Originals only

Junkyard Groove, a desi Rock n Roll band, belives playing popular covers is old-fashioned

Rock bands have been playing covers for a long time. But Junkyard Groove plays all originals.

There has been no turning back for this Chennai rock band since they first began in April 2005. From then till now, Craig, the bass guitarist says, "Honestly it was all uphill and everything was nice. We won almost all competitions we took part in."

For tonight's gig at the Hard Rock Cafe, "There will be songs from our first album as well as a couple of new songs from our second album," informs Craig. Their popular hits like Imagine, Rock and Roll, It's OK and many more are on the play list.

The boys who rock

Don't get saddled by their quaint names. The band made up of four members u2014 Ameeth, Jerry, Sid and Craig already have quite a fan following in Bangalore. "This was where we started by participating in the NLS' Strawberry Fields, which we won," says Craig. With its wicked compositions and foot tapping music, Junkyard Groove will play a bit of jazz, alternative and folk.

While Sid and Ameeth are full time musicians, Craig works in a BPO. They initially played in separate bands before they met and formed this band.

Times have changed for this group now. A couple of years back, playing covers were in fashion. Today, new bands immediately work on originals when they are formed. And Junkyard Groove swears by original music.

Indi rock still has a long way to go with Bollywood commercial pop dominating the music scene. However, the huge fan base for rock in India is due to its exclusivity. "We really do not know when rock will catchup with mainstream music in India," Craig says adding, "It's pretty cool though when it is underground and exclusive."

Bit of humour

Craig recollects an incident when Ameeth tried his trademark act by approaching the front row and throwing water to get the crowd going. But one day, he says, "Ameeth slipped and fell from a 6 feet high stage. Lucky it had rained that day and the soil was muddy and soft so he did not get hurt. He rather crawled back to the stage as we kept on playing. The crowd was shocked so he did the same thing again. This time they all burst out in laughter."

Their music is aimed at all age groups. As Craig puts it, "The very fact that we play all genres helps us relate to people of all age groups." For example, he says, in some of our songs, "We begin with a fast rift then change to a funky jazzy tone." The idea is to play foot-tapping music. So gather you coterie and groove to their music tonight.
u00a0
At Hard Rock Cafe, St Marks Road
When November 19, 8.30pm
Call 4124 2222
Entry Rs 250 cover charge

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