Move on, says Blues band from Shillong

A popular band from the North-East spreads the word of love this Sunday

A popular band from the North-East spreads the word of love this Sunday

Blues and rock band Soulmate's first album was titled Shillong and was inspired by their hometown. They are now back with their second album Moving On. In 2007, they became the first Indian band to perform at the International Blues Challenge in the US. The two-member band comprises of Rudy Wallang (guitar and vocalist) and Tipriti (bass guitar). The other musicians who will be accompanying them for their performance are Ferdy Dkhar (bass guitar), Sam Shullai (drums) and Amit Mullick (second rhythm guitarist).

Band member Rudy Wallang states, "People may perceive our music in any way they wish. But it's more important for us to be honest, real, and positive, rather than pretend to be what we are not. That's what blues music is all about; you just can't pretend." WHAT's ON spoke to Rudy Wallang to get a first-hand account about what the band is about.u00a0

How different is Moving On from your first album, Shillong?
The title track of the album says that, be it a band or love, one needs to move on. The other tracks are also inspired from real-life experiences. Our music is a mix of blues, jazz and soul and keeping blues as the base, we have incorporated all our influences in the album. We started recording it in 2007, but since we were travelling so much, it took us almost two years to finish the album.

What is the kind of music that influences you guys?
We are highly inspired by the traditional blues music of Daniel Peters. We admire contemporary jazz artists like Van Morrison and rock 'n' roll bands such as The Beatles.

The band name has a romantic feel to it. Are you a "romantic rock" band?
Yes, we are romantic and so is the music. We believe that there are enough tensions in the world and each one of us needs a lot of love and peace. If our music is able to touch our fans in any way, it's the greatest gift for us.

Shillong is known as the "city of music".
Yeah, that's true. Music flows through our veins. It's mostly the tribals who have music in their blood, as they celebrate each and every occasion with music. Music is not just an integral part of culture in Shillong; it also extends to the whole of the North-Eastern region.

At: High Spirits, near ABC Farms, Koregaon Park Road Extension.
Call: 9823855484.
On: June 14, from 8 pm onwards