> ISSUE 00143 > DECEMBER 2019
> rollingstoneindia.com
A .R .RAHMAN
THE MENTOR
The maestro is on a nationwide talent hunt for promising
young talent he will mentor for Nexa Music
Contents
ISSUE 143
‘ALL THE NEWS THAT FITS’
40
A.R. Rahman
the Mentor
For the celebrated composer, picking
India’s most promising young artists for
the nationwide talent hunt NEXA Music
came from a personal space
By Riddhi Chakraborty
ROHIT GUPTA
Contents 64
The Mix
20 Music Producer Ayan
De: ‘No One Can
Teach You How to
Listen’
The Mumbai-based recording
engineer opens up about his
formative years after almost a
decade in music production,
his favorite sessions and more.
31 Kalki Koechlin on
‘Bhram’: ‘It’s More of
a Psychological
Thriller Than a Horror
Story’
The actor on her new role,
forest shoots in Shimla and the
duality of ‘Bhram.’
34 Q&A: Camila Cabello
The pop star on being
obsessed with early-aughts
pop and why falling for Shawn
Mendes was ‘awkward.’
64 Alter Bridge’s Myles
Kennedy Talks New
Album ‘Walk The
Sky’
The American metal band’s
frontman on the themes that
informed the new record, fun
memories of ace guitarist
Slash and more.
Departments
32 Music Reviews
Beck teams up with Pharrell
for a revelatory inner-space
journey on ‘Hyperspace,’
Coldplay get real and deepen Myles Kennedy
their politics and globe-
trotting sound on ‘Everyday
Life’ and Umi’s introspective Online Exclusive
R&B rapture. ON THE COVER
35 Playlist Photographer: Rohit Gupta
Frank Ocean’s “In My Room,” CultFest Creative Director: Nirmika Singh
The 1975’s “Frail State of On January 8th, Bengaluru venue Skydeck-VR will host CultFest which Art Director: Tanvi Shah
Mind,” Neil Young and Crazy will feature performances by city-based metal outfit Final Surrender and
Horse’s “Help Me Lose My Bhopal act Acrimony. The evening will be headlined by San Diego metal A.R. Rahman’s Stylist: Shruti Agarwal
Mind” and more. giants As I Lay Dying.
A.R. Rahman’s Hair and Makeup: Nandini D’rozario A PAES/SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
December 2019 | Rolling Stone India | 3
INDIA USA
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4 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
Correspondence
+ LOV E L ET T ER S & A DV ICE
> ISSUE 00142 > NOVEMBER 2019
> rollingstoneindia.com
OPETH’S
GRAND-SCALE
NEW ALBUM
#HaqSeHipHop:
STARTING
WHY A NEW WAVE
ACROSS
DUA LIPA INDIA
IS THE
FUTURE
OF POP
Kulture Kolumn -
KANCHAN
DANIEL’S Seventeen
NEW MENTAL
HEALTH CAMPAIGN
I’ve been a Seventeen stan for quite some
“This interview time now but after reading this piece, the
brought back all writer has just convinced me on why I made
the best decision to be in this fandom. The
the memories and way this entire article was pieced together
is beautiful and a must read to any new fans
reminded me what or to get anyone in this fandom. ‘An Ode’
was definitely one of their finest works and is
Exclusive Interview
KATY PERRY made me get into my favorite till now. Also, like the writer said,
KATY PERRY
“Stan quality. Stan dedication. Stan talent.
listening to her in
The mega star on performing at the OnePlus Music Festival in Mumbai Stan… Seventeen.”
the first place.” — Priya Shetty
— Feriyal Variava
Katy Perry’s Return to India
Growing up and listening to Katy Perry’s place. Seeing her perform was definitely
songs to reading this interview and also one of the best moments and watching her
watching her live at the OnePlus Festival was acknowledge Indian KatyCats was the cherry
a dream come true. This interview brought on the cake. Hopefully, we’ll get to see her
back all the memories and reminded me what more in the future and cannot wait for new
made me get into listening to her in the first releases!
Sabu’s Introspective
New EP
I think depression is a topic that people do
not talk about openly or acknowledge. To
SPOTLIGHT see Sabu put his experience and express-
ing it through his songs is not an easy
antiSOCIAL’s Return in Mumbai task but it is kind of assuring to people
going through similar emotions that they
are not alone and that it is okay to feel the
way they feel. After listening to his EP, I
Seeing antiSOCIAL back and in think “Rest” is definitely my favorite track.
Lower Parel, Mumbai is amaz- Looking forward to see what he has in
ing. To be able to go to a venue store for us!
which can accommodate not
only solo or duo artists but also —Raveesh Roy
a band performing is just what
we needed! After attending a
few gigs at the new antiSO- CONTACT US
CIAL, I can definitely say that le tte rs: rolling stone india,
this venue is the place to go MW.Com India Private Limited,
and watch your favorite artists 401, 4th Floor, Todi Building, Mathuradas
perform. I’m hoping more venues Mills Compound, Senapati Bapat Marg,
start again and support the Lower Parel, Mumbai 400 013.
growing music scene in India. e -m ail: [email protected]
Letters/e-mails will be edited for brevity.
—Lakshay Singh su b scrib e r se rvice s:
[email protected],
022-61436327-29
RollingStoneIndia RollingStoneIn
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 5
Opening Act
David Byrne Wants You to
Dance
ON A CHILLY October night, in down on them with flash- The only noninstrumental
the middle of David Byrne’s lights,” Byrne says a few days prop in the show is the model
stunning Broadway debut, later. “When I tell them they of a human brain that Byrne
American Utopia, the former can, it’s like I popped the top brings out in the opening
Talking Head tells the audi- off the bottle.” number, “Here.” It sets up the
ence to get up and dance. He’s more or less the same whole show. “Here’s [my char-
He’s already played exuber- old Byrne but in a regular- acter] who’s inside his head
ant versions of “Once in a size suit, delivering brilliant at the beginning,” he says.
Lifetime” and “Born Under soliloquies about voting, while “By the end, he’s a different
Punches,” but the crowd is 11 backing musicians play a person.” KORY GROW
seated. People seem to be floor-shaking mix of Talking
under the misimpression that Heads hits and solo tracks.
this is like any other produc- It shows (Byrne hopes) how
tion. people can work toward his
“People don’t know if egalitarian vision of utopia.
they’re allowed to dance or if “Everybody gets a showcase,”
the ushers are going to come he says. “An audience can
experience a different kind
of social order. That has a
huge impact.”
6 | PHOTOGRAPH BY Sacha Lecca
REMAIN IN LIGHT
Byrne in his
Broadway
dressing room.
TheMıx
WHAT’S NEW, WHAT’S NEXT, WHAT’S NUTS
Country’s
Surprise
Superstar
As Nashville gets more pop,
Luke Combs has broken through
by honoring tradition — and beer
8 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
PHOTOGRAPH BY Ian Bates
The Mix
DEATH OR GLORY REVOLUTION
The Clash onstage ROCK
in 1979. They toured This promo poster
the world while was created by Ray
writing the LP, which Lowry, who also
inspired its global designed the album
sound. cover.
How the Clash Made
‘London Calling’
The Clash were on
their first U.S. tour LIVE FR0M
in 1979 when Joe Strummer NEW YORK
scribbled down lyrics about The cover shot of
a coming Armageddon. “The the album was
USA is sinking,” he wrote. taken at this con-
“The Ice Age is coming.” It cert.
was the first draft of “London
Calling,” the title track of AT THE PALLADIUM
the band’s career-defining The Clash, (from left) Mick
album. The group’s surviving Jones, Joe Strummer, and
members are celebrating its Paul Simenon perform at the
40th anniversary with The Palladium in New York,1979.
London Calling Scrapbook,
packed with images TANNENBAUM/GETTY IMAGES; COURTESY OF CASBAH PRODUCTIONS LLC; ©
of rare artifacts CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: COURTESY OF CASBAH PRODUCTIONS LLC;
from the era. © RAY LOWRY; COURTESY OF CASBAH PRODUCTIONS LLC; ALLAN
“I’m quite
amazed by
how much KEY INFLUENCE THE ICE AGE
Joe saved,” “Brand New Strummer’s draft
says Robert Cadillac,” by Vince of “London Call-
Gordon Taylor, was a Clash ing” with alternate
McHarg, who favorite, and the lyrics like “The sun ACE RECORDS
assembled the first song they cut is blinking while
book. ANDY GREENE for London Calling. I’m drinking.”
gest stars in country music right now. The burly FAST FACTS makes people go, ‘Oh, I can never be like that
LUKE COMBS singer-songwriter — who performs in an over- THE OUTSIDERS guy.’”
size fishing shirt and a baseball hat — has scored Combs once Combs didn’t grow up thinking he would
he country music that Luke Combs loved six Number One singles in the past three years, bought an Eric ever be a musician. He picked up a guitar for
as a kid growing up in North Carolina in including the undeniable stomper “Beer Never Church signa- the first time at 21 years old, when he was
T the Nineties may not be considered the Broke My Heart.” His debut album, This One’s ture guitar. Now, attending North Carolina’s Appalachian State
coolest by today’s standards: Instead of outlaw for You, just matched Shania Twain’s record- Church is a friend University, the same school that one of his more
and collaborator.
music or alt-country, he was a big fan of main- setting 50 weeks at Number One on the country recent heroes, Eric Church, graduated from. But
stream Nashville hitmakers Brooks and Dunn, charts. While many of his Nashville peers are ex- GRAND HONOR starting late didn’t hurt Combs: “I was writing
Combs was
Garth Brooks, and Clint Black. “I’d love to lie to perimenting with hip-hop and electronic beats, recently inducted from the second I was good enough at guitar to
you so people would think I was cool and say I Combs embraces the big hooks of the Nineties into the Grand do it,” he says. “It wasn’t based on anything. I
was listening to Merle Haggard when I was 10, powerhouses he admires — while adding his own Ole Opry. “It never realized how much time folks spend on
but I wasn’t,” Combs says. sense of easygoing relatability. “I don’t think there doesn’t feel real,” trying to figure out what their sound is. I had
Combs’ ability to channel that unabashed is a wall between me and my audience,” Combs, he said. that from the first two or three songs I wrote.”
populism has helped make him one of the big- 29, says of his success. “There’s not anything that He formed a band, and it played “any bar that
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 9
Battle for From Bohemian Rhapsody
to the Season Three return
of The Crown (streaming
‘The on Netflix), queens are
ruling pop culture. But
who reigns supreme? We
Crown’ asked another beloved
queen, country artist and
RuPaul’s Drag Race All
Stars winner Trixie Mattel,
to decide.
T HE QU E E N QU E E N W I N N ER
Earlier this year, the The same report (which Brian “Old money is nothing like preiTunes
Fortune U.K.’s Sunday Times May disputed) said their bio rockstar money. Every time some
Amassed put Liz’s net worth at pic lifted the band’s career drunk person sings ‘Bohemian Rhapso
$492 million. earnings to $584 million. dy’ at karaoke, Queen gets a gold bar.”
Elizabeth’s holiday address, now “Bohemian Rhapsody” hit the “Queen again. I mean, come on.
BELCHER/IMAGEBROKER/SHUTTERSTOCK; ALAN DAVIDSON/SHUTTERSTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK; ALAN DAVIDSON/SHUTTERSTOCK;
Greatest broadcast via Facebook, YouTube, and charts in 1976, in 1992 (thanks Putting on a little red suit and
NEW AFRICA/SHUTTERSTOCK, 2; SHUTTERSTOCK, 2; TOMS KALNINS/EPA-EFE/SHUTTERSTOCK; SHUTTERSTOCK; ERIK PENDZICH/
Hit telly, draws about 8 million viewers — 12 to Wayne’s World), and green earrings and reading a state
SHUTTERSTOCK; ALAN DAVIDSON/SHUTTERSTOCK; MAX MUMBY/INDIGO/GETTY IMAGES; ALAN DAVIDSON/SHUTTERSTOCK;
FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: ILPO MUSTO/SHUTTERSTOCK; GEORGES DE KEERLE/GETTY IMAGES; MAGNUS HASTINGS; SIMON
million fewer than her granddad’s did. again last year. ment? That ain’t shit to me, sorry.”
Her majesty is said to enjoy A rumor never denied: Freddie “OK, off the bat, maybe that [Queen]
Dietary four (!) cocktails per day, Mercury hired dwarfs with trays concept didn’t age well. The queen is
Preferences including a gin martini at lunch of cocaine strapped to their doing something a little more digni
and champagne before bed. heads for a 1978 party. fied, which is day drinking.”
Elizabeth routinely rocks lime green Mercury’s wild costumes included a “Even when she was younger, the
Wardrobe and hot pink so her subjects can spot nod to the monarch: At the end of queen was serving these great,
her in a crowd. “I have to be seen to most shows, he donned crown and extreme, headtotoe looks. Imagine
be believed,” she’s famously said. robe for “God Save the Queen.” being that old and that puttogether.”
Charles was a dud, but he With their epic, proggy “Harry is funny. And he’s hot! I hadn’t
Famous gave us Harry, the “Party songs and operatic vo realized how strapping he was until I
Offspring Prince” who put an Amer cals, Muse are Queen for saw his wax figure at Madame Tussauds
ican in the palace. the 21st century. and was like, ‘Wow, he’s really a slice!’”
