Rahul ram | He is a bass guitarist, who performed virtually for HCL’s Soundscapes with his band. He speaks with Shalini Saksena about why he agreed to this virtual concert and how the profile of his fans has changed
What was the attraction of being part of the virtual concert?
To be honest, as you are aware due to the pandemic, we have not done any performances. Just the thought of coming together and playing was a wonderful experience. I am glad we got this opportunity.
How tough/easy to put it all together?
We had become a little rustic. We needed to brush up and did a couple of rehearsals because we had not played in the last six months. The tough part was that there was no audience and one had to imagine them. While it was okay to get the feedback virtually with hearts and balloons but the feel and energy of a live performance couldn’t be replaced. Having said this, virtual concerts are the way forward. Even after things are back to normal, these kind concerts will continue.
You have been there for three decades, changes in music seen?
I have seen changes and I will see more changes in the coming years. When we started, there were very few venues. The only places where we played were at college festivals. Today, there are many venues that make it possible for us to reach out to different people. Also, the kind of music has changed and it goes through waves. There were Punjabi song waves, then there was the remix wave. A bunch of indie pop artists came up. Things come and go. Now, there is electronica and DJs.
Did playing for a virtual audience affect the band’s energy?
Well, it was not as if we had to get up at 4:30 am to catch a flight, reach the venue and set up the stage to perform. We were far more rested and hence the energy level was high. But yes, we didn’t get to hear the live audience shout and scream. Also, when one is on the live stage, the conversation one has with the audience is highly dependent on the response. Here it was a bit different.
Has the profile of your fans changed?
The age spectrum is broader. There are people who grew up listening to our music. Then there is the whole audience who are in their 30s-40s. At the big festivals, there are a lot of young professionals since students can’t afford the cost of the ticket. Students are at the college festivals. There are people who are now bringing their children. I have played for the bikers as well in Goa.
Do you think that the concept of being part of a band is finally here?
When during our time, there were bands because there were college festivals. I remember when I was in school, I would go to IIT Delhi to listen to bands come from all over the country and watch them perform — young college students who were part of the band. For professional nights, there were bands coming from outside. Indian Ocean was not the first band nor would it be the last. However, the numbers have increased and music has become more Indianised.
Has technology helped promote music for you?
Yes and no. Yes, because we have more equipment, we don’t have to go to a studio and pay big money to play. The record company doesn’t have a big hold over you. Today, sitting at home, I can create music. No, because due to the Internet, everyone wants free music. Nowadays, people watch music. When you don’t sell, you don’t get any royalty. Ten cents a download won’t get you anywhere. Take an example. All our music is on iTunes and the total annual income we get is $100. This is true globally.
Over the years, some members left and new joined. Did it affect the dynamics when new members joined?
When we began, there were four of us from 1994 till 2009 and then Asheem (Chakravarty) died and it was like the left side of the stage was empty. We had to bring in two people to replace him since he could sing and play the table. Then our guitar player left and we brought in a new person. But each new person brings something new since we don’t want clones.
What are your future plans?
We have a bunch of songs recorded and ready for release. Since people watch rather than listen to music, we were planning to do some form of video. But they were put on hold but since going out of town is clearly not going to happen, we are going to work on new material.