They once were synonymous with progressive ethnic rock in India, getting featured in US and UK charts, but went on a sabbatical. Making a comeback with a revamped sound is Motherjane with its new single ‘Clay Play’ released a few days back.
With a new line-up and identity, letting go of its signature dark undertones and ethnic elements, Clay Play is inspired by Darryl Anka, a US-based former digital special effects expert who currently is a ‘medium’, channelling Bashar, an extra-terrestrial being.
“Bashar is a collective and Anka channels info from the netherworld. I did research into this and found the discourse very inspiring. I shared the idea with vocalist Vivek Thomas who found it equally appealing. What we aim is to pass on this fascinating source of wisdom called ‘channelled material’ to our people. Bashar teaches us to take life lightly. It says that, lighter the approach, more the chances of desired result. It is this idea that we relay through ‘Clay Play’,” says John Thomas, the drummer and the founder-member of the band.
The four-minute music video of ‘Clay Play’, directed by screenwriter Abhilash Kumar and produced by Papaya Media, reflects the concept as it depicts an IT professional who slumps under the pressure of his professional life.
The making took about a year-and-a-half of work with Rex Vijayan as the producer. “It is a collective effort, but a big part of the credit goes to Rex who did more than his call of duty as producer,” says Vivek Thomas.
Clay Play was released online on January 10 and it has already clocked 10,000 views on You Tube- quite a comeback for India’s popular band. But, John Thomas says Motherjane never really went off the radar.
“We released our last single in 2011, ‘No Contest’. Contrary to reports, we never really disbanded and with new line-up we have evolved over the time. We wanted a change in the sound designs. Our current sound has a lot of post rock elements and the imagery and the lyrics is more on the brighter side,” says John. “Change”, he says, “proved to be good, as the single has garnered positive responses.”
About the video John says,”I think one need to see deeper than the periphery. We have given the metaphysical idea a musical garb,” says the percussionist.
The band will land their opening gig since the recoup at Big Pitcher, Bangalore in January with upcoming shows in other Indian cities too.
“We have many performances lined up here and abroad,” he says.
But, has the brief lull affected the band’s popularity? “It’s not really a competition for record sales. We are happy on our space. The music world is so big, there is a place for everyone,” says John Thomas.
The new line-up of Motherjane includes Vivek Thomas (vocals) and Clyde D’ Rozario (bass guitar) and Nithin Vijayanath (lead guitar) John Thomas (drums). The video will be released on channels this week.