Metal-bai: Here Comes The Metal Mentor

Truthfully, what I’m noticing is that the number of more mainstream rock groups hasn’t grown too much. In fact, from a more traditional rock sense, bands like Blakc are about the only ones forging ahead and creating music in that vein. But speaking from an aspirational point of view, I’ve noticed that most of the newer bands coming into the heavy music circuit are more often than not gravitating towards being technical or grind core death metal, which is a very common music form, primarily from Scandinavia.

Anything specific to that point?
For instance, you take some of the bands I’ve worked with or am supporting right now from smaller places like Bhopal. These guys are very much drawn to the extreme side of metal. That being said, the thrash and groove metal you and I are more indulgent in, is, at least according to me, fading away from the scene in Mumbai and elsewhere. I don’t really find any new artists or groups wanting to write those epic and long musical composition with poetic lyrics with appropriate four beat drum patterns. Plus, the traditional desire to understand and incorporate tone, acoustic elements or even non-metal instruments is being shied away from. A lot of players aren’t too interested in exploring the many ways a song can develop and that’s something I’m working toward addressing through either my production duties and teaching sessions.
So essentially, death core is becoming the dominant force in the rock and metal category in Mumbai and the rest of India?
It seems that way. I mean, you try and tell me if you can recall any big names that sound anything near to what the sounds of the 1980’s and 1990’s were. Everyone today wants to play a seven string or 12 string guitar and create riff patterns that they think sound cool with very low tuning. Big choruses or clear vocal melodies that allow the audience to chant along with the band are slowly dissolving. Although, that is not to say that what kids today are listening to is bad or that they are any less talented or open to ideas. You have to remember that it’s 2016 and the young talent cropping up was born in the early to mid-1990’s, so they’ve have more exposure and familiarity with bands that have focused more or specific drum patterns and growling vocal lines in the 2000s. But a key thing I do warn any band I support or work with is not get caught up with finding a certain vibe. They need to know what ignites their passion and why they feel connected to certain established groups or influences.
What would you say are the key things newer bands need to keep in mind if they want to make it in the Indian heavy metal circuit?
I genuinely don’t know how a metal band can ‘make it’ in India. It’s all about being able to sustain yourself, be regular with gigs and releases, have a good social media presence and more importantly have a strong hold in the college circuit for that’s where all the grooming happens. It is essentially the main avenue for all the bands. Plus, it doesn’t matter if they like playing heavy metal or Sufi rock music. The bottom line, as I said, is being able to work the road and to practice as much a band can. It’s critical.
From a teaching point of view, are you noticing any changes with regard to the caliber of students and overall talent as compared to, say, five years ago?
Well, parents nowadays are equally enthusiastic and encourage their children to take up music. In addition, schools are also encouraging music as a subject. That’s a good start, I’d say. If the musical understanding begins at an early age then, yes, the standard of learning and grasping power is higher.
Initially I had only college students and people with jobs enrolling with me for guitar lessons. Now I have a bunch of school kids who play really well and are serious about their instrument. But, like I said earlier, my key focus is help them understand the importance of making their music connect with the audiences. You have to remember that forging a strong bond with your listener is crucial. That’s the way I understood music — by listening to bands like Black Sabbath, Judas Priest, Pantera, [Iron] Maiden, Metallica and Megadeth. The list is endless. Hence, teaching my students that point as well as the importance of how melody works, timing or well-crafted solos are things that are needed to form a signature sound.