Per protocol, the queen did not In 1984, during the height of “Just lower the flag.
Questionable fly the Buckingham Palace flag apartheid, they defied a U.N. Who fucking cares. It’s
Decision at halfmast upon Princess boycott of South Africa to play a square of fabric! Girl,
Di’s death. Outrage ensued. a series of shows at Sun City. fuck that handbook.”
Britain’s longestreign Mercury might be dead, “My prediction: Queen
Longevity ing monarch, at 93, but that hasn’t stopped becomes like the Beach
until recently even Queen from touring...with Boys. Eventually there’ll
drove her own car. Adam Lambert. be no original members.”
SHUTTERSTOCK Verdict “Of course we stan the queen of “[Speaking] as a gay person, a musi “The queen probably listens to Queen
as her pastime. She’s got this hair over
cian, a drag queen, Queen was paving
England because she’s defying ageism
her ears and these hats on because she
the way for so many of us in so many
and misogyny. She’s had that job since
ways, and still are, every single day.”
has AirPods in. Complete badass.”
the day she was born. Good for her.”
would let me,” he says. “We made really good “Luke would — landed him a record deal with Columbia “I’m the best I’ve ever been. And being 29
money, especially for college kids. I knew I walk offstage, Nashville. 2017’s This One’s for You went double now, I’m more comfortable in my skin. I’m not
could have stayed there and done that forever, put in a dip, platinum, and he was nominated for Best New ashamed of any part of my personality. I know
but I wanted something more out of it.” He get a Jack Artist at last year’s Grammys. who I am.”
dropped out of college and moved to Nashville and Diet, Combs had a difficult time adjusting to his The best part of success, Combs says, is
in 2014, promoting himself by posting six- and he’d take new career at first: “I was so busy, I didn’t get to having the opportunity to boost the careers of
second song clips on the social media app Vine. pictures from see any of my friends or my fiancée as much as I his friends — like his frequent co-writers Ray
His crowds got bigger, and he’d make a point 45 minutes wanted to. She was still working full time. I didn’t Fulcher and Rob Williford — who have become
to spend hours after each show mingling with to two hours,” get to see my parents. Those were trying times for in-demand songwriters in Nashville after
fans. “Luke would walk offstage, put in a dip, Combs’ co- me. It was a wild time.” He wrote a song about scoring hits with Combs. “Me giving my friends
get a Jack and Diet, and he’d take pictures from that loneliness, “Dear Today,” which appears on the ability to achieve their dreams, that’s the
45 minutes to two hours,” says his co-manager manager his just-released second album, What You See thing for me,” he says. “That’s what brings me
Chris Kappy. Combs’ 2016 song “Hurricane” — Chris Kappy Is What You Get, one of the most anticipated joy. I’m not a stuff guy. Don’t get me wrong, I
a plainspoken breakup ballad that compares says of the country releases of the year. “I’m great now,” like having a nice truck and everything, but I
seeing a former lover to a devastating storm star. Combs says, describing his adjustment to fame. don’t want a fleet of Rolls-Royces.” JOSEPH HUDAK
10 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
The Mix
Spotify Invests
in Original
Indian Podcasts
The streaming platform hopes to tap into story-telling to
expand its non-music local content.
s a long-term plan in the game. PwC’s June 2019 evolve content accordingly. crime/drama series which advertising. People are more
to strengthen its report on the subject states “Just a little over one year uses immersive binaural audio likely to invest in a product or
Alocalization strategy, that Indian podcast listeners ago, we announced Spotify for hosted by actor and voice art- engage with a brand if their
Spotify India has forayed into had it a grand total of 40 Podcasters, which provides ist Mantra Mugdh, and Love favorite podcast host talks
creating original podcasts for million at the end of 2018—a listener insights to all creators Aaj Kal, hosted by journal- about it during the course
India. The move is also part 58% increase from 2017’s 25.4 who have podcasts on our ists Aastha Atray and Ankit of the podcast, which in
of the streaming service’s goal million. India also currently platform,” says Batra. “Today, Vengurlekar (aka Gadgetwala) turn allows brands to target
to expand the variety of audio features in the all-time top we have 140,000 registered which addresses love, sex and specific audiences. It’s a new
entertainment available for the three streaming markets for creators across the world, on dating in the 21st century. All concept, but not unlike prod-
country and help more Indian global tech show Waveform: the platform, and the data for three podcasts launched on uct integration we’ve seen in
creators put their content on a The MKBHD Podcast and for a few of these creators shows December 3rd. videos by popular YouTubers
global platform. On Purpose with Jay Shetty. that India features in their top Since podcasting is in gen- or TikTok stars.
At a press conference on It is currently in the top ten streamed markets. Much of eral still very new to India, the With more global trends
November 19th, the plat- streaming markets for TED this content is lifestyle, educa- question remains as to how catching on and blowing up
form elaborated on why they Talks Daily and The Mindset tional, and news.” much return Spotify India will across India, it’s possible
feel podcasts can work in Mentor and in also the top 20 The three podcasts Spotify see in their investments into podcasts might be the next big
the country. “Storytelling is for Stuff You Should Know and has invested in are a blend of the podcasts. Monetization thing. Spotify is eager to cruise
intrinsic to India, and almost BBC’s Global News Podcast. the above; there’s 22 Yarns, and sustainability have always ahead of the competition
nostalgic because most of us In addition to providing which delves into the untold been the biggest hurdles for (namely JioSaavn, Gaana and
have grown on stories that our fresh, India-centric content stories from the world of the global podcast industry Apple Music) and establish
grandparents and parents told for audiences to consume, cricket and is hosted by tele- to overcome, but Spotify itself as the go-to streaming
us,” says Amarjit Singh Batra, the Spotify hopes to give local vision personality and cricket has faith in the power of the service for podcasts, a position
Managing Director at Spotify creators a chance to better enthusiast Gaurav Kapur, creators’ connection with the it already holds in the U.S.
India. “Spotify wants to re-es- understand that audience and Bhaskar Bose, a fictional audio audience to open avenues for RIDDHI CHAKRABORTY
tablish that listening culture
here, especially as users seek
more screen-free moments.”
Batra further explained that
the audience for podcasts are
millennials who are actively
seeking a break from being
glued to their screens, with
most listeners aged between 18
and 35 years.
Spotify currently has over
500,000 podcast titles on the
platform—a massive leap from
the 10,000 in 2018—and an
approximate increased of 39%
in the podcast hours streamed
globally (from Q2 2019 to Q3
2019.) As of now the U.S. ac-
counts for the largest share of
podcast streams and the is the
biggest market for podcasts in L-R- Gaurav Kapur, Mantra
general, but China and India Mugdh, Aastha Atray, Ankit
Vengurlekar and Amarjit Batra
are emerging as major players
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 11
The Mix
Flipsyde
Return to
India for
Orange
Festival,
Dambuk
The American hip-hop/rock band’s MC The Piper aka Jinho Ferreira talks to
us about heading to Arunachal Pradesh
S FAR AS unexpected 12th and 15th, joining the likes email, “It takes forever to reach India shows who knew all the While that was on the
international artist of San Diego reggae band Big [Dambuk]. So, I’ll have a lot of lyrics. “So, I pulled him up on back of releasing the hugely
Aannouncements go, Mountain and Indonesian in- time to write on the way there stage and gave him the mic successful, breakout album We
Flipsyde’s forthcoming head- die-pop band Ping Pong Club. and back.” and he went crazy. Just started The People, Flipsyde went on
line set at the Orange Festival Flipsyde rapper The Piper It’s only relatively new terri- killing it. That kid is probably to sculpt their multicultural
of Adventure and Music in aka Jinho Ferreira – who tory for Flipsyde, considering a rap star in India right now. sound. This resulted in re-
Dambuk, Arunachal Pradesh is remains a constant alongside they were in India in 2006 My last memory of India was cruiting singer Chantelle Paige
probably high on the spectrum. guitarist Dave Lopez and for a three-city tour by event being at this outdoor market for 2009’s State of Survival,
The band behind mid-2000 vocalist-guitarist Steve Knight organizers DNA Networks. and people recognizing us. followed by EPs such as The
hits such as “Someday” and – says he’s looking forward Ferreira recalls it was “a pow- Next thing we knew we were Phoenix (2011) and Tower of
“Spun” from their album We to being closer to nature and erful experience” and specifi- taking a bunch of pictures Hollywood (2012). For those
The People will perform in even take on some white water cally talks about a young kid and signing autographs,” the who missed out on these
Dambuk between December rafting. Ferreira says over an in the front row at one of their rapper says. records, it’s safe to say that
12 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
Flipsyde stuck to their guns, lot more noise out there than storytelling skills.” Ask him lead actor Ranveer Singh’s was focused on a small hood
honing a distinct sound before. But it all comes down whether he’s heard about the character Murad rapping in in India, I could still identify
that is surprisingly over- to the realness of what you’re burgeoning hip-hop scene in the car. “I lived that scene. with it in California,” he adds.
looked. Ferreira calls We The doing. If you’re putting your India and Ferreira is quick Only I wasn’t in the car at Booked to perform at
People “ahead of its time.” soul into it, it will shine for to praise Bollywood hip-hop work, I was in west Oakland Orange Festival by New Delhi
He however adds, “If you somebody.” movie Gully Boy. “I know it with a broken-down car at a company Six Degrees Arts,
listen to bands like Imagine Even now, Ferreira says was fiction but I come from gas station. Rapping to keep Flipsyde coming back to India
Dragons and Twenty One that Flipsyde are regularly hip-hop and I could see the my head from exploding, or after 13 years is more or less
Pilots, they’re not too far off working on their craft, from realness in it. That’s how I exploding someone else’s. A surprising. Ferreira says that’s
from where we started. The Lopez’s production skills to know some of the rappers in few years after that we formed not where it ends. “It’s gonna
internet has turned every the vocalist’s own induction that movie were real rappers.” Flipsyde. So, congratulations be a fun show with a lot of RICHARD HAICK
individual into their own into the Sundance Screen- He says he was particularly to the people who made that energy and some surprises.”
record company so there is a writer’s Lab to “sharpen my awed by the scenes involving movie because even though it ANURAG TAGAT
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 13
The Mix
Swiss Musician
Veronica Fusaro
Talks India Debut
and New EP
The soul/pop artist released her five-track record ‘Sunkissed’ in October
ECENTLY. we spoke name, Lost In Thought (2017) So I was like, ‘lie to me’ make actually,” she says. It doesn’t
to Swiss singer-song- and ICE COLD (2018). Ask me feel something.” stop there for the young Swiss
R writer Veronica her how she works at such a The EP moves onto the artist, she’s even opened for leg-
Fusaro ahead of the release fast pace and she says, “Music emotional “Hello Old Friend” endary British musician Mark
of her third record, the five- is something I always do. Like which is about seeing a per- Knopfler in France and also
track Sunkissed EP. Fusaro whenever I am traveling, it son you knew extremely well supported Swedish artist Ea-
announced at the time that might just be a sentence that but don’t anymore. The groovy gle-Eye Cherry for his own
she was plotting her India comes to my mind or a melo- “Run My Mind” is a song “you France tour.
debut with Mumbai label 9122 dy. I record it on my phone and just need to close your eyes Fusaro says, “He [Knopfler]
Records. With the EP out in when I get back home I get to and imagine you’re driving was telling me about his daugh-
October, Fusaro made her go to the studio and I get to through a desert and escap- ter and his family and how I was
way to our shores to promote work on that sentence and ing from the police or maybe doing and how I was proceeding
it performing intimate shows maybe it turns into a song.” your boss [laughs].” The re- and everything. He’s very much
in Mumbai and Bengaluru as She adds, “So I guess the in- cord closes with the relaxed a down to earth guy and he
well as doing radio. spiration is always there and “All I Ever Wanted” which ac- doesn’t need to prove anything
We caught Fusaro’s set at the will to write new music cording to Fusaro is “a confes- obviously, he’s Mark Knofler!
Mumbai venue G5A where she so I guess that’s why I have sion.” She adds, “It’s that reali- On sharing the stage with Cher-
performed solo, armed with material.” zation of really liking someone ry, the singer-songwriter says,
just her guitar. On her expe- Fusaro tells us that she and never able to say it. And “The Eagle-Eye Cherry crew,
rience of playing in India for started to put the new record now it’s too late to say it so it the band, himself, were great.
the first time, she says, “It was together at the beginning of sucks, but yeah.” It was fun being surrounded by
very nice, I felt very welcomed. the year. The EP opens with 2019 has been quite an cool nice people.”
I really appreciated that. There the saccharine “Rollercoast- eventful year for the sing- Next, Fusaro has a show with
was even a person who told me er” where the musician sings er-songwriter; she’s not only put her band in Basil this weekend
he drove 20 kilometers to get the clever lyric “Rollercoaster/ out new music but has toured and has plans to head back into
here and he was listening to coaster roller.” She says, “This across the world including a set the studio to work on new mate-
my music for a while and it’s song is about that classic love- at U.K. music festival Glaston- rial. She says, “I have some songs
crazy getting to meet people hate relationship.” The poign- bury. “I was on a stage called that are not released yet, I have
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST pictures.” from Sunk - after a Friday night out with two main stages, The Park Stage writing. So there’s for sure going
The Rabbit Hole it was between
ant “Lie To Me” was written
who have been commenting on
some that have yet to be finished
and The Other Stage. It was in
to be more music. But the tour-
friends and “it felt kind of dull,
Apar t
a tent so people were passing by
ing is really the thing going on at
issed, 22-year-old Fusaro
it was an escape from everyday
has two more records to her
life and it didn’t feel too right.
and stopping. It was very cool
the moment.” DAVID BRITTO
14 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 15
The Mix
Bengaluru rock band Perfect Strang-
ers – winnerof the Hornbill Interna-
tional Rock Contest 2018.
