Theatrical music craze

The prancing fools, half- crazed perverts that made early rocks, ‘oh so fun’ gave way to strutting, swaggering, chest- thumping satyrs demanding we pay rapt attention to their every syllable and reverie

Under the weight of its own pretensions, disco and punk spurred a reactionary transmogrification of the whole unwieldy genre into, at last classic rock at Hard Rock café recently when the Mumbai-based band, 2 Blue performed there.

Founded by 2 Blue, who forayed into the Mumbai rock circuit gaining notoriety for his powerful high- pitched singing and on-stage charisma, the band line up comprises of Daniel Rago on guitar, Crehyl Pereira on keys, Aditya Kadam on bass, Virendrakaith on drums and 2 Blue on lead vocals.
Speaking to The Hans India, 2 Blue shares details on his music, his difficult journey and what makes him the artiste he is today. Excerpts from the interview…

How would you describe your music?

I think it can be best described as "theatre meets rock n' roll". It's energetic! It's emotionally gripping! It's not just a rock show. It's a very passionate performance at the end of which the audience is enriched with an experience that will stay with them for a very long time. Every artiste is a mass communicator. We need to send out a message of hope. And that's what has been my endeavour.

What was your first song?

I sang Michael Jackson's “Beat It” when I was a kid. And, I instinctively knew I had to be the lead singer of my own band someday.

How did you become involved in the type of music you sing now?

I'm a full-time creative person now. I'm a singer, writer, actor and radio jockey. I had to leave behind the job title of Vice-President of Digital Media to be where I am. The journey hasn't been easy but it sure has been an experience I am very grateful for.

How about three or four words to describe your music…?

Timeless. Happy. Catchy.

What are your songs about?

Love. Hope. Positivity.

Let’s speak about your not-so-easy journey. When did the “big break” happen?

I believe my biggest break is yet to come. But, some of the high points of my career have been singing with Bumblefoot of Guns N' Roses, playing Judas in Alyque Padamsee's rock opera Jesus Christ Superstar, winning the 'Best Band' title at Artist Aloud Awards 2010 and also the 'Asian Anthem of the Year' title for my song “Mumbai” the same year. The song frequented all television and radio channels for more time than I expected it to. Also, having fronted the rock band Vayu is something I'm proud of.

You’ve heard of term “starving artiste” before how do you cope with major obstacles?

Let me just say that the toughest steel gets sent through the hottest furnace. What doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Struggle isn't a bad thing. Otherwise, caterpillars would never become butterflies.

How was your experience by performing with John Abraham?

Yes, I'm working on the soundtrack of a Bollywood movie with ace guitar player Chandresh Kudwa. It's the story of the lead singer of a rock band. So it's almost auto-biographical. As for John Abraham, he is one of the nicest guys in the industry. We've grown up practically on the same music. Motley Crue, Guns N' Roses, AC/DC... you get the drift. It was pure joy working with him.