Another Vertigo Rush - The Interview

1. ‘Ambient’ soundscapes? Is there a lack of GOOD experimental artists in India? Any bands/solo artists (from India of course) that come to your mind when you talk about experimental music?

Akhil: We aim at creating an atmosphere in which we can immerse ourselves, completely disconnected from what’s happening outside and only feel the music. We try to take the listener through the same emotion. From a listener’s perspective, these ‘ambient soundscapes’ are an attempt at making the audience feel a part of the song and on the same wavelength as us as opposed to listening to a piece of music and judging it from the outside. Which is one of the reasons why our live shows are dependent on the ‘feel’ of the moment, tightness or sloppy playing aside.

As for experimental artists in India, I can’t think of too many. Maybe Scribe, The Circus, Indigo Children. But no out-and-out experimenting, probably because the platform isn’t there for such things, people wouldn’t quite appreciate it. The thing is, it’s very easy to sound like your favourite experimental band(s) but that isn’t the same as experimenting on your own, not that we are exempt from this criticism either.

2. As a band, who are your musical influences?

Akhil: As a band, probably Tool, Radiohead, Mars Volta, Incubus and a few others, but individually the list starts heading into all directions.

Keshav: Radiohead, Oceansize, Isis and Jakob.

Akshat: Very Varied, but mainly bands like Queens of the Stone Age, TOOL, Oceansize, Radiohead, Jakob, NIN, lots of others. Mainly bands, which have an identity of their own in terms of their sound. These bands have very distinct sounds, which are very different from your run off the mill sounds, which is mainly what makes them an influence. Having a sense of Individuality is quintessential for the band.

3. Tell me something about Phase II. Research tells me that no other song defines the band’s evolution aptly enough.

Keshav: Most songs on Murphy’s Law had the conventional verse/chorus thing going. What we’re doing right now is nearly the complete opposite - instrumental, extended random jams, tempo changes etc etc. Phase II is a song that is both, it’s instrumental and it’s arranged like the older songs, so it pretty much defines the transition of the band’s sound from what it was to what it is now.

4. So how far do you’ll plan on taking this project? Is music a full-time profession for most in the band or have you’ll got day jobs? Do you agree with the fact that independent artists can make a living by playing live etc ( I’m referring to artists that are not popular and need to start from scratch)

Keshav: I have a day job, but it’s connected directly to the music scene. In any profession that deals with the arts, you have to work your way up from nothing and pay your dues. Ultimately, it’s as credible as any other profession in the world, and I’d like to see the day when young kids can pursue music as a career without the fear of failure or being judged by others.

Akhil: As far as we can flog it and for as long as we continue feeling it. Right now we all have day jobs, which is why it’s the perfect escape. Let’s see what happens in the future, that’s a discussion for another day. I think it’s possible for indie artists to make a living through music today, even without being super successful. But only a privileged few can get to practice their art for a living while retaining their dignity and without compromising on their ideals and principles. So it’s a fine line where you are liable to lose your way for the sake of money or success which is something I don’t fully agree with at times.

5. Which of the members is the band’s biggest asset at the moment?

Keshav: Personally I feel Akhil defines the AVR sound. He is definitely one of the most unique guitar players in the scene.

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