Hornbill Music Festival
Prepares For a Total Makeover
Nagaland’s Task Force for Music & Arts is now touting Hornbill as an ‘experiential festival’ held in
Dimapur and Kisama between December 1st and 10th
OW AN ADVISOR He starts by talking few decades, in the eyes of and constitution, TaFMA The hub for all things
of the recently about how the road from the media, been seen for is keen on highlighting art and music is presently
Ninstated Task Force the Nagaland state capital the wrong reasons. There’s Nagaland’s soft power – at the Regional Centre of
for Music and Arts (TaFMA) Kohima and the nearest city insurgency and violence, but music and arts. Meru says, Excellence for Music and
in Nagaland, Theja Meru has with an airport – Dimapur it’s not as bad as the media “Music is the soft-power of Performing Arts (RCEMPA)
been pushing music in the – is a rough one. Meru makes it out to be in the past Nagaland. It tells a right story in Kohima district. It recently
state and pushing out Naga says, “It’s bad, but we’re decade. Somehow we’ve got for Nagaland. We’re known played host to a piano
talent to the rest of India and getting there to improve it.” publicity for that. We want for a lot [of] bad reasons, festival as well as post-rock
the world for over a decade Later, Abu Metha – adviser Nagaland and Naga people often. I feel music and the band Aswekeepsearching and
now. The chartered president to the Chief Minister of to be known for the right arts, which is so much part Nagaland’s rock act Polar
of the Rattle and Hum Music Nagaland Neiphiu Rio – reasons.” of our DNA – every second Lights. Meru and TaFMA
Society who organize the mentions that there are Just as the rest of India person can hum a tune or are currently planning the
annual Handshake Concerts often misrepresentations awaits the signing of a new strum a guitar – I think next big move – overhauling
to promote peace and goodwill of the state in the media. agreement that may give birth there’s a story to be told there. their long-running Hornbill
knows all too well the public Metha says, “Unfortunately, to an entity called Greater This is the beautiful and Festival (December 1st to
perception of Nagaland. Nagaland has, in the past Nagalim with a separate flag bright side of Nagaland.” 10th).
16 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
On Tour contest, which way it’ll have more footfall, Vietnam and Laos. With
had taken place in 2015. more corporate sponsorship, experience from organizing
Additionally, TaFMA has more involvement from the Handshake concerts in
selected 11 bands from local communities and the different parts of the world,
each district in the state tourists. This format is Metha says TaFMA have been
to perform at Hornbill. preparing us for the future.” strengthening their networks
From the New Delhi The Hornbill Music for years now. “We’ve taken
edition held so far, singer- Festival – which takes place Indian musicians – not just
songwriter Sanjeeta in Dimapur and at the Naga musicians – and getting
Bhattacharya has been Kisama Heritage Village in them to perform,” Metha
selected to join the Hornbill Kohima – promises to host says.
Music Festival lineup. headlining bands and DJs The festival is already
Meru says they wanted from all over the world, a showcase of talent and
to scrap the Hornbill K-pop artists (they had boy culture from across the North
International Rock Contest – group MONT last year) and East but Meru hopes that
whose last winners are now host the second round of with this edition of Hornbill
Bengaluru rock band Perfect their Music ThinkFest. Meru Music Festival, there’ll be a
Strangers from 2018 – says there may be a specific stronger push towards being
K-Pop group MONT at Hornbill
Music Festival 2018 because it was time to focus on bringing down on India’s music festival
evolve. He adds, “It can’t be a bands from South East Asia, calendar. He adds, “Like any
competition forever. There’s taking into consideration the other product, we have to
Best known for its rock format. They’ve now incepted still competitions at different Indian government’s Act East keep evolving. Otherwise,
contest that offered bands Ticket To Hornbill – a band levels, but as a flagship music policy to link parts of North there’s a danger of being ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAFMA
from all over India a chance competition that has so far event of the state, it was East India as a gateway for forgotten. That’s very real
to win Rs 10 lakh and more, taken place in New Delhi, time to move into a full-on tourism and industry from in this present day and age.
Hornbill Music Festival is Bengaluru and Mumbai. It’s music festival and get the countries such as Myanmar, The goal is to evolve fast and
now moving past the contest spun off from their Hornbill best of the best come in. That Thailand, Cambodia, evolve big.” ANURAG TAGAT
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 17
The Mix
2019 is Indian Hip-Hop’s
Biggest Year Yet
From stellar album releases, films, tours and more
hen we featured Mumbai rappers Divine
and Naezy on Rolling Stone India’s February
W2019 cover – it was only the start of what
would turn out to be a mammoth year for Indian hip-hop.
Since then, there have been movies out, artists have released
exquisite songs and music videos, we’ve seen labels get
bigger which has led to tours across the country and more.
Recently, Rolling Stone India and digital agency Qyuki
launched #HaqSeHipHop, a multi-platform property that
comprises a hip-hop podcast and video series, masterclasses
and pan-India shows.
Mumbai
rap crew
Dopeadelicz
18 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
Dee MC
Ahead of the Haq Se by Supari Studios in associ-
Hindustan concert on ation with Red Bull Media
November 14th at Mum- House, showcases the rise
bai’s Famous Studios which of Divine. At the start of the
featured some of the coun- year, Vice released Kya Bolta
try’s best hip-hop artists, Bantai? which chronicled the
Nirmika Singh, Executive rise of Mumbai rap.
Editor, Rolling Stone India,
said, “There’s so much more LABELS:
to Indian hip-hop than Hip-hop labels spearheading
what we have seen so far, the genre include New Del-
and with Haq Se Hindu- hi-based Azadi Records who
stan we hope to present the have been pushing the bound-
incredible multi-cultural aries in what they do as well as
expressions India has to the recently formed Gully Gang
offer across all five elements Entertainment who not only
in hip-hop: from rapping, function as a label but double
b-boying, beatboxing, DJing up as recruiters for up and
and graffiti. There’s no coming hip-hop talent. Univer-
denying India is witnessing sal Music India and American
a mini-revolution in hip-hop media platform Mass Appeal
— the established artists are also joined hands earlier this
consolidating their influence year to launch a brand new
while the emerging talent Indian hip-hop label, Mass
is claiming their part.” Appeal India. Mass Appeal is
New Delhi producer Sajeel an independent hip-hop label
Kapoor aka Sez On The co-led by American hip-hop
Beat adds, “We didn’t think legend Nas and is known for
hip-hop in India would releasing albums by some of
reach this stage so soon.” the most popular artists in
Here’s a look at some of the American hip-hop including
milestones achieved by Indian Run the Jewels and the late J
hip-hop this past year: Dilla. Labels such as IncInk
Records and Big Bang Music,
MUSIC: Awaaz Records and Desi Hip
The poster boy of Indian Hop are also leading the way
hip-hop, Divine, dropped his with hip-hop artists.
much-awaited eight-track this year with the release of New Delhi rapper Prabh free-flowing “Code Mumbai
debut album Kohinoor last his second solo album Under- Deep’s “Maya” which came 17” and Mumbai MC Tienas’ LIVE SHOWS:
month. The record features God. Ace also took things a out this past April off his debut album O. Indo-Ameri- On the live front Azadi Re-
slick bass lines, fiery verses step further with this album EP KING is a mellow and emo- can rapper Raja Kumari has cords have been programming
by Divine as well as a hip-hop as he dipped his toes in tive song that leans almost to- also contributed with releases gigs across the country such
skit by American rapper Nas. everything from jazz to metal, wards experimental jazz meets of her own such as “Kaun Hai as New Delhi hip-hop duo
In March Naezy put out his pop and trap as well as EDM. hip-hop and features bassist Tu” featuring Shah Rule and Seedhe Maut’s Shaktimaan
first release since 2017 in Versatile rapper Enkore had Harshit Misra aka Hashbass “Karma” off her EP Blood- Tour. Beverage brand Bira 91
the form of the mesmerizing two singles come out via and keyboardist Archit Anand line. Also out recently is also put together a massive
“Aafat Waapas” in which he’s Zoom Studios which included while Prabh Deep’s heavy Mumbai rapper Dee MC’s show at Mumbai’s Richardson
spitting lively and quick-fire the bass-heavy “Dheet” and deliver makes for a fine listen. debut album Dee=MC². and Cruddas for the music
rhymes to a pulsating beat the smooth “Solo.” Mum- In a bid to raise voices during launch of Gully Boy. Gig
by producer Phenom. The bai rap crew Dopeadelicz’s the #SaveAarey campaign, FILMS: series United We Groove have
rapper also recounts his track “Aai Shapath Saheb Mumbai hip-hop crew Swade- Another big milestone that also begun adding hip-hop
collaboration with Nas (the Me Navtho” is a tell-all song si released “The Warli Revolt” has pushed hip-hop to the artists to their lineup. Inter-
track “NY Se Mumbai” which that came out in May. Rapper which has gone on to become forefront is the Zoya Akthar national artists such as Wiz
also featured fellow rap- Stony Psyko spills the beans of the country’s most hard-hitting directed Bollywood block- Khalifa and Jaden Smith also
per Divine and actor Ranveer being caught by the Mumbai protest song. buster Gully Boy starring graced our shores earlier this
Singh). “Yaar, abhi toh humne police and getting through to More tracks making the ace actor Ranveer Singh year and fans of the genre can
theek se shuru bhi nahi kiya them with his dope rhymes rounds this year include rap which brought the culture of also look forward to American
hai (We haven’t even properly and also spits bars about his crew 7Bantai’Z’s explosive India’s underground hip-hop hip-hop duo EarthGang at
started yet,)” he says. real name, his religion and “Kitaab,” Bengaluru hip- scene to mainstream screens. the upcoming Bacardi NH7
Seasoned Mumbai hip-hop- address while the track is led hop artist Gubbi’s scorching Also, a documentary on Weekender in Pune between
per Ace made his major-label by a smooth beat underlined “Punaraagamana” as well Divine titled Gully Life – The November 29th till December
debut via Zee Music Company with slick treble piano notes. as MC Altaf’s booming and Story of Divine produced 1st. DAVID BRITTO
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 19
The Mix
Music Producer
Ayan De: ‘No One
Can Teach You
How to Listen’
The Mumbai-based recording engineer opens up about his
formative years after almost a decade in music production,
his favorite sessions and more
hen we instrument that I had for from your fuckups and
arrive at the longest time. I picked they can learn that you’ve
WMumbai- up guitar somewhere in fucked up because you don’t
based producer/sound between.” know your shit.” One of the
engineer Ayan De’s studio During his late teenage earliest records he worked
at his residence to interview years, De began attending on was for his friend’s
him, there’s no need for Chennai’s Unwind Center brother. He tells us that it
a recording device. De School of Music where was a Christian rock singer-
just tracked our entire he interacted with more songwriter pop-sounding
conversation straight musicians, volunteering at project. “I picked up this
through his console. It’s the center and playing gigs Line 6 sound card because I
the setup that he’s used there on Fridays. “That’s needed something for guitar
for recording tons of indie sort of how I got into this,” tones,” he says. Although
bands, singer-songwriters, he says. De also mentions at De states that it took him a
work on his material, teach that point he knew he didn’t long time to complete that
young producers, write for want to be a musician when record and that he had to
T.V. and more for nearly 10 he grew up but wanted to be work with stock plug-ins, it
years. associated with the field in was worth it for developing
Due to his father’s some capacity. After a short his skills.
traveling job with Bharat stint in Hotel Management It was at this point
Petroleum, De lived in in Manipal, De moved to when De briefly had
Chennai, Coimbatore and Mumbai. stints in Mumbai metal
Mumbai growing up. It At 20, he enrolled at outfit Descarta and alt
wasn’t until he came across SAE Institute in Andheri metallers Goddess Gagged
a friend’s toy piano was for sound engineering. “I as a keyboardist while
when he realized that he was horrible, I went in as also producing for both
could string melodies of a blank slate,” he says. De bands. “For a long time,
popular tunes together. found himself staying up it was just these few basically that I wanted to Through the years, De
“It’s like I knew how many every night working on bands and acts,” he says. learn how to mix a certain has gone on to become one
semitones to skip and it his chops, something he In 2012, the producer type of genre of electronica of the go-to producers/
didn’t make sense because admits he still does to date. also started moonlighting that was becoming a thing engineers for independent
I didn’t have any formal He explains, “I remember under the moniker around that point of time.” artists in India which
training or exposure or at some point of time, I Paralights and released He adds, “I was working include vocalist-guitarist
person at home who played was like, it’s not just about a five-track electronica with Your Chin on his first Siddharth Basrur, punk
an instrument.” After understanding and using record titled Scores For EP, I used to hang out rockers The Lightyears
scoring high in a school a software. It’s about how Your Background. De with other producers like Explode, alt-rockers
Hindi exam, De’s mother you perceive sound and says, “The scene started Sandunes and Zokhuma. BLEK and Unohu, singer-
gave him an actual keyboard understanding that.” changing drastically in So I made a record for songwriter Saachi and
and that’s when the wheels Soon after De began to 2011. I started going mixing and that’s how more. De tells us that
were set in motion for him. look for work “so you can for electronica gigs and the Paralights thing often, he’s been the one
He says, “That was the only fuck up and you can learn I started discovering happened.” overthinking about public
20 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
consumption of a song Apart from doing in 2016. “What drives me Joshua Singh’s music, and either something that
based on emotions and indie work, De has also isn’t so much the financial which I personally thought you’ve worked on comes
lyrics, which has led to dabbled in commercial gain that comes out of it, was incredible because it up in conversation where
shaping the music well. He stuff for ads and T.V. for but the work itself,” he was one of those records they don’t know you have
cites a few examples saying, shows such as The Voice says. Currently, De is also that just had perfect had anything to do with
“‘The Weapon’ by Lightyears as well as international working on a few Netflix performance.” it, it’s amazing. Because
that happened a few years work as a ghost producer shows in the capacity of Ask De what’s the most then you know that project
ago, I think that was done and mixing engineer. The a sound designer, Dolby satisfying part of his job did well for that artist.”
in a few hours. We tracked sound engineer also had Atmos projects, music and he says, “When you’ve De’s message to young
it and we got done. The the opportunity to work education and focusing worked on something years songwriters, producers,
BLEK song ‘Fog + Strobe’ front of house for playback on mastering tracks and years and years ago, mixing and mastering
similar case there. For singer Arijit Singh’s U.K. more. He says, “I just got and you go out somewhere engineers is simple, he says,
Saachi, she wanted to do tour which included a set at done working on some of and you’re having dinner, or “Don’t complicate things.” PARIZAD D
like a 24-hour long song.” London’s Wembley Stadium (multi-instrumentalist) you’re chilling with a friend DAVID BRITTO
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 21
The Mix
22 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
P.O.D.
