Indian Ocean is known for being the trailblazer of fusion rock genre in India. Drummer Amit Kilam from the band says that it is a great time for Indie artistes to showcase their talent. By Jigyasu Joshi
After exploring different genres of music for more than 25 years now, Amit Kilam, drummer of Indo-rock fusion band, Indian Ocean, senses that though traditional folk music is losing its shine in the age of fusion but it is not all bleak. “With the growth and education and other opportunities increasing, the younger generations are no longer continuing in the tradition of their previous generation. But still a lot of folk music is adapted to be more contemporary and is finding its way into spaces it never was a part of before. For instance the Barmer Boys, Nathu lal Solanki and Mame Khan. And even Bollywood has been using the elements of folk in its music,” he said.
Since its inception in 1990, the band has showcased dominance over music by blending in rhythms and tunes of different instruments into their music and coming out with edgy sounds. Kilam said that the songs of the band are not deemed final until everybody in the band is satisfied with each note. “We have a very workshop style of writing and composing music. It can begin with a tune or a hook or set of lyrics provided by any member or our lyricists and then the tune is worked on with people adding and taking off things, slowly chiseling our way to the final song. This internal check is the reason why our compositions are unique,” added the drummer.
Indian Ocean was the first band to contemporise the tunes of tribal music. “We always knew that we wanted our sound to be rooted in the sounds of the country and India is best exemplified in its folk traditions. If a folk tune or poem inspires us or makes a mark on us, we adapt it, reinterpret it and make it our own by adding ideas, pieces to it and sometimes reworking the melody as well,” said Kilam.
He appreciated the Indie talent that has been flowing in into the music industry and believed that it is the best time for showcasing the music one is creating. “Currently, the Internet is the best platform for independent musicians. No matter which part of the world they are in, they can record music right in their room and share it with the world. Also, if the content is good it’s sure to reach the right ears,” he added.
The band is presently composing the music for their next album, slated to release in mid of the year. The drummer also described the present music production scenario progressive. He said, “The sophistication of equipment and training of studio engineers and music producers has gone up. There are some brilliant people at work in the industry doing a slamming job. Even with the non-Bollywood music. Also it has become easier to get studios like Abbey Roads to master your album.”
Apart from doling out albums like Kandisa and Tandanu, they have also rendered music for Hindi films. The band will soon be performing at the Taalbelia music festival. “It is going to be our first festival in this New Year. The setting and the vibe of that place is also brilliant and we are excited,” he said.