Ashutosh Phatak - The Interview

We caught up with Ashutosh Phatak- musician and one of the founding members of India’s most successful live music venue- blueFROG. Ashutosh was recently on the panel of speakers for the Nokia Connects Music conference. He shares with us his views on the Indie music scene in India and more

Q. Today, after almost two years, what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when someone says blueFROG?  How does it feel to have conceptualized a project like this one?

I’m still inspired and excited by it. We’ve started on a journey and we are still babies and have lots to grow and a million places to go. I feel very proud of being part of giving birth to this idea that actually is an ever-evolving one, so I know it will go places.

Q. Can you tell me something about your South by South West experience? As an Indian artist on an international stage (this happens rarely), what did you bring home?

It was a crazy, hectic experience and I was shocked that a few people in the audience actually shouted  out “Fix Me” and knew my songs!

Q. The ‘Nokia Connects India’ press conference took place recently. As a speaker at the event and from a business perspective, what are your views on the Indian non-film music industry today?

That’s a very loaded question as my views are strong and many! In short, people should stop cribbing and constantly complaining about the lack of an independent music scene and start doing something. It can only start from the ground up when the audiences start listening and actively supporting the scene and the bands and promoters take matters into their own hands without waiting for someone else to do it first.

Q. What according to you is the Indian music scene’s biggest downfall and greatest advantage? Do you believe we lack structure?

Absolutely! We lack a coordinated and integrated musical ecosystem from which talent can be nurtured and exposed. We still are dependent on sponsors to pull off events and the ticket sale model has yet to come into play. The value of a live experience has to be enhanced in the minds of the audience in order to justify a ticket price that can support a concert. One way to do this is by the bands upping the ante by creating phenomenal shows that justify the price to the audience.

The greatest advantage is that we are in virgin territory and if we shape the growth of this scene intelligently, it can grow to be one of the best in the world!

Q. Your live shows are magical. Who came up with those wooden figures?

“Woody” was actually the idea of a bunch of friends from “Good Morning Films” who designed my album artwork. They thought he was representative of my mind! Introverted, silent but bursting with contained emotion! Ha!

Q. Share with us your views on the Ladakh Confluence.

The worst organized festival I have ever seen or hope to ever see. The worst part was that they were incredibly disrespectful towards the artists who came all the way there to play for them for FREE. I could but shouldn’t say anymore…

Q. We really like your song “Fix Me”. What’s the story there?

Thank you! The song was first written as a satire on some warped world leaders. How Hitler or Bush needed to conquer the world in order to squash their own personal insecurities and their appeal to get fixed because deep down, they actually realize they are broken! Then I realized even I was no different when I noticed all the stupid things I try to do get rid of my insecurities too! So there!

Q. Give away one of your trade secrets!

Hot Toddy!