Talk India Debut This Month
The American rock/metal band’s frontman Sonny Sandoval
is to take in all the sights and sounds at the Orange Festival
of Adventure and Music, Dambuk
ometime in the year On a song called “Hollywood,” for us to check off and say we
2000, Hollywood actor off their record The Fundamen- did it together as a band. So
SAdam Sandler brought tal Elements of Southtown, the we’re super excited for this,”
together reigning rock/metal band warned of the conse- Sandoval says with a laugh.
bands like Deftones, Incubus quences of trying to get too Known for songs off Satellite
and P.O.D. to promote his new famous too quick. The band such as “Alive,” “Youth of the
comedy movie Little Nicky. For did enjoy a lot of mainstream Nation,” “Boom” and reaching
a TV appearance, the bands got success with two platinum the boiling point on songs like
together with Sandler (armed selling records – …Southtown “Southtown,” P.O.D. have a
with his own acoustic guitar) to and 2001’s Satellite. But since career-spanning set in store.
play their tunes. then, even as trends changed You could just expect songs off
Nearly two decades later, and fanbases shrunk, P.O.D. 2003’s self-titled album Paya-
P.O.D.’s vocalist Sonny Sando- seemed to have been happy ble on Death and 2006’s Testify.
val laughs when he recalls the with where they were. Sandoval For every mid-2000s fan who
event. Sandoval says over the says, “In this industry, you want followed them throughout their
phone from somewhere on the to try things – everybody careers, songs off 2015’s The
road in Sweden, “It was Adam from a label to others have an Awakening (“This Goes Out
Sandler saying, ‘Dude, I’m a opinion of what your band To You”) and Circles (2018) are
P.O.D. fan, I’m a Deftones fan, should be. So at some point you likely to be included as well.
I’m an Incubus fan,’ you know? want to please people here and Sandoval says, “We have so
He was really handpicking his there, but then you say, ‘I’m not much music, it’s always difficult
soundtrack. That’s what kind of trying to please these people to cram into an hour or a hour
made it a great collaboration.” any more.’” and a half. We’ll see. I looked it
Sandoval quickly returns to his It’s fair to want to be a pop- up on the website and it looks
original point about music dis- ular band that will play sold like a super fun fest. We’ll see
covery and how that’s changed. out shows and sell records, what they want. We can play
For a band like P.O.D., whose but it shouldn’t be to “play anything from the ballads to
song “Sleeping Awake” also this game.” Sandoval explains, heaviest to reggae music. We’re
featured on the soundtrack to “You really come to terms just an eclectic band in that
2003 sci-fi/action blockbuster with saying, ‘Hey, I can only way.”
The Matrix Reloaded, Sandoval be who I am. I’m not going Another timely addition
says music today “doesn’t feel to change.’” Sticking to their to the set at Orange Festival,
authentic.” He adds, “It’s just guns, P.O.D. have somehow Dambuk might be “Bullet the
feels… very Hollywood, a lot of found themselves on the radar Blue Sky.” Covered on their …
it is fake. It’s more of, ‘Let me of the Orange Festival of Music Southtown album, P.O.D.’s
just take what’s hot, because and Adventure in Dambuk, India debut coincides with
we’re in cahoots with this Arunachal Pradesh. Booked by Irish rock giants U2’s first show
label and this manager’ and New Delhi agency Six Degrees in India as well. Where U2 will
they’re all really making money Arts, the band will headline play the original song off The
together. It’s never really this the festival on December 15th. Joshua Tree in Mumbai, P.O.D.
grassroots, authentic feeling.” For Sandoval and the band – might crank up their version in
It’s only apt that he mentions guitarist Marcos Curiel, bassist Arunachal Pradesh. Sandoval
Hollywood, considering the Traa Daniels and drummer says, “We’ve actually been
rap, nu-metal and reggae-in- Wuv Bernardo – it’s amongst playing it on this tour, which is
fluenced Christian band spoke the signs that keep them funny. It goes over very well.” KEVIN BALDES
about this way back in 1999. going. “It’s a bucket list item ANURAG TAGAT
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 23
The Mix
Igudesman
and Joo:
‘We Make Mistakes
on Purpose’
The comedy-music duo made their
India debut last month
ussian violinist
Aleksey Igudesman
Rand British-Korean
pianist Hyung-ki Joo may
have a love for classical music
in common, but they also
share a penchant for comedy,
pop culture and blunder.
The comedy-music duo
best known for their show
A Little Nightmare Music
(which they performed at
Mumbai’s Tata Theatre at the
NCPA on November 30th)
believe that their showcase
is “one big mistake.” For
many performers, faults
and aberrations are the
biggest nightmare during
a performance, but for Igudesman and Joo want to
Igudesman and Joo, they’re The classical musicians break the barrier between
performers and the public
elements with purpose. “Our met while studying at the
favorite part in every show Yehudi Menuhin School in
is if and when something England at the age of 12. If music accessible to a wider
goes wrong and we try to they could go back to that and younger audience.
improvise and act towards point in time, Igudesman With their theatrical
the audience as if nothing swears that he would tell offering A Little Nightmare
went wrong. A lot of those himself to not be nasty to Music having run for 15
‘mistakes’ actually end up Joo and Joo would just offer years, where they’ve shared of how music was performed less of a barrier between the
being included on purpose in Igudesman some fish and the stage with orchestras in the last three centuries, performers and the public.
our show,” say the composer- chips as a peace offering. such as the New York one may be astounded as And that’s what they want to
performer duo. They can They would have become Philharmonic and the one would see that the bring back with their show.
also be found poking fun friends and partners -- in Chicago Symphony Orchestra performance of classical That’s where the pop
at each other during the food, music and writing -- for one of their other music of the past has no culture play too comes in. The
performance, whispering quite swiftly then. offerings BIG Nightmare resemblance whatsoever duo has always been close to
little obscenities when the Together, the duo has Music and even actor John with today’s performance,” theater, cinema and acting,
audience can’t hear, adding opened in concert halls as Malkovich for The Music they say. Igudesman and listening and watching great
new lines or doing something well as stadiums in front Critic, the duo know a thing Joo know one thing with comedians. Their biggest in-
JULIA WESELY particularly silly. “That is a lot of crowds teeming in the or two about making classical absolute certainty: there spirations combine the worlds
music fun. “If one were to
of music and comedy with
was a lot more spontaneity
of fun too,” Igudesman and
thousands. Their collective
and fun in those times and
Joo intone.
musician-comedian Victor
pick up a historical account
dream? It’s to make classical
24 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
(From right to left)
Igudesman and Joo want COURTESY OF ARTISTS
to make classical music
accessible to a wider and
younger audience.
Borge, pianist Glenn Gould, will stop performing!,” say classical music. “I fell in love They wanted their India those three components to
disco queen Gloria Gaynor Igudesman and Joo who are with the country and I am debut in Mumbai to be an create its own synergy. It will
and British rockers Queen excited to finally perform in happy to be back,” he says. international show that uses be a very special perfor-
leaving a lasting impression India and make their debut Speaking of performance very little language; the mance which we will partly
on them. It’s no wonder that in the country. For Joo, In- locations, the duo may have composer-performer duo tailor-make for that occasion
pop culture references form dian culture feels like home ticked Norway, Switzerland, wish to bring people closer with many great surprises.”
a strong quotient of the com- since he finds traditional the U.S., the U.K. and more to classical music instead of The duo have previously even
mentary in A Little Nightmare English food to be a lot like off their list, but they still just trying to be different. featured rap and breakdance
Music. Indian food, and for Igudes- do have some locations in Igudesman and Joo told us in their segments.
“We are constantly im- man, it’s his second innings mind. “Galapagos Islands, the ahead of the show, “For us, If their words are to be
proving A Little Nightmare in the country, having warmest part in Antarctica the mix of music, comedy trusted, the audience could
Music. The day that we travelled to Varanasi over and the dark side of the moon and theater is its own art count on a lot of things
think the show is perfect we 15 years ago to study Indian to light it up a bit,” they say. form. We try to combine going wrong! JESSICA XALXO
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 25
The Mix
On the power ballad
“Straight Lines” which was
an old E for Elephant track
co-written with vocalist-gui-
tarist Zubin Narielwala, Lunia
pours his heart out singing
about life’s expectations for
oneself. “It’s about the decision
of not pursuing music full
time — at the time I got a job
in finance and I was pissed off
with myself about this.” He
adds, “Everyone thinks stupid
things like, ‘I’m going to be a
millionaire at 25 or be married
by 30 with babies’ and that
doesn’t happen, so the song
kind of questions why that
may be the case, even though
you may be doing everything
to achieve what you set out to
do.” The record closes with the
emotional breakup song “6:8”
which includes interesting
orchestral arrangements and a
power-driven guitar solo.
Overall Lunia tells us
that In a Boy’s Dream is about
growing up and everything
that may come with doing so.
He says, “Keep plugging away
at your dreams even though
things may not be going the
way you’d necessarily want.
It’s about my thoughts to get
myself to persevere and ‘not
give up’ and hopefully inspire
Mihir Lunia Sings About other people.”
The vocalist-guitarist
Resilience on Debut EP ‘In a tracked the EP at Mumbai’s
24Fret Productions Studio and
it includes bass parts by musi-
Boy’s Dream’ cian Jivesh D’Souza. The record
was produced and engineered
by Mumbai-based Rahul Pop-
The four-track record houses catchy rock tunes and a melancholic ditty awala. “Rahul was instrumental
in putting this together. He is
the only other producer I found
t the start of this out with his debut four-track EP just a little effort to make the few of my best buds at the time who was obsessed with Alter
decade, Mumbai titled In a Boy’s Dream. music ‘listenable’ to get the song and this song kind of came out Bridge and Myles Kennedy so
Avocalist-guitarist Mihir Lunia, who cites the likes of to focus on melodies, which is on an acoustic guitar on the that’s how we started off.”
Lunia was fronting rock outfit rock outfits Guns N’ Roses, Aer- what I’ve tried to do.” beach on that holiday.” Lunia In the pipeline is a music
E for Elephant and went on to osmith, Pink Floyd and Deep In a Boy’s Dream kicks also gives a nod to his old band video for “I (Don’t) Want To
perform a bunch of gigs in the Purple as influences, says, off with the shiny “Road to when he sings “I never seem Talk About It” and also to hit
city as well as release a pop-rock “There was a certain rawness Unawatuna” which is Lunia’s to find the end/ I’m rolling the stage more often. Lunia
single called “Girl” in 2015. to the music that immedi- take on having to study for the round with elephants.” The EP says, “The entire idea behind the
However, since then, the group ately pulled me in.” Those Graduate Management Admis- moves to the cheerful “I (Don’t) record was to start playing live
called it quits due to schedules sounds definitely crept into the sion Test (GMAT) and attain a Want To Talk About It” that again and this time with more
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST no band anymore, Lunia says, “I he began putting together this tration (MBA). He says, “These “just another and fairly extreme already readying his next release
Master of Business Adminis-
original music.” The musician is
according to the musician is
and other commitments. With
musician’s new record which
figured it would be logistically
years were some of the hardest
past May. He says, “A constant
which is going to be a folk single
stance on how to deal with a
followed by a full-length album.
complaint I have had with rock
problem and break out of it in a
of my life. I took a trip to Sri
easier to get things going as a
solo act.” The musician is now
positive way.”
music coming out of India is
Lanka and went diving with a
DAVID BRITTO
28 | Rolling Stone India | December 2019
The Mix
Sarathy Korwar on India Shows:
‘Expect Some Loud, Heavy, Punk Jazz!’
