Saturday, February 7, 2009

Edition #4-Interview with the Rockstar-Sumeet by Deepak Shankargouda


Draped in a black t-shirt featuring some scary, obscure rock band, we are fascinated by our classmate who is also a member of a rock band. Funky specs give him a cool geeky look, but the weird-looking beard reminds us of who he is. It was a brave task for DEEPAK SHANKARGOUDA(TE IT) to ask Sumeet(TE IT) for an interview (you know how they scream).
 DS: Hi, Temme something about yourself.
Sumeet: Hi, I am Sumeet, studying in TE. IT. My hobbies are listening to music, right from classical to extreme metal. But I am a passionate follower of the metal genre. I am also interested in robotics to an extent. But, it’s drumming which I enjoy the most.
DS: Tell us something about the bands you play for.
S: I play for two bands;
‘Gravity’ is an ungeneric experimental progressive band. Progressive bands deal with a more complex form of music compared to other genres. We believe that the music we compose should reflect some ‘Indianness’, we want to be recognized as a progressive Indian band.
‘Catharsis’ (trash metal) is a tight three-piece band having influences like Sepultura, Slayer and the likes. This quenches my thirst for playing heavy music. We believe in playing our originals, and we want to create something on this scene.
DS: Everyone likes music; what inspired you to ‘learn’ music?
S: Music is something which has always been with me, through all the ups and downs of my life. I was acquainted with Western music somewhere in my mid-teens. I was more interested in the work done by the person sitting behind the drums, filling the rhythm in the songs. That is exactly where I decided to specialize. It is not that I listen to Western music alone, also I tried to understand the percussions involved in all other forms of music.
DS: What is your inspiration for your music?
S: I am inspired by everyday heroes.
DS: How did the ‘band’ happen?
S: It all began with our love of music. I had a few friends from my school days who were keen to do it. We did a couple of projects and settled on the genre for the band. It wasn’t easy though. We had to change the lead vocalist fifteen times before zeroing on the current one. We recently added a keyboard player to the group.
Catharsis was formed only recently, the team is pretty much the same but also includes a lead guitarist and another vocalist.
DS: What are your future plans for the bands?
S: It’s only the first year of our bands, but we are in the search of a record deal “he he he….” The only thing we are concentrating on now is performing, and performing well.
DS: Could you share any of your special moments with your band? What is your biggest dream?
S: Well, no special moments as of yet, but I guess one of them is right around the corner.  My dream is simple’ To be the best drummer in the world’.
DS: Any message for music learners?
S: Follow your heart. Do not take music as a career, it’s an art, a form of expression, express yourself and enjoy others’ expressions.
DS: How do you feel about life in SIES?
S: I love the crowd here. They are supportive and friendly, and you never feel away from home. I also like the way the college is managed, its better than most I can see.
DS: Nice talking to you Sumeet. I wish your bands keep rocking!!
S: Its great talking to you. Wish you guys keep on supporting the way you always have.

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