(Interviewed by Aryan on behalf of D. Mus. (DigiMusic))
They want to create quality music, they want to perform live, they want to put India on the World music map and, most important, they want to enjoy themselves. They are Junkyard Groove and they don't need any intro!
Here's our interview with Junkyard Groove's Ameeth Thomas:
Q: First of all, greetings from D.Mus. What are you guys upto these days?
Been traveling playing getting to know each other and getting the new album and band in place. Writing a lot of new music :).
Q How did 2011 shape up for you guys? What are your expectations from this new year?
Honestly for me personally has been the best year since 2007 the band has vision, band has love and there is a point to it other than money and fame.
Q: Please shed some light on your upcoming album.
Upcoming album is some old stuff I have written and new. The sound is evolving because Sajith, Naveen and Shank have their own flavour. For me musically its bloody exciting cause we are trying to do something different from the first album by JYG. And this album production wise its all in house I am doing the production in my studio.
Q How would you describe the sound of the new album?
Catchy, dance, groove based and honest.
Q: How preicisely do you follow your influences? How have they helped in evolving your sound over the years?
All my favourite artists I follow online. For me the internet is a blessing cause its free of bullshit. I don't need to listen to what the media sells me. We live in a pretty incredible age. And yes they evolve and I do the same I'm not the same songwriter I was 3 yrs back.
Q: How difficult it is to adopt to line up changes?
Change is always good and hard, its the only constant in life. The new line up I love because there is a sense of new energy, love, passion, doubt, fear and excitement. Our first album as in JYG was a huge success according to me but now we have to raise the bar and create something new, fresh and exciting. Its a huge challenge but I love a good challenge.
Q: Can you give an insight into the songwriting procedures of the band?
As of now I write all the songs and show it to the band and they come in with their own flavor. Honestly there is no real set pattern. The main change has been that I have a small studio and do all the recordings there, so i get to create new sounds, Ideas and just write when I feel like. And the new line up has been so supportive and positive about everything I do and at the same time tell me when I am fucking up.
Q. Your first album "11:11" was a great success. Comment on it and say something about it for those who haven't listened to it yet.
I love those songs and that album that was a awesome time in my life but now we are moving foward and want to keep pushing the boundaries. If you like catchy music and riffs that's a good album to listen to start to finish.
Q You guys have opened shows for bands like Iron Maiden and a few more. Describe your experience.
Honestly does not make that much of a difference to me, it was great at the time but now looking back we do the same kind of shows anyway, in the sense we love playing to crowds and people loving our music. The music you make and the show you put on makes the difference not the bands you open for.
Q: Most memorable gig till now.
IIT Chennai hands down :).
Q What do u think has been your biggest achievement till now?
Being a live band and doing exactly what we want. That is so damn hard to do in any profession. Being honest is so fucking hard most people are not. We do this for the love not the fame or money not like there is a lot. When I tell people I play in a band they look at me like a looser but then I think I am living life by my own terms and they are all slaves to a system that does not make any sense.
Q What's been your biggest challenge as a band till now?
Money for one!!! Second doing things on your own terms and not selling out. Sometimes you break rules because you know it is right and sticking by it is the hardest part because you get shit for it. But I belive you stick by what you love.
Q Compare the rock scenerio of India when Junkyard Groove was formed to the present rock scenerio. How has it evolved over the years?
Its so damn diffrent now everything has opened up. The key has been the internet. When kids complain these days I feel like throwing a brick at them. When I started out we had fuck all, now you can put ur music up and market your music for almost no budget. You have so much acess to new music. The only reason I can see bands not doing well is bad bloody music. If you have a pc or a mac you have access to a full studio in the comfort of your home. Making albums has become easy.
Q Indian and International bands you would like to share the stage with?
Indian for me Pentagram one of my fav band of all time . International I would say pearl Jam, Dave Mathews band and John Butler Trio.
Q In a country like India where very few rock fans are there and piracy is prevalent, how difficult do you think it is to take up music as a profession?
Nothing is easy. What makes a band or a person is dealing with what you have and making the best of what you have. I hate people that complain.Find a way around it and use what everyone thinks is shit to your advantage. Its not like 10 yrs back we had record labels scrambling to sign bands on and giving them money. Piracy is a blessing in disguise at least for us.
Q Any advice for the newbies in the Indian rock scenerio?
If you don't have balls don't get into this. Its not about money or fame its about music. If you cant slog it out let it go, get a job work, make ur money and be a weekend musician. If you get into it be ready to give up a lot in life because its a way of life.
Q Last words for our readers.
Do what you love it will make a difference.
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