The London-based drummer, percussionist and producer talks
about his recently released album ‘More Arriving’
ne of the most Korwar says, “I wasn’t anxious With a brief tour under-
assertive collection of about how the record would way in the U.K. and Europe,
O songs about the In- be received in India because I Korwar will bring More
dian identity released this year think it represents a modern Arriving to India, performing
come courtesy of US-born, Lon- young Indian voice as much as at Bacardi NH7 Weekender in
don-based percussionist, drum- a global South Asian one.” Meghalaya. Previously in
mer and producer Sarathy Ko- After releasing “Mumbay” New Delhi for a set at Boxout
rwar. On his latest album More with a music video earlier Weekender in April, there’ll be
Arriving, which released in July, this year, the video for “Bol” another performance at Ech-
Korwar taps into the energy featuring Zia Ahmed and oes of Earth festival in Ben-
of MCs like Prabh Deep, Delhi classical/fusion vocalist Aditya galuru on December 7th. Ko-
Sultanate and Mawali from hip- Prakash came out portraying rwar says about India plans,
hop crew Swadesi for powerful “a South Asian person trying “The live lineup is going to
storytelling. laughably hard to integrate into be myself on drums, and two
On songs like “Coolie” and a stereotype of British society other musicians from the U.K.
“Mumbay,” there’s one part of (and failing),” as Korwar puts on sax and synths. We will be
Korwar – who was raised in more. He said in a press About three months after it. The artist conceptualized working with local MCs wher-
different parts of India – that’s statement about the sound of its release, it’s safe to say that the video’s narrative along- ever we go, so expect some
covered. From thereon, More the eight-track album, “This Korwar and his collaborators side filmmaker David Higgs. loud, heavy, punk jazz! We’re FROM TOP: COURTESY OF BOXOUT WEEKEMDER; RISHABAH SOOD
Arriving takes on a psychedelic is what Indian music sounds – Danalogue on synths (from Korwar adds, “Flipping the going to try and do the shows
jazz fusion of spoken word by like to me right now, and that U.K. psych/jazz band The narrative around in the video exactly the way we do them
Bangladesh-origin poet Zia means incorporating multiple Comet Is Coming), saxophon- was something I wanted to play in the U.K./Europe, bringing
Ahmed (“Bol,” “Mango”), sear- brown voices. If anyone has a ist Tamar Osborn and pianist with. Some of my favorite sketch the same intensity and energy
ing yet succinct ruminations problem with that, they should Al MacSween – have had a shows like Goodness Gracious that I associate jazz with here
from Mumbai rapper Trap be questioning what they think well-received album so far Me in the Nineties used this in London, to India.”
Poju (“City of Words”) and Indian music should be.” from within and outside India. technique so effectively.” ANURAG TAGAT
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 29
The Mix
Mud
Morganfield
Brought the
Chicago Blues
Down To Mumbai
The son of blues legend Muddy Waters
says, ‘You don’t get no blues in no
school book’
or american “Health.” He tells us that
bluesman Mud the music bug hit him for
FMorganfield, it’s as long as he can remember
all about keeping his dad’s as it’s in his genes. He says
legacy alive. His father is with a chuckle, “I might
none other than legendary have been tapping on my
blues artist Muddy Waters. mother’s stomach man.”
He says over the phone from Even though Morganfield
his Chicago home, “I think mentions that music has
what I do is give people a always been with him, it
chance that didn’t see my was only in 2008 that he re-
dad, I kind of give them a leased his debut album Fall
glimpse of him through me.” Waters Fall. Ask him why
Indian audiences got the it took him so long and he
opportunity to catch that says, “You know you just
glimpse when Morganfield can’t claim you’re a blues
performed in Mumbai for person, man. Unless you go
the first time on November get some blues [sadness].
23rd at the city-based Na- That’s the idea of blues. I
tional Centre of Performing was getting my blues. You
Arts. Ahead of the gig the have to go through some-
musician said, “In Chicago, thing; you just can’t say I’m
it is cold and snowy. It’s not a blues person without going
nice, give me some of that through something.”
[Mumbai] heat. I’ve been Growing up in Chicago’s people were saying he looks When we inform Morgan- Next, the musician tells
to Russia, Argentina; I’ve west side was “pretty rough” like you. I was very proud to field that India has quite a us he is working on a new
been to quite a few places according to Morgan- be the son of Muddy Waters big blues scene, he’s pleas- album which he hopes to
but never to India.” He adds, field. He explains that his at that point,” he says. It is a antly happy about it. What put out soon. He says, “I’m
“This will be my first time dad, Buddy Guy and all double-edged sword at times are his thoughts on the going to try and work as
and not only me, the band those cats that came before and about being the son of current blues scene around much as I can as long as I
too. We’re all looking so “came from the suffering one of the greatest blues the world? He says, “I like can. I’m up in age now. I’m
forward to it, just to play of the south during slavery musicians ever, Morganfield em’. I’m not feeling the rock not one foot in the grave
some blues.” time and right after slavery says, “Absolutely! On one blues. But I guess there’s a one foot out yet. But I got
Morganfield’s blues can time” and that’s how they hand, you have people say- place for everything. But a lot of things I need to do
best be heard on his 2012 got their blues. ing okay he sounds like his I think you should keep it man. I need to leave some-
record Son of a Seventh Ask Morganfield about dad and I know some people simple man.” Morganfield thing behind so that when
Son which includes groovy one memory of his dad that who really understood the adds, “Rock is rock, blues is they open up the book of
tracks such as “Short Dress stands out and he says, “I significance of dad. Some blues, jazz is jazz, contempo- Muddy Waters they can COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
Woman” and “Catfishing” as must have been about 13 or people love it man, it ain’t rary is contemporary, R&B say, ‘Hey his son, he’s okay
well as melancholic songs 14 years old and I went to what they care it’s what I is R&B. You need to keep too’ and that’s my goal.”
including the title track and see dad perform and all the care.” blues in its category.” DAVID BRITTO
30 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
The Mix
Playing Alisha Khanna in
‘Bhram’ was quite complex and
technical for Kalki Koechlin
Kalki
Koechlin
on ‘Bhram’:
‘It’s More of a
Psychological Thriller
Than a Horror Story’
The actor on her new role, forest shoots
in Shimla and the duality of ‘Bhram’
alki koechlin her husband and child have be explained both ways,” value peace and happiness teenage girl and Koechlin’s
essays the role of a died. She’s unable to confront says Koechlin. She observed [now] because during the Khanna. Maintaining a veil
Khaunted novelist, what happened to her and a duality in Bhram that she shoot, I was in a dark space. of suspense, the actor doesn’t
Alisha Khanna, in Zee5’s certain memories and places couldn’t quite ignore but holds Coming out of it felt almost delve into detail, but says,
Bhram. The psychological- trigger her, reminding her of steadfast to the former take. like a release.” “You’re not figuring out and
thriller series which dropped the accident,” the actor reveals. “It’s more of a psychological Shooting for Bhram was an she’s not figuring out what
last month follows a woman Director Sangeeth Sivan and thriller than a horror story,” enriching but arduous experi- that connection is — until
who discovers some startling Koechlin would settle down she says. ence for the 35-year-old actor right at the very end.”
truths after surviving an with the script to mark out Koechlin is no stranger to who filmed the series while The cast of Bhram features
accident. “You know, we the places where her character unconventional and challeng- pregnant. Pivotal scenes take a host of both known (Sanjay
had to really go through the would experience memory loss ing roles. Over the years, we’ve place in the forests of Shimla Suri, Bhumika Chawla, Eijaz
entire script and mark it out and hallucinations as well as seen her play it all — from a and most of them were shot at Khan, Vikram Kochhar) and
for ourselves,” says the actor the scenes in which she would cult’s second-in-command night. “It was monsoon. So, it new actors (Anjali Tatrari,
about playing Khanna who is recollect small details. in Sacred Games (2019) to a would start raining suddenly Gehna Sippy, Garima Kaushal,
diagnosed with PTSD (Post The script (written by K. teenager with cerebral palsy in and there was a lot of mist, Susavit Sinha) and Koechlin
Traumatic Stress Disorder) in Hari Kumar whose novel Margarita with a Straw (2014) rain and mud, making those thinks viewers should keep
the eight-episode series. — The Other Side Of Her — to a socio-political activist in climax scenes pretty tough,” an eye out for the younger lot
Koechlin describes her Bhram is based on) was a Shanghai (2012). She seems says Koechlin. whose teenage arcs are “really
preparation for the role as major draw to the series for to audiences like a chameleon, The timeline of the series interesting.” As the story os-
quite complex and technical. the actor. “You can never tell slipping into roles like they’re is set both in the past and cillates between the past and
“Alisha (Khanna) has been if this is just a psychological second skin. But this shape the present with a myste- present, viewers just might
through an accident in which mind game, or whether it is shifting does take its toll. She rious connection looming be in for many revelations in
she’s the only survivor and paranormal activity. It can says about filming Bhram, “I ominously between a dead Bhram. JESSICA XALXO
December 2019 | Rolling Stone | 31
Music
BECK’S DARK,
HEAVENLY
POP FANTASY
The alt-pop icon
teams up with
Pharrell for a
revelatory inner-
space journey
By DAVID FRICKE
Beck
Hyperspace
CAPITOL
★★★★★
omewhere inside
every album Beck has
S made since Mellow
Gold — his 1994 surprise
attack of slippery irony and
hip-hop bravado — is the solo
folk-blues singer caught on
that year’s One Foot in the
Grave, writing about despair
with a surrealist edge while
turned toward hope. That is
the Beck who jumps out here
in “Saw Lightning,” in looping
spasms of acoustic, skidding
Delta slide guitar.
Most of the song’s
apocalypse comes in
contemporary kicks. Beck
sings of great fire and flooding,
praying for rescue in a strident
android’s tone — like Skip
James in Auto-Tune — and
overdubbed layers of galactic
doo-wop. Pharrell Williams,
Beck’s chief accomplice
ILLUSTRATION BY
Bram Vanhaeren
Reviews Music
COLDPLAY GET REAL
BECK
on Hyperspace, drums in martial-funk time
and speed raps like a digital assistant in a rush. The easy-listening rock kings deepen their politics
But that seesaw of antique blues and modern and globe-trotting sound By WILL HERMES
artifice sums up this album’s perfect storm —
the raw fear of time running out and darkness
closing in, rendered in pop beats and colors. fter their platinum police violence, gun prolifera-
In songs like “Die Waiting” and “Dark Places” 2015 pop move, A tion, and Syria missile strikes.
(the titles tell you plenty), Beck combines the A Head Full of Dreams, Chris Martin even sings con-
exuberant studio mischief of 1996’s Odelay and and a two-year tour that jugations of the word “fuck.”
1999’s Midnite Vultures with the sumptuous shifted $523 million in tickets, He sounds polite doing it, of
introspection of 2002’s Sea Change to eccentric, easy-listening rock champs course. But for a band that’s al-
genuinely compelling effect. Coldplay have made an album ways been judiciously political,
While Beck started as a lone ranger on that aspires to more than this is new territory.
the anti-folk circuit, his records are typically stadium-packing. This is The record’s multicultural-
collaborative affairs. He shared writing credits on positive: When Ed Sheeran ism recalls Viva La Vida, the
Odelay with the Dust Brothers, his co-producers, Coldplay band’s vague 2008 meet-up
and on 2017’s Colors with multi-instrumentalist Everyday Life with art-rock swami Brian
Greg Kurstin. Williams is just as embedded Eno. Here, the music’s both
on Hyperspace as co-producer, co-writer, and Parlophone more eclectic and more uni-
musician on seven tracks. The hip-hop auteur ★★★★★ fied. Instead of just attempting
plays the totally Eighties synth sounds that frame to play Afrobeat, Coldplay
the fleeting satisfaction in “Chemical” (“Found a enlist the Fela Kuti dynasty —
love, just a fantasy/Beautiful and ugly as a night son Femi, grandson Made, and
could be”), and it’s a good bet that Williams is a sample of Fela himself — on
responsible for the otherworldly gauze on Beck’s the swaggering “Arabesque,”
voice in “Uneventful Days,” which is like David while rapper-singer Stromae
Bowie’s Major Tom checking in from distant drops verses in French. “Bani
orbit. Adam” combines Romantic
Beck spreads the work around. Kurstin piano, Persian poetry, and
returns for “See Through” (with weirdly playful West African church music.
vocal choreography suggesting a boy band Yoking it all together is
trapped underwater). Adele veteran Paul longtime Coldplay production
Epworth and producer Cole M.G.N., who wingman Rik Simpson with
worked on the Colors hit “Wow,” chip in too. Martin the Dream Team and Swedish
But Beck, for all of his vigor for partnership, is a pop guru Max Martin. It
solitary classicist, a singer-songwriter wrestling works: What might come off
with the dynamics of desire and emotional as a virtue-signaling kluge
commitment. Hyperspace is grounded in that instead, at its best, transforms
realism. The keyboards in “Chemical” may the band’s faintly imperial
sound like they’re on loan from Vangelis, but universalism into a diverse,
the acoustic jangle and finger-snap percussion collective one.
bring the song to Earth. “Die Waiting” is starlit As ever, Coldplay are good
folk rock with a campfire-siren cameo by Sky becomes your gold standard, it storefront gospel, Nigerian students, sometimes to a fault.
