SHREYA BOSE
CHABUK
When Chabuk breathes rhythmic fire about abusive husbands eventually
murdered by the victimized wife, are they giving way to a collective anger
about the world?
They say they’re just being authentic and having some fun.
Undeniably one of the most intriguing bands to emerge out of the
country’s indie sound-glut, Chabuk rap-sings about interesting (code for
depressing) things. They do it really well too, combining rage and quirk
in their new 4-song EP, Downmarket. The music is wildly memorable,
with some rather highly quotable lyrics.
Chabuk juggles rock (and maybe a few shards of early punk) judiciously,
brewing sounds both teasing and explosive. They have already managed
to strike a pleasing balance, without compromising on intensity. One can
safely hope that they will continue to offer melodic revelations, which is
why we waved them down for an interview.
What's the worst thing anyone
can say/think about you music?
Tanmay: 1. Vocals sunai
nahi de raha. 2. You guys
sound like the Indian version
of… (insert band name)
Deva: “Yeh kaise lyrics hai. You
should be writing about things
like being away from home,
missing your mom… aisa
sab. This would connect more
with listeners.”…true story.
Why Chabuk as a name?
Tanmay: We were chilling
at Jimis Burgers – a bunch
of names flew around.
Can you believe it, none
of these guys knew what
Chabuk even meant?
Deva: Selecting the band name
took a while. “Chabuk” was
one of the many thrown in
the mix. It seemed apt for our
sound and the stuff that we
had to say…it had a ring to it.
Do all the anti-establishment
lyrics point to an inherent
cynicism and exhaustion
in the band?
Tanmay: Aapke sawaal mei
kitna dard hai. Do you want to
talk? Hum toh masti mei hai.
Deva: I don’t think the lyrics
are anti-establishment per
se. It’s quirky, not to be
taken too seriously approach
to various situations.
What is your origin story?
Tanmay: Okay, so Ashwin
(Drums) – Melroy (Bass) –
Mikey (Guitars) and I was on
vocals. I knew Ashwin, Ashwin
knew the rest. That’s how we
came together. Ashwin left -
replaced by Devanshu. Melroy
left - replaced by Roop. Mikey
left – irreplaceable so far - but
we have Raja currently filling
in on all live gigs. Only after
we make a couple of songs with
someone new will we know if
we finally have all elements
in Chabuk on a lockdown.
Would you rather play for 5000
people who don't pay attention
to the lyrics but love the riffs
or 500 people who come to you
specifically for the words?
Tanmay: I don’t think there
is anyone who does not pay
attention to the lyrics – they
might not like it, but its in your
face (as long as the mix is right)
– You will form an opinion.
But if I have to answer the
question - I would do a acoustic
home session with 5 people who
care about what is being said.
Deva: 3,000 people, with
a healthy mix of both.
Does music like yours still
have the potential to incite
change? Or do you do it for
the purpose of expressing
disappointment/cynicism?
Tanmay: This is my kind of
feel good writing. Maza hai.
Angaar hai. Chakho toh sahi.
Deva: We’ve discussed this.
Idea is not to be preachy.
So I suppose more of the
latter, but not limited to
disappointment/cynicism.
Most of you have been around
the indie circles a while now.
Any wisdom you'd be willing
to reveal to newcomers?
Tanmay : You should stop
the minute you think “baaki
sab bewakoof hai”.
Deva: Lage raho.
How often do you get frustrated
with the process of making/
releasing/promaoting music?
Tanmay: Never. I just
wish we all practiced
more. Talent aasaan hai,
consistency is everything!
Deva: Every once in a while.
The shortening attention spans
can make it difficult to reach
out to as many people as one
would like to – be it listeners
or people from the scene.
The
Score Magazine
highonscore.com
21