Red Lace, Warm Jazz and Nascent Dreams of Young Musicians
INDIRANAGAR:Red Lace, a young and upcoming band, made its debut on July 31 at B-Flat in Bengaluru. The band members include lead vocalist Keya Pothen, guitarist Vijayganesh Panchanadhan, keyboard player Siddharth Suresh, drummer Puneet Shankar and bassist Kavita Sarna.
The band members studied at the Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music, Chennai and then moved to Bengaluru.
Excerpts from an interview with vocalist Keya:
How did you come up with the name Red Lace?
Kavita had sent us some songs which were very sensual and then we started brainstorming about names. We finally decided on the name Red Lace because it is very classy and sensual.
Was it difficult for you all to pursue your education in music?
We have worked in engineering, journalism and management sectors. At some point, we all felt music is what we want to do.
Our family supported us and we chose this alternative career path. Any performing art today can be a very viable choice. It’s time people started thinking of the arts, not just as a hobby but as a career.
The toughest bit about being musicians is that you come up against disrespect. People think you have no credibility and sometimes you are expected to play for free.
Describe the experience of your first ever live performance..
We performed for the first time in a space where the owner encourages new bands. We enjoyed playing in front of a receptive and patient audience. It was really fun performing.
What genre of music do you play?
We are more into R&B, jazz and rock.
Any future plans of performing elsewhere?
We would love to play in other parts of the city as well. We play original music, and would like to make videos of our live performances. We definitely look forward to performing abroad too.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
Jill Scott, Snarky Puppy, Sting, Roy Hargrove, Paul Simon and Jeff Beck
What are your songs about?
We did a song about reaching that point in your life where you are ready to give up. It’s called Hold On. Another song is composed by guitarist Vijayganesh Panchanadhan, which is a tribute to Robin Williams and is called Crazy One.
In the future, do you want to record and release your own music?
Every band’s dream is to release their own music. It takes time for a band to get used to the idea of playing together. Somewhere, in the future, definitely we will release our own music.
Any advice you want to give to younger people who wish to pursue a career in music?
Music requires hard work and patience. It is not only about playing on the stage. A lot of homework is needed. And you need to hang in there.