Ferreira, and “Stratosphere” (featuring Coldplay’s would seem time for a rethink. Afrobeat, and Sufi qawwa- The echoes of Bob Marley’s
Chris Martin) is practically garage rock: rough Evoking an Eighties-inscribed li music. There are choirs, “Redemption Song” in
strumming in a plaintive glow. notion of ambition, Everyday orchestral strings, and interpo- “WOTW/POTP,” and of Peter
In “Everlasting Nothing,” Beck is back in space Life is a double LP, Coldplay’s lations of the Janis Joplin Gabriel’s “Biko” in the
with Williams. It’s a finale of echo and choir but a rangiest and deepest release signature “Cry Baby,” and late truth-to-power “Trouble in
blues all the same. “Friends I’ve known/Come by a mile. Scottish indie rocker Scott Town,” come off a bit obvious.
and gone....Still I’ll try/To get back home,” Beck Divided into halves titled Hutchison’s “Los Angeles, Be Yet these still feel more like
promises like a man with one foot in the grave (wait for it) “Sunrise” and Kind.” Strikingly, the lyrics and knowing tributes than rip-offs.
but the other still on the road to another day. . “Sunset,” the band taps into sound bites address racism, The masterstroke is the single
“Orphans,” conjuring a
generation of refugees in a
barroom singalong, with a bass
line recalling Bakithi Kumalo’s
BREAKING pulse on Paul Simon’s
Umi’s Introspective R&B Rapture Graceland, and a reprise so
Umi redolent of the Stones’
SEATTLE-RAISED Japanese-African-American R&B singer Umi was a sophomore “Sympathy for the Devil,” it’s
at USC last year when she started getting attention for songs like “Remember almost a “have your lawyers FROM TOP: BRIAN PATTERSON/SHUTTERSTOCK; HADAS
Me” and “Butterfly,” spare, lilting studies in self-revelation. Now, she’s taking it up call our lawyers” mash note.
another notch, releasing a four-song “visual EP” that will definitely hit home with But Coldplay’s talent has
fans of SZA’s and Solange’s introspective soul. She sings breathily in Japanese over always been their aspirational
plush keyboards on “Sukidakara,” and the carefully sumptuous “Love Affair” renders one-world melodies. Now they
knotty romantic contemplation (“I want to know how to feel, what to feel”) with the slow, sound much more like the real
delicate grace of an artist coming into her own in real time. JON DOLAN world we live in.
33 | Rolling Stone ★★★★★ Classic | ★★★★ Excellent | ★★★ Good | ★★ Fair | ★ Poor RATINGS ARE SUPERVISED BY THE EDITORS OF ROLLING STONE.
The Mix
aMILA CABELLO last rebellious thing I did was
wwas thinking about when I was 16 years old.
Cperforming her new You’re dating Shawn
album even before she record- Mendes. When did your
ed it. After playing stadiums relationship go from
in 2018 as an opening act on friendship to romance?
her friend Taylor Swift’s Repu- During “I Know What You
tation world tour, the 22-year- Did Last Summer,” I really
old entered the studio to bonded with him as more than
record her upcoming second a friend. I think he did, too, but
album, Romance, with a goal: we were both really young, and
to record bombastic songs he was experiencing the pres-
that would sound great live. sures of his career. I don’t think
“I was really inspired by the we knew what to do with those
big sounds of the Eighties,” feelings. It was this awkward
she says, jet-lagged and calling thing where we both liked each
from London. “I just liked the other, but we weren’t together.
drama — like Queen, where It was just weird. An energy
everything is so intense. I was there from the beginning,
want these songs to feel amaz- but after that song, we didn’t
ing to perform.” spend as much time together.
While tracks on her self- Our paths just didn’t cross in
titled debut tackled her roots, that way romantically until we
relationships, and establishing started hanging out again and
herself as a solo artist separate writing. For me, it just brought
from her group Fifth Harmo- it back.
ny, Cabello wanted Romance On SNL, you paid hom-
to be more thematically age to Madonna’s Marie
focused. Helpfully, she fell in Antoinette-inspired VMA
love with a close friend, fellow performance, and dedicat-
star Shawn Mendes, and ed your 2018 VMA Video
channeled the newness of it of the Year win to her. How
all into singles like “Shame- does she influence you?
less” and “Cry for Me.” In her She’s such a badass. I want
conversation with rolling to be more like her. I think
stone, Cabello covered the everybody does.
love gamut, from Mendes to What was it like work-
Sex and the City. ing with Ed Sheeran on his
latest album?
What’s scarier: re- Sometimes, you go in with
leasing your debut solo people and you can tell they’re
album, or following up Q&A just trying to make a hit song
that success? or are phoning it in. He’s so
My personality is pretty enthusiastic about it. He, like,
extreme, so I’m either scared doesn’t stop: He’s just like, “All
of everything or scared of Camila Cabello right, what’s the next song?
nothing. With my first album, What’s the next?”
I would come to the studio You can see the influ-
super-overly prepared, with The pop star on being obsessed with early-aughts pop ence of romantic movies
every lyric of the song written in your music videos. Do
before I went in and 10 con- and why falling for Shawn Mendes was ‘awkward’ you have any favorites?
cepts and titles for [the next] I love the movie About Time.
songs. But with songwriting, By BRITTANY SPANOS Have you seen that?
the most magical moments I actually haven’t.
are the ones where you’re not ing in the bathroom to the want to make myself happy, — I just don’t have any Oh, you should! It’s with
trying. High School Musical song I just put that on and I sing memory of me being capable Rachel McAdams. It’s my fa-
You turned 21 before “Fabulous” and captioned at the top of my lungs. I’m of doing that. vorite romantic movie; super-
going on the Reputa- it “Welcome to adulthood obsessed with songs from my What’s the most rebel- underrated, in my opinion.
tion tour with Taylor Swift everybody.” Is that what childhood. It just makes life lious thing you’ve done? Do you have any favor-
and Charli XCX. Did you a typical night looks like feel simple and fun. When I was in the group ite fictional couples?
have any crazy nights with for you? You have a reputation [Fifth Harmony], me and one OK, Noah and Allie from The
them? Oh, my God, yes. My therapy for being extremely nice. of the girls snuck into this club Notebook.
I would go to Taylor’s dressing is listening to songs from the What’s the meanest thing on the first floor of a hotel for Classic.
room, but we didn’t really go early 2000s. I actually have you’ve ever done? a white party. We were, like, Rapunzel and Eugene from
out and party — only one time a playlist I found on Spotify: I’m sure I’ve been mean by 16 or something, and if we Tangled. I was going to say ISMAEL QUINTANILLA III /SHUTTERSTOCK
in the middle of the tour. We “Shut Up and Drive,” Rihan- accident, but I’m so sensitive wanted to leave the room, we Carrie Bradshaw and Mr. Big
should do that when we’re all na; “My Humps,” Black Eyed that I couldn’t intentionally had to tell the tour manager [from Sex and the City], but I
in L.A. again. Peas; “Fergalicious,” [Fergie]; hurt someone’s feelings. I’m so our security and our team feel that their relationship is a
You recently posted this “Complicated,” Avril Lavigne. not saying that to sound su- at the time were looking for bit toxic. But I still love them
video of yourself lip-sync- Whenever I feel anxious or perwholesome and pure us. It’s not a great answer: The in their early days.
34 | Rolling Stone | December 2019
The Mix
PLAYLIST
2
OUR FAVORITE SONGS
MY
AND VIDEOS RIGHT NOW LIST
8
4 MY FIVE
FAVORITE
BASS SONGS
By Geddy Lee
The Rush frontman’s
recent tome, Geddy
Lee’s Big Beautiful Book
of Bass, is a history of
the guitar that includes
6 7 THE WHO
photos from his own
collection.
“My Generation”
A pop song with bass solos?
the greatest rock bassist of
them all. His playing was bold
1. Frank Ocean John Entwistle was arguably
“In My Room” and incredibly dexterous.
Good news! After CREAM
two quiet years, the
enigmatic R&B innovator “Crossroads”
is rolling out new tracks; 6. Kesha feat. Seeing Jack Bruce roam
like the Beach Boys’ Big Freedia wildly up and down the neck
classic this one shares a of his Gibson EB3 in concert
title with, “Raising Hell” made me not want to play
“In My Room” is the kind more hopeful, like Radio- Kesha continues her bass, but to play bass in a
of glisteningly moody head gone bubblegum. liberated roll with a glorious from T.I.’s Kevin Parker is rock trio.
meditation that makes glam-gospel stomper, more proof that he’s rock
his private world feel like 4. Torres shouting “Bitch, I’m bless- music’s most imaginative LED ZEPPELIN
an embattled Eden. “Good Scare” ed” alongside New Orleans psychedelic sailor. “What Is and What Should
This stormy synth-rocker bounce queen Big Freedia. Never Be”
2. Empath could be an ode to enduring Kesha’s new LP, High Road, 9. Liz Phair
“Drunken Angel” love, a stalker-y torch is going to be quite a bull “Good Side” John Paul Jones changes
gear, holds down the heavy
ride.
A stunning cover song: Lu- creep-out, or a pre-breakup One of indie rock’s greatest bottom, and adds terrific
cinda Williams’ original was bulletin — par for the course 7. City Girls artists is back, singing, melody throughout this song.
a roots-rock prayer for an for Torres, an artist who al- “There’s so many ways to
addicted friend; Philly noise ways does great work in the “JT First Day Out” fuck up a life/I’ve tried to YES
punks Empath warp it into dark space between desire, The Miami duo celebrate be original,” and backing
a trippy tantrum without ambivalence, and torment. JT’s release from federal it up with a cagey tune “Roundabout”
losing a bit of the tragic custody with a blast of that makes this her A hit song driven by an out- FROM TOP, LEFT TO RIGHT: TROY MEMIS; JORDAN STRAUSS/INVISION/AP IMAGES/SHUTTERSTOCK; DANA
heartbreak at its core. 5. Grip gale-force trash talk: “Y’all sharpest work in ages. rageously complex, rockin’
“He Is . . . I Am” ho’s want smoke, bring bass line by Chris Squire. He
3. The 1975 Atlanta rapper Grip croaks a match/Left prison with 10. Neil Young was a melodic and rhythmic
“Frail State of Mind” a deceptively bright, vividly a pimple, not a scratch.” and Crazy Horse genius.
They’ve got it poppin’ now.
“Go outside?/Seems un- complex ode to his gun, “Help Me Lose WEATHER REPORT TRIPPE; MATT SAV; MICHAEL LAVINE; ESDRAS THELUSMASET
likely,” 1975 frontman Matty and ups the ante by turning 8. Tame Impala My Mind”
Healy sings on this new of- around to embody the ter- Neil and the Horse’s new “Teen Town”
fering from the wry Brit rock rifying voice of the weapon “It Might Be Time” LP, Colorado, is an ageless This has everything that
band’s forthcoming LP. But itself. It’s the kind of potent Sounding like it was written wonder of down-home Jaco Pastorius’ genius stood
if the lyrics are anxious, the concept piece only a true after a weekend aboard grunge crankiness, thanks for: profound complexity,
song’s lithe, dance-friendly master in the making can his space yacht jamming to bad-dream jams like this. incredible melodic structure,
sound suggests something pull off. to Supertramp, the latest Ragged, glorious perfection. and terrific groove.
Rolling Stone | December 2019 | 35
The
activation
zone at
Haq Se
Hindustan.
MUMBAI UNITES FOR
HAQSE HINDUSTAN:
STELLAR PERFORMANCES,
INCREDIBLE DIVERSITY
Heavyweight rap stars, diverse collaborations and vibrant
graffiti set the tone for Rolling Stone India and Qyuki’s debut
hip-hop gig at Famous Studios
By ANURAG TAGAT AND DAVID BRITTO
36 | Rolling Stone India | December 2019
1. A MÉLANGE OF
AESTHETICALLY
PLEASING ART, VIBES AND
ACTIVATIONS
When walking into Mumbai’s Famous Studios last
month for Haq Se Hindustan, you couldn’t miss
the activation zone filled with some stellar art de-
signed by graffiti artist Prathmesh Gurav aka Zake.
The art on display were like snapshots of the mood
for the evening — neon paint and sharp designs.
The zone turned into a prime spot for photo ops,
catching up with folks and talking about all things
hip-hop as well as a place where some known
figures such as music journalist Amit Gurbaxani,
musician Sidd Coutto, comedian Abish Mathew
and more gave their thoughts on the event.
2. ALL FOR ONE AND ONE
FOR ALL
Host for the evening, RJ Rohini Ramnathan,
brought to light the fact that the Haq Se Hindustan
concert ticked all the boxes of hip-hop — rapping,
Host RJ Rohini
Ramnathan b-boying, beatboxing, DJing and graffiti. Not only
addressing the were all the bases covered but there was also plenty
crowd at Haq of diversity within the broad categories on show,
Se Hindustan.
with a lineup that featured artists from seven cities
spitting bars in nine languages. Several rappers on
the bill also spoke about how hip-hop and music
have no language barriers and that it brings people
together no matter where they come from.
