusion for so long. In
America they had to adapt to the Rajasthani element in gypsy music.
So what are your future plans?
We plan to travel the world, bring a new awareness and raise people’s
consciousness. You might say that’s ambitious, but why not? When
words can’t go beyond a point, music comes in. That’s what makes a
difference.
SUNITHA SARATHY
One of the musicians of the current scene, Sunitha spoke
with us about her views on independent music in India
and gave us an insight into what makes the industry as
great as it is. Here's what she said.
How was your experience at the Live Arena?
It was fantastic. Awesome gear, lights sound and the best of
everything under one roof. It was great that with the time frame
given to them, they managed to handle sound check and the needs of
each artist with professionalism.
What is your take on the current independent music scene?
There should be more of it. People shouldn’t shy away and only work
on commercial music. I’m coming up with an album that’s old school
RnB, Neo Soul music. Musicians always say that there isn’t enough
good music out there, but I’d say just create it. You make the music
and put it out there without worrying about who and how many buy
it.
Any artists from the Harman Arena that you’d like to
collaborate with?
Definitely Niladri Kumar, and RanjitBarot. I would love to work on a
ballad with A.R. Rahman. I did work on a similar track for the movie
Kisna, with which we performed in Goa around 10 years ago. India
has so many brilliant musicians that I would love to work with.
Do you have any music coming out soon?
I have an album coming out in a few months. I’ve worked with a
celebrity artist, who isn’t from India and we’ll be releasing more
details soon, so that’s all I can say. Really looking forward to that.
What is your message to the readers of this magazine and
budding musicians?
Stay on the scene. Don’t think about relevance. Do stuff that you’re
comfortable with and make music that you know will inspire
someone. You be the inspiration. You might get to a point where
you’re disappointed with trends, but don’t lose hope, cause you are
the hope.
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