Just sing me the Blues!
27 March 2014 10:48 PM GMT
Rudy Wallang, guitarist, and Tipriti Kharbangar (Tips), vocalist, form the band. While they flirted with Delhi for a concert, we got a chance to get candid with them. Read on.
Tell us about yourselves. How did you guys come together/start off?
Inspired by the roots and groove sounds of the Blues, Blues-rock, Soul, Rock n Roll, Funk and R and B, Soulmate was formed in Shillong, in October 2002 when we decided to form a band dedicated to playing the Blues and spreading awareness about this important genre of music.
What was the first big break for you guys?
No big breaks really. We’ve been playing and singing our songs for a long time. Playing all the different venues India has to offer. Opening for Carlos Santana was a dream come true for us as was meeting Buddy Guy, sharing stages with John Mayall, Gary Clarke Jr, Robert Randolph and all the beautiful Blues musicians that we have met.
How would you define your musical philosophy?
We play what we feel and feel what we play.
In our country, how easy (or difficult) is it to make a mark in the music scene? What do you think about the main issues are?
It is never easy to be able to make a mark in the music scene in India. We have to keep things fresh because we have realized that people always expect something new and different every time. One has to be creative without giving in to pressures and by this we mean for a Blues band to survive in India for the last 11 years. We must be doing something right.
Tell us a bit about your music, what do you think defines you guys?
We play what we feel and feel what we play. That’s what we said. We are people who believe in the simple things in life. We live our songs and our songs define us.
What/Who inspires you?
Mother Nature, Love, Sadness, Life, Beauty, Anger. We are also inspired by the people we meet and listen to.
Tell us about your best tracks.
All our songs are special. Every song of ours pertains to a certain moment in our lives. Hard to say which is the best but we have a few favorites like The Price, Moving On, Love You, Cup Of Tea, Stay Away, St.Valentine’s Day Blues, Set Me Free, Im A Woman, Tell Me, to name a few.
What songs top your playlist right now?
Tips: Mine is on shuffle, so whatever happens to be in the moment
Rudy: I don’t really listen to music. I’m either playing guitar or rehearsing or touring. So when I have time off, I listen to birds singing in the morning.
What suggestions/advice would you have for newbies in music?
Work hard, practice hard and play like its going to be your last gig ever. There are no shortcuts. Be humble,respectful and dedicated to your art.
Tell us about yourselves. How did you guys come together/start off?
Inspired by the roots and groove sounds of the Blues, Blues-rock, Soul, Rock n Roll, Funk and R and B, Soulmate was formed in Shillong, in October 2002 when we decided to form a band dedicated to playing the Blues and spreading awareness about this important genre of music.
What was the first big break for you guys?
No big breaks really. We’ve been playing and singing our songs for a long time. Playing all the different venues India has to offer. Opening for Carlos Santana was a dream come true for us as was meeting Buddy Guy, sharing stages with John Mayall, Gary Clarke Jr, Robert Randolph and all the beautiful Blues musicians that we have met.
How would you define your musical philosophy?
We play what we feel and feel what we play.
In our country, how easy (or difficult) is it to make a mark in the music scene? What do you think about the main issues are?
It is never easy to be able to make a mark in the music scene in India. We have to keep things fresh because we have realized that people always expect something new and different every time. One has to be creative without giving in to pressures and by this we mean for a Blues band to survive in India for the last 11 years. We must be doing something right.
Tell us a bit about your music, what do you think defines you guys?
We play what we feel and feel what we play. That’s what we said. We are people who believe in the simple things in life. We live our songs and our songs define us.
What/Who inspires you?
Mother Nature, Love, Sadness, Life, Beauty, Anger. We are also inspired by the people we meet and listen to.
Tell us about your best tracks.
All our songs are special. Every song of ours pertains to a certain moment in our lives. Hard to say which is the best but we have a few favorites like The Price, Moving On, Love You, Cup Of Tea, Stay Away, St.Valentine’s Day Blues, Set Me Free, Im A Woman, Tell Me, to name a few.
What songs top your playlist right now?
Tips: Mine is on shuffle, so whatever happens to be in the moment
Rudy: I don’t really listen to music. I’m either playing guitar or rehearsing or touring. So when I have time off, I listen to birds singing in the morning.
What suggestions/advice would you have for newbies in music?
Work hard, practice hard and play like its going to be your last gig ever. There are no shortcuts. Be humble,respectful and dedicated to your art.
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