3. THE DHARAVI DREAM
PROJECT BROUGHT THEIR
A-GAME
One of the best representatives of how multicul-
tural and binding hip-hop can be, The Dharavi
Dream Project made an unforgettable mark at
Haq Se Hindustan. As the performers opening the
concert, rappers, beatboxers and DJs showed off
their recently honed skills with total passion, with
MCs Younglord, Siddhu and Sky changing the
mood instantly with their “Haq Se Anthem” about
the need for women empowerment. The grassroots
showcase spilled over to the rest of the night, with
their dance crews – from under 10s to teens –
Artists from The matching moves to everyone on the lineup.
Dharavi Dream
Project performing 4. GUBBI AND HEAM SHARE
at Haq Se Hindustan.
THEIR SPOTLIGHT WITH
NEW TALENT
Repping Karnataka at Haq Se Hindustan was
Bengaluru’s seasoned voice Gubbi, who put
forward old and new material during his set in
English and Kannada. The rapper took some time
to warm up but the crowd was on the same page
throughout, chanting along Kannada and English
hooks at his Mumbai debut. Meanwhile, MC
Heam aka Hemant Dhyani was hyping the Dhar-
avi Dream Project’s opening set and unleashed
a whole new beast version of himself during his
performance, taking aim at TikTok rappers and
uncles and aunties alike.
Both rappers were keen to use their stage time
to highlight new talent – Gubbi (joined by DJ
Panic) had his latest collaborator, rapper-singer
Madhura Gowda aka MG join and even sing her
own song, while Heam shared space with rapper
Void and even called back the Dharavi Dream Pro-
Bengaluru
rapper Gubbi ject B-boys for his unreleased song “Hardcore.”
spitting bars
at Haq Se.
December 2019 | Rolling Stone India | 37
MC Heam
showcasing his
skill at Haq Se
Hindustan.
Khasi Bloodz
during their 100RBH brought
set at Haq Se. his A-game to
Haq Se.
5. MC MANMEET KAUR’S at Haq Se Hindustan one of the most energetic,
VIBRANT SHOWCASE lively, bouncy and hyped up crowds we’ve seen. We
Chandigarh/Goa rapper MC Manmeet Kaur took witnessed attendees breakdancing on and off the
on the continual run of onstage collaborations stage, moshing as well as doing a choreographed
and invited Bgirl Amby (Ambarin Kadri) from sit down and jump during New Delhi rap-
Mumbai-based Roc Fresh Crew to add more per Prabh Deep’s set, grooving to Shillong hip-hop
elements in her already diverse set. MC Kaur took outfit Khasi Bloodz and raging to the sounds of
charge of pretty much everything on stage, from hip-hop through the course of the evening.
mixing behind the console to singing and rapping.
Her selection of tunes showcased the free-flowing 7. THE UNMATCHED STAND
songs off her 2018 album Neophilia and dub and OF 100RBH
reggae-infused songs which effortlessly dived into Although the rest of his crew in Raphop-
socially conscious lyrics as well as party-friendly per couldn’t make it from Amravati to Mumbai
vibes. due to logistical issues, rapper Saurabh Abhyankar
aka 100RBH more than made up for it at the
6. THE ENERGETIC CROWD concert with incendiary intent. First with a short
THAT MADE HAQ SE WHAT 15 minute set that covered ground on his roots
.
IT WAS and threw in his now-famous verse from “India
Without the audience – organizers and performers 91” off Bollywood film Gully Boy, 100RBH also
.
alike would be nowhere. And boy was the audience came into his own during Swadesi’s set with bass
.
38 | Rolling Stone India | December 2019
New Delhi rapper
Prabh Deep MC Manmeet
showcased his high- Kaur on the
energy at Haq Se deck at Haq Se
Hindustan. Hindustan.
Mumbai crew Swadesi Dope Daddy (right)
and electronica artist and Stony Psyko
Bandish Projekt during of Dopeadelicz
their closing set at Haq performing at Haq
Se Hindustan. Se Hindustan.
beatsmith Bandish Projekt. Whether it was the 9. KHASI BLOODZ AND Nash, Prabh lived up to the hype and then
breakaway couplets about government corrup- PRABH DEEP BRING THE some.
tion or incisive delivery on his verses in “Raukto HOUSE DOWN
De,” “Jhand” and “Khaari Baat,” 100RBH was in Shillong hip-hop crew Khasi Bloodz and New 10. SWADESI’S SEISMIC
devastating form and is likely to go from strength Delhi’s Punjabi wordsmith Prabh Deep both FUSION HIP-HOP CLOSING
to strength. had exceptional live bands enhancing their slick SET WITH BANDISH PROJEKT
production and it’s probably something we need If you wanted to be treated to experimental
8. DOPEADELICZ BRING to see more often in India’s live circuit. Khasi hip-hop fusion, then hip-hop crew Swadesi
MUMBAI FLAVOR, PRAISE Bloodz were unsparing and snarling in their intent (featuring MC Mawali, MC Tod Fod and MC
THE CHRONIC on songs like “Don’t Stop” and “Pain,” almost Maharya) and seasoned electronica artist Mayur
Mumbai crew Dopeadelicz featuring rappers Dope inflecting a gangsta rap style, backed by drummer Narvekar aka Bandish Projekt’s collaborative set
Daddy and Stony Psyko not only brought their Mum- Gideon Kom, guitarist Imti Kharkongor and bass- was a must-hear. The trio put on a strong
bai fire to the Haq Se stage but also showcased their ist Jerry Nelson Ranee and DJ Knack aka Duncan showcase with the usage of konnakol, bass-heavy
versatility by rapping in Hindi, Marathi and Tamil. Kharmalki. sounds, clever dynamics and powerful rhythms
Dopeadelicz’s set included tracks such as the jumpy Prabh Deep ran on stage to become one and more. They crunched out tracks from their
“Bounce” off multi-instrumentalist/producer Aakash of the most demanding performers of the collaborative Katal Kalaa and Khulle Naagde EPs
Ravikrishnan recently released album Over Seas, the night, and the crowd did supply the energy – such as the Indian classical-leaning “Kar Natak,”
cheeky “Legalize It,” the brand new glitchy “Wake Up,” from a wall of death on just a slice of “Class- the pumping “Ek Se Aanth” and the raucous
the sassy “Aai Shapath Saheb Me Navtho” and more. Sikh Maut II” to stomp-arounds for songs “Mumbai Aamchi.” Swadesi also performed a
The hometown boys definitely drove home their set like “Sauce,” “Maya” and “Suno.” Backed by chopped and screwed remix version of their
with high energy, plenty of crowd interaction, typical- drummer Sahil Shah, bassist and synth artist hard-hitting protest song “The Warli Revolt”
ly American hip-hop attire and banging verses. Hashbass aka Harshit Misra and DJ/hypeman which left no one standing still.
December 2019 | Rolling Stone India | 39
A.R.
RAHMAN
THE
MENTOR
A.R. RAHMAN
few artists are seated comfortably The final candidates will also get to tour and
on the ground while a bunch of perform at 12 live events across India. To
them are positioned atop multi- serve as beacons for the emerging talent,
A tiered stools. Some daring ones NEXA Music also brought onboard three
are balancing their carefully crafted stances headliners, each of them an indie star—
on high ladders and it’s quite a sight to see. veteran rocker Uday Benegal of Indus
The group of 44 young musicians in an Creed, singer-songwriter Nikhil D’Souza
assortment of postures is here to shoot the and playback singer and performer par
most ambitious cover for Rolling Stone India excellence, Anushka Manchanda.
yet and the mood is electric with what’s about For Rahman, it was the opportunity to
to come. promote an oft-neglected segment of the
F O R T HE C E L E B R A T E D Test shots are underway, the set is silent arts with the help of NEXA Music, which
and the musicians are almost statue-still really struck a chord. “India is known for
C O M P OS E R , P I C K I N G when the large studio door finally creaks film music, classical music and folk music.
I N D I A’ S M OS T P R O M I S I N G open and A.R. Rahman walks in. Dressed But independent English-language music
in a red-and-black plaid blazer, tie-dye is probably the orphaned area, the ignored
Y O U N G A R T I S T S F O R T HE trousers and dark glasses, his entire look space,” he says. “It’s so nice to see these
screams ‘superstar.’ In the next second, the kids taking the courage [to pursue music]
N AT I O N W I D E TA L E N T tower of artists breaks into an assortment even though there aren’t enough outlets for
H U N T N E X A M U S I C C A M E of emotions—there’s gasping, whispering, them—they’re making efforts to put their
loud cheering and eventually, thunderous music on YouTube, they’re playing indie gigs,
F R O M A P E R S O N A L S PA C E applause as the Grammy and Oscar-winning all underground. It’s time for them come to
composer says hello and joins the group. He the ground and the time for us to witness
casually hops over to his designated spot the magic.”
(a space no bigger than one square foot) Cerejo explains that the project has been
and asks everyone how they’re doing. The an eye opener to him in many ways. “When I
otherwise boisterous group is at first a little listened to some of the artists that made the
awkward, shy even—they’re all still reeling cut, I was blown away by the talent we have
from the well-known ‘Rahman effect’—but in our own backyard. The indie scene has
BY RIDDHI CHAKRABORTY soon enough, a selfie epidemic begins and been brewing on slow burn for some years
loud bantering takes over. but right now it’s exploding with artists that
PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROHIT GUPTA
The 44 artists gathered around Rahman have a voice. The 24 NEXA Lab artists have
are part of 24 diverse acts (a mix of solo blurred genre lines to define what English
artists, duos and bands) hand-picked by music in India sounds like right now.”
the composer as part of the nationwide Both Rahman and Cerejo highlight the
talent hunt, NEXA Music. Presented by the most laudable bit about Nexa Music—the fact
partnership between the digital media firm that the initiative chose to invest in original
Qyuki and NEXA, it was conceptualized as music in English created by independent
a unique initiative for independent artists artists—something that most brands are
and aims to spotlight creators of English- afraid to do. “It’s rare for a huge brand that
language original music across the country. has a global presence to go against the grain
The Top 24 we meet at the shoot were and create a revival when most everyone else
shortlisted from over 1000 entries the is just interested in what’s already popular,”
contest received. Under the mentorship of says Cerejo. “ARR and Qyuki have had a
Rahman and noted composer and record wonderful vision for the indie scene in India
producer Clinton Cerejo, these 24 acts were and I’m only too happy to help realize that
given the opportunity to have an original vision through NEXA Music.”
track produced at the Nexa Music Lab. The Juhi Mehta, President, Qyuki, who has
result was a genre-defying sonic spectrum been leading the project since its inception,
of music that includes power-ballads, bright feels that NEXA Music has filled many
pop, soulful acoustic offerings, prog-rock voids for a range of artists. For budding
anthems and more. talent, it has equipped them with a top-
“It was unbelievable!” says Rahman quality audio track and a music video. For
when we ask about the experience of finally experienced yet under-funded musicians,
meeting the artists whose music he had the project has facilitated new connections
liked so much. “Being a composer you’re just and opportunities within the industry. She
locked inside a studio… all of these artists believes that the inclusive, representative
were so awesome, so lovable. I want to spend nature of the project is one of its biggest
more time with them.” hallmarks. “The idea was that we don’t
The soon-to-be-announced Top 4 winners restrict ourselves to a particular genre or a
will get to collaborate with the mentors to type. We wanted to celebrate the diversity
create four more tracks and music videos. within India,” Mehta says, adding, “And as
December 2019 | Rolling Stone India | 41
much as each of the tracks brings out the
individuality of artists, there is a consistency Clinton Cerejo
in terms of the production quality. It has
been a lengthy and painstaking process
which has required a lot of investment by
way of time, effort and money, but the output
has been so promising that it has wowed
us all.”
Cerejo concurs: “Bianca Gomes, my co-
songwriter, and I have already been writing
songs and collaborating with the potential
lab winners. They have been writing lyrics to
these melodies and the results we’re seeing
are mind-bending. I mean, these tracks are
truly something the country can be proud of.
This is just the beginning of something big.”
A few days after the cover shoot, we have
an appointment to meet A.R. Rahman
at his Mumbai studio for a one-on-one
conversation. It’s around 10 p.m. on a
Thursday at the end of an ordinary work
day. There is no hustle and bustle of a shoot
but somehow it is a lot more nerve-wracking.
We arrive a few minutes before time and get
a chance to take in all the positive energy
thrumming within the intimate studio’s
neon-lit thresholds. It’s comfortable, bright
and a tiny reflection of who Rahman is at
his core. While we’re waiting, I continue
my interview prep, a part which includes (a
15th) look over the list of awards he’s won—
two Grammys, two Oscars, six National
Film Awards, a BAFTA, a Golden Globe, 15
Filmfare Awards and 17 Filmfare Awards
South. Not to mention the Padma Bhushan
conferred on him in 2010. My brain is
melting, trying to comprehend the series of
events in my life that led to this interview,
when the door opens and the he enters.
Almost immediately, I feel the ‘Rahman COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
effect’ kick in.
