15 April,2009 08:02 AM IST | | Debarati Palit
Headbang to Vayu's tunes tonight at Hard Rock Cafe. WHAT's ON gives you backstage access
Formed in 1997, Bangalore-based rock band Vayu has been performing for more than a decade now and has seen a lot of changes over the years. Today, it consists of Ravi Iyer (Guitar), Gopal Dutta (Drum) and Crosby Fernandes (Bass). Their former lead singer Uday Iyer will also be performing with them tonight.
Members of Vayu (from left) Ravi Iyer, Gopal Dutta, Crosby Fernandes
Tell us about your music.
Basically, we are a classical rock band and play a lot of originals, which are mostly alternative and funk numbers. We are also influenced by classical bands like Pink Floyd. Tonight, we will be playing a couple of our original tracks, including our popular instrumental tracks like Rush Hour, Save my World and Fall Ride. We will also present some of our cover tracks.
You have been around for more than a decade now. What are the changes that you have noticed?
There has been a lot of change within the band. We are basically a three-member band, but we had guest vocalists performing with us at numerous shows. Former lead singer Uday Iyer, who is from the city, will sing some AC/DC covers tonight.
I feel that things have changed for the better in the music circuit. There are more opportunities now and a better connection with the audience.
What do you think about the new breed of rock musicians in the country?
The basic problem is that every band is a follower and no one is keen to be a trendsetter. The same old stuff is being played everywhere.
Also, there is a lack of formal training as these musicians go to websites, pick up chords and write their own music. But the question is how long can they sustain. The quality of music suffers, the focus is lost and the authenticity of these bands is at stake. It took me two years to form my first band as it required a lot of hard work to get the members, instruments and music in place.
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You have performed in the city on numerous occasions. Do you notice any changes from the perspective of the audience?
The best part is that the audience here is very clued in. But I must admit that the quality of listeners was better a couple of years back. Also, Pune is an college city, and has students from all over the country who are influenced by various kinds of music. So, the focus on rock music has decreased.
Who are your favorite bands?
It has to be Pink Floyd and Deep Purple in the international circuit and Rock Machine (later known as Indus Creed) nationally. Rock Machine were one of the best bands in the country but sadly, they do not
play now.
At:u00a0 Hard Rock Cafu00e9, 81/82, Pyramid Lawns, Koregaon Park Extension, North Main Road , Mundhwa.
Call: 40158888.
Time: 9 pm onwards.
Entry: Free
