Let Lionnel take you to Wonderland

WHAT's ON chats up with artist Lionnel Mascarenhas, who is in the city to promote his first album Wonderland

WHAT's ON chats up with artist Lionnel Mascarenhas, who is in the city to promote his first albumu00a0 Wonderland

Mumbai-based alternative rock singer and songwriter Lionnel Mascarenhas will be performing at Hard Rock Cafu00c3u00a9 tonight. In the past, he has performed with various bands and dabbled in diverse musical genres.

What have you planned for tonight's performance?
This is my first performance in the city after a long time. I had come with the Psycho Motto band to play here several years ago. Wonderland happens to be my first solo project. Tonight, I will be playing songs from the album as well as covers of artists like Snow Patrol, Maroon 5 and so on.

The tracks on Wonderland offer a mix of styles and your website states that it marks a departure from your previous work. Comment.
Basically, I belong to a heavy metal background, but with this album I have turned into a songwriter and written mellow numbers for a change. Also, if you look at the Indian market, the scope for metal and English numbers is very limited. The crowd prefers Hindi lyrics today, and they reject rock. Because my lyrics are in English, I chose to balance it with softer music.u00a0

Tell us how the album consists of "radio-friendly" tracks.
The album has soothing numbers of the type one listens to while driving to office or sitting at home. It's not too heavy, though there some techno influences.u00a0

Who are the other artists that contributed to your album?
Denzil Methias (lead guitarist) is my childhood friend, while Aatur Soni (drummer) has worked with several popular musicians, including Lata Mangeshkar. After listening to my music, he decided to be part of my album. Neel Keenth Patel (bass guitarist) is the youngest of the lot.

Working as a programmer with JP Morgan Chase and doubling up as a musician must have been a tough job.
Music is my passion and an integral part of my life. But I work to support myself financially as it's tough to survive as a full-time musician. Also, my album is still picking up.

At: Hard Rock Cafu00c3u00a9, 81/82, East Main Road, Koregaon Park Extension, Landmark Pyramids, Solaris Complex.
Call: 40158888/01.
On: Tonight, 9 pm onwards.
Entry: Free