The composer is barefoot, and clad in dark
blue jeans and a casual shirt. He greets us
with a cheerful smile and leads us into one
of the recording studios. The man exudes
great energy despite being at the end of a
pretty crazy week—in a space of five days,
he’d somehow managed to pack in a concert When I listened to some of the artists that made
in Dubai, a trip to Tokyo, various other secret
assignments and this interview. In between the cut I was blown away by the talent we have in
it all, he’s tapping away on his phone, our own backyard. The 24 Nexa Lab artists have
sending emails and approvals on his recent
single “Ahimsa” with Irish rock legends U2 blurred genre lines to define what English music
(which is to release the next morning) but
stays engaged in our conversation, laughing in India sounds like right now.
politely at all my nervous bad jokes. The
Chennai-based music luminary seems to - Clinton Cerejo
prefer doing the listening at first but as
42 | Rolling Stone India December 2019
India is known for film
music, classical music
and folk music. But
independent English-
language music is probably
the orphaned area, the
ignored space.
- A.R. Rahman
ART DIRECTOR- TANVI SHAH
STYLIST- SHRUTI AGARWAL
HAIR & MAKEUP- NANDINI
D’ROZARIO (STUDIO MUAH)
A.R. RAHMAN
Nikhil D’Souza
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
we keep talking, he reveals a sharp sense generation. How does he feel about playing
of humor that catches me off-guard. He’s a such a massive role in how we consume and—
lot of fun to hang out with, generous about in some cases, make—music? Does any of it
giving us sneak peeks at upcoming projects It’s a well known and, ever ripple back to him or in turn, affect the
and even a glimpse at a photo on his phone sadly, accepted fact that way he makes music?
of him with American R&B icon Stevie “Yes, actually,” he replies. He tells me that
Wonder. Throughout the two hours we independent English the idea of finding inspiration in another
spend with him, I can’t stop grinning. artist is an integral part of every musician’s
For most of us Indians born in the late music in India is simply journey. It pushes you to be your best. “I mean,
Eighties and early Nineties, Rahman’s somebody mentored me,” he says with a smile.
compositions are some of our very not taken seriously. Nexa “Many people, I would say.” He recalls how
first memories of music. Right from elated he was when one of his mentors, the
his legendary breakthrough with Mani Music is a step in the legendary English composer Andrew Lloyd
Ratnam’s Roja in 1992 to his subsequent Webber, complimented him once; “He said
award-winning work in films like Bombay, direction to change that. to me, ‘Oh my God, what a composer you
Kadhalan, Dil Se.., Rangeela and Taal, he I think half the job is to are!’ And you know, it’s sweet coming from
set a bar no other music director in the someone of another culture.”
country could match. A lot of young Indian coax the English-speaking Rahman recounts being invited to Webber’s
people around the world who know his 70th birthday and sitting between the
music consider him a mentor even without masses here to accept, composer and Elton John during dinner, and
having ever met him. It’s not just because his wonder at the entire situation. If he can
of his inimitable talent—it is Rahman’s embrace and support this pass that feeling along to someone who looks
tremendous drive as a creator and his up to him, it’s a cycle that continues, a gift that
discipline and determination to innovate music as their own. keeps on giving for generations. “It’s so much
that sets him apart from the rest. about learning from what people have given
If we’re talking about Rahman as a - Nikhil D’Souza me, and just giving it back,” he elaborates.
mentor, perhaps this is the first point of The key for every artist, according to
conversation: being an inspiration to entire Rahman, is the groundwork. Do the typical
44 | Rolling Stone India | December 2019
Uday Benegal
The people behind Nexa
Music seem pretty committed
to it which I’m really happy
about. They seem to have
good intentions. Also Qyuki,
who are pretty much the
operation driving the whole
thing. Everybody seems to
have their hearts in the right
place and for me that’s very,
very important.
- Uday Benegal
stuff. Get down to brass tacks. Don’t be not challenging the system. “Because most of to innovate, too. “It’s like, ‘Okay so I’m an
afraid of clichés. “Because I started with all them don’t know anything. They just want indie songwriter. I get a guitar and sing
the clichés very early in my life,” he says. As a to follow something else that worked, then about myself.’ But what’s new about that?
teen, Rahman was a roadie of sorts, helping copy-paste it.” Rahman says it’s not limited to Of course, in that there’s honesty and soul,
his father film scorer R. K. Shekhar run his music—stagnation by not challenging what’s so people love to hear that. But how do you
studio. After his father’s passing, he eventually old is common in politics, medicine, art and break the clutter? How do you stand out? It
entered the film industry himself, taking on many other professional fields. “If things are is a very important question we all have to
grunt work for other composers and artists. “I not reinvented and we don’t find better ways ask—even I’m asking myself when I’m doing
did all the normal stuff, played for other people to do them, we rot.” music—how’s it going to stand out? There
for 10 years, and then I got sick of that. So I The lack of reinvention is something is so much going on. And, you know, the
said I’m not going to do this,” he recalls. “When he’s spoken about many times before. In an question makes you work harder.”
I got in that state of mind, I started making interview with film critic Anupama Chopra Rahman’s entire identity as an artist is
music. I pushed myself… Even [someone like in 2018, he had lamented about how lazy tied to the idea of constantly looking inward,
Michael] Jackson, has done all the ‘normal’ the Indian music industry is, relying on seeking self-improvement and then seeing
stuff before he got the power and started doing the same formulas again and again. “They it emerge in his music. “I think music
extraordinary things.” act according to convenience,” he had said, reflects what’s inside you,” he says after a
Another tenet: to pursue your dream, you further explaining that most music directors moment’s contemplation. “And the search
need to reach a point where you cannot be settle on working with who they have on hand for the secret of the universe. I think we’re
afraid of what other people say. “It’s that fear rather than choosing artists or instruments all searching for that—where are we coming
that says, ‘If I don’t do what they say, I’ll lose that fit the bill. from? Where is the mothership?” Different KUNAL GUPTA
the job’. But that’s where mediocrity comes in,” Can the younger generation break the people seek answers in different ways:
he points out. Creative stagnation stems from cycle? Rahman feels they’ll need the push science, spirituality, family and, “Love.” says
December 2019 | Rolling Stone India | 45
A.R. RAHMAN
Rahman. “It’s the most clichéd word in the mark in the world as a creative superpower, While we’re on the topic of collaborations
world but still matters, in every second, and supporting that makes sense to him. and new endeavors, I decide to touch upon
every microsecond.” “The country’s young... so this is the time to something I’ve been getting messaged
He feels that mentorship, by inspiration be here.” about on Twitter since January; would A.R.
or interaction, is about helping trigger A mention of his kids brings us to the Rahman ever collaborate with Korean pop
that search within themselves. For artists, final and perhaps most important kind of superstars BTS? “Why not?” he says, adding
it’s about how you use the title and the mentorship: fatherhood. His 16-year-old that he remembers a
regard you’ve been given to start something son Ameen recently made his debut as a certain video of him
powerful and profound. “In a way I think it’s solo pop artist with the track “Sago” as part talking about K-pop at
all interconnected,” he says. “It’s about what of the Tamil gig series 7UP Madras Gig. His NEXA Music’s launch
you do with that role. You find those gems daughters Khatija and Raheema lent their English e vent in Februar y
everywhere. Like now, I’m working with voices to “Ahimsa,” making their big vocal going viral on desi stan
Bono—being a musician is how he was able debut, and have other projects lined up. “It’s independent Twitter. When I admit
to do so much in Africa.” The Irish rocker like a full-time job, you know, giving your I originally posted the
is known for his campaigning for Africa kids confidence and making them what music has it video he’s talking about,
and co-founding charitable organizations they are,” Rahman says. He learned this he’s really not surprised.
for the same like DATA, EDUN, the ONE while working with legendary Tamil film tough in India. “Of course that was you!”
Campaign, and Product Red. composer Ilaiyaraaja. “His [now famous] he says, raising a slightly
For Rahman personally, doing much more sons Karthik and Yuvan would hang out Bollywood music accusatory finger at
is about finding and nurturing budding with me and with other musicians even at me and then laughing.
the age of seven or eight,” says Rahman. rules the charts,
musicians, creating an environment where “What’s nice is for them
they can learn, collaborate and flourish. “I realized that this man is doing the and even the [BTS] to have a platform
It started way back in 2008 when he right thing, where you introduce the kids on the world stage.” We
established the KM Conservatory in Chennai to [artists.] So then I pulled in Ameen.” music labels talk a little bit more
and now continues with NEXA Music. “It’s The then-six-year-old started his career as about the importance
about using the power of music to do much a playback singer in the Hollywood film putting money of Asian representation
more.” With this project, Rahman also Couples Retreat in 2009. He’s sung for and he reveals that he
hopes to realize in some manner his desire various films since, including the acclaimed behind creating wants to dub 10 of his
to ‘normalize’ music as a career choice. Sachin Tendulkar biopic Sachin: A Billion songs into Japanese
He also feels an urgent need to establish a Dreams and the Rajnikaanth mega-hit and promoting and Korean and work
movement regardless of the result, just so 2.0. “Ameen always comes and whispers, on remaking them with
‘Daddy, I’m scared!’” reveals Rahman with non-film songs
that a precedent is set which instills people’s artists like BTS. It could
faith in music. “Even if it about arguing with a fond laugh. “I tell him that nobody is born are pushing also work vice versa,
the parents, you know. If someone wants to talented. You have to shape it. If you have a where he reinvents one of
be a musician, they can use the example of gig and you sing flat, you’ll be humiliated. them in Hindi their tracks. Rahman is
NEXA Music—that something like this is You must work on it. You should practice always open to new ideas
happening—and the parents might let them and do your homework.” or Punjabi. And and it is perhaps his most
pursue it.” We move on to discussing what he winning trait, the key
It’s about big names like Rahman, wants to explore next and Rahman is full so there is a need reason for his success.
Cerejo and more investing their time and of surprises. He reveals he’s done three When it comes to new
effort into this project that acts as a seal of or four studio sessions with Canadian for a platform to projects in 2020, he
legitimacy. “The middle-class thinking that singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, hung teases us by saying he
out with and discussed possibly working take indie talent
music will not feed your family, that it’s a bad doesn’t plan anything
profession... [that kind of mindset exists] all on something with American R&B icons and broadcast it. ahead. I ask him instead
around the world. But things are changing Stevie Wonder and Quincy Jones and is about what ’s some
rapidly. Because of AI and technology a lot looking at how he can evolve his role as That’s what Nexa good advice he’s gotten
of people might lose jobs or jobs will get a music director. “I’m constantly working which he’d like to pass
reinvented, but creative professionals are for movies and it’s fun,” he says. “But the Music will do. on for people to keep in
going to take off. That’s what I’m hearing.” next level would be working with film mind for the new year,
He explains that young people now are also directors directly.” He explains that in the - Anushka and his answer ties our
more determined to make it in the creative hierarchy of filmmaking, unless it comes entire conversation
fields, and are coming up with new ways to from the top level, a music director can’t Manchanda together neatly. “It
monetize their art. “So getting a creative job really experiment with something new. “If keeps changing,” he says.
will be individualistic and secure. Of course, the director actually heads the project, like “Because whatever it was,
a musician’s job needs more imagination.” Danny Boyle (Slumdog Millionaire, 127 it gets dated. But I would
He admits that NEXA Music gave him Hours) for example. I just dealt with him; say you have to practice consciously trying
a glimpse into that hopeful new world. “To I didn’t have to deal with any studios. So to improve yourself... Every day it has to be
find people who have evolved so much—the we were able to do something new. If you something new you’re pushing yourself to
thinking, the writing, the kind of originality. go under studio substructure, they tell you learn. I think that’s good advice. Moving
It’s fascinating to see this generation what to do, how you should sound and… towards something good and learning
becoming so confident.” India is making its that’s too boring.” something new every day.”
46 | Rolling Stone India | December 2019
COURTESY OF THE ARTIST
Anushka Manchanda
CALICO, Mumbai
48 | Rolling Stone India December 2019
VERNON AMRIT
NORONHA, Mumbai MOHAN, Delhi
PRASHIN JAGGER
December 2019 | Rolling Stone India | 49
A.
MAHESH
RAGHUNANDAN, Bangalore
SUSHA, Chennai
50 | Rolling Stone India December 2019
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Founded by the legendary Jann Wenner four decades ago in San Francisco, Rolling Stone is not just the world’s greatest music magazine, but also a global cultural icon. Published in 15 countries, it is the pop culture reference point for more than 12 million young adults around the world, who come to the magazine every month for the same reasons as a previous generation: to be informed, to be inspired, to form an opinion, to develop an attitude and, of course, to Rock & Roll. Rolling Stone’s sphere of influence reaches across music, entertainment, movies, television, fashion, technology and national affairs. Rolling Stone covers everything that’s important, trendsetting, and newsworthy to the thought leaders among young adults. Rolling Stone is one of the best known brands among the youth around the world.
Rolling Stone India was launched in 2008 as the 14th international edition of Rolling Stone. In its approach, content and style, the magazine follows the same philosophy as the other international editions. Within no time, it has grown to become India’s most popular music magazine. Apart from keeping its growing readership abreast of what is happening in the international world of music, Rolling Stone India has taken upon itself the role of providing Indian musicians a legitimate platform to project their music to an expanding audience. The Indian music scene is burgeoning, and Rolling Stone India can take some credit for it.
In this issue
Our mammoth December cover features the celebrated composer A.R. Rahman along with India’s most promising musicians who he mentored as part of the nationwide talent hunt NEXA Music. The Top 24 featured acts include singer-songwriters, duos, trios and bands. Nexa Music is presented by NEXA in partnership with
Qyuki.
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