It was a chilly evening during the winter of 2009, and I was busy preparing for my annual exams, when my cousins asked me for a hangout. Since all of us were not big foodies at that time, we were not interested to try out any food corner. Instead, what we decided was to unfold ourselves into an experience of the rock and live music scene of Guwahati and the rest of Assam, more or less. Sitting at a corner of the famous rock music hub of that time, “Blues”, what I witnessed for the next few minutes was some pure, passionate and energetic guitar riffs with some powerful yet awesome vocals and drumming. It got started with a band called ‘Wish’ opening up with Megadeth and lasted till another band wrapping things up with ‘Six Feet Under’.
Off course, the scene has undergone immense changes in the past three-four years, be it the ever increasing metal genres or budding talented musicians, or the big platforms to perform. But, some things nevertheless, have pulled things back. In this context, the first thing which comes to my mind is the “non-bothering” attitude of the people in general towards the scene. For instance, all of us know the outlook of our city when anybody from Guwahati makes it to a national level singing competition. And why not? It’s a matter of national pride after all. But, I wonder how many amongst those people know, or did even media back the fact that Pritom Boro of the band “Ticks Talk” was awarded ‘the Rolling Stone Best Keyboardist’ at the recently concluded.
Rolling Stone Metal awards held in Mumbai, or do people find it hard to accept what he bestowed on our state as a matter of pride! Somebody’s choice or interest in a particular genre does not actually prove that he can’t be as good as the mainstream musicians. Frankly speaking, the mainstream Bolly giants are actually adding up versatility to their music with the help of these talented musicians, who are very much passionate about what they play.
Live shows demand money, money for the sound staff to get paid, the headliners to be paid up and the list goes on. In this aspect, I have seen Rocka Rolla Event Management and its owner Mr. David Koch having a substantial impact in putting up a large number of shows altogether. The Man never looked back and still is the supreme force behind every show that is happening in and around the City. Also, in this regard Lucid Recess studios and Studio Dream catcher of late has been the backing force for all the bands to actually promote their music at a broader level. What I also feel is that, parents take up keen interest in their kids, when they show up interest in music. Interest of the able ones will help change the perception, and may be in the coming days we will get to witness much more versatile and diversified music scene. However, one’s traditional music and a solid knowhow of the same should also be at par with the zeal for the rock/metal enthusiasts.
Coming back to the scene, yes, it definitely has changed. Gone are the days when I and my friends head banged to the riffs at the front rows in Blues. These days, the younger kids have an upper hand in doing that, and we are mere viewers. The live scene now got shifted to club DMD, Ozone and Terra Maya. What also makes one feel good is the fact that people are gradually gaining interest in the scene. No more does one finds a handful of boys in black tees, but a good number of girls too, filling up along with a good crowd.
For the passionate, its music, and what they play is what they depend upon. It’s our part to support them at least by being present in the shows happening in our City if nowhere else and spending a few bucks buying their stuff whether online or offline. The crowds are getting big, the riffs getting loud, cymbals smashed harder, the bass punching in with a groove along with the keys and for those freaking passionate about it all, what else matters other than to play, and to play it cool. Signing off with a famous AC/DC quote-
“FOR THOSE ABOUT TO ROCK, WE SALUTE YOU”
