Playing for a reason

By Chitra Unnithan - Times of India - India

Thursday, November 2, 2006

Be it pure lyrics or the splendid instruments they enchant with, Indian Ocean has been consistent in playing for a social cause.

Together they may be called a fusion rock band. But Indian Ocean has more to it in the sense that it is a blend of four different individuals who seem to bring a bit of their personas into the music they create and perform.

Susmit Sen's guitar leaves the audience enthralled while Asheem Chakravarthy captures hearts through his tabla and impressive voice. Amit Kilam, who forms the spine of the band, is dynamic with the drums and flute while Rahul Ram with his bass guitar and vocals has the energy to match the demands of the crowds they perform for.

And they have been at their musical best since they made their debut in the early 90s — mesmerising audiences in India and abroad. Asheem, one of the oldest members of the band, who like Susmit had the spunk to quit his job to pursue his passion says: "I realised I wasn't doing justice to either my profession or passion and hence took the risk of leaving a well paying job. But then, life's all about doing what you love the most".

From Desert Rain (1997) to the widely popular Kandisa (2000) that acquired cult status and from Jhini (2003) to a tribute to the 1993 Mumbai blasts through Black Friday (2004) — Indian Ocean has churned out classical yet trendy songs that the urban audience readily connects with.

Language has never been a barrier for this band of mostly self-taught musicians. So, what is it that inspires their musical expression? "There's more perspiration than inspiration", jokes Asheem. "It would be difficult to say that a particular thing inspires our music. Everything inspires the music that we create," chips in Rahul.

Besides working on their next album, composing for a film called Shunya has the band members engrossed these days. "We do not like to compromise on the music that we create and that's the reason why we are in no hurry to come out with more number of albums," says Amit.

All of them feel that the songs they produce appeal to a niche audience and have largely been for a cause. From sufism to environmentalism, the band seems to have touched a chord in all spheres.

"What's the point in doing music if it doesn't affect the people you are playing for?" asks Asheem.