Warren Mendonsa of Zero fame conceived Blackstratblues in 2007 after returning to Mumbai from New Zealand where he had migrated in 2004. They have released two albums till date, Nights in Shining Karma and The New Album, and are working on their next project which should be out before the end of this year. In an exclusive interview with Arunava Ray, while in Kolkata for their first ever gig in the city, he talks about his music and how the ‘ City of Joy’ holds a special place in his heart.
What is the story behind Blackstratblues?
My main guitar is a black Fender Stratocaster. In the early days of the internet, my handle on various forums and chat sites was blackstratblues, and this carried over to when I released my first solo album in 2006.
You guys have come up with only two albums, any reason why we haven’t heard from you recently?
The third album is recorded and in the process of being mixed. Off late, we have been gigging far more than we ever have, and so when time allows, the album will be completed. Most of the new material can be previewed at soundcloud.com/blackstratblues
I would like you to really elaborate on the symphony that inspired Ode to a Sunny Day and Ode to a Rainy Day. Out of the box instrumentals. What was it that drove you?
Both were written when I lived in New Zealand. The weather there (especially during the winter) gets particularly gloomy and the thick cloud cover can block out the sun for weeks. I’m generally a pretty upbeat person but something about the lack of sun brought out some strong emotions and this reflected in the music. Ode to a Rainy Day is a song about despair, and Ode to a Sunny Day is the more upbeat silver lining.
You were a part of Zero before moving on to Blackstratblues. Why did you move?
My parents moved to New Zealand in 2003, I moved there in late 2004 to set up my residency so I didn’t have to apply for a visa every time I had to visit. At the time I moved we had pretty much accomplished most of what we could as a band, and I felt a change of pace was needed.
Do you have any other projects lined up recently?
I play in the Karsh Kale Collectiv; there should be an album due sometime next year.
You have produced Nikhil D’Souza’s album in the past year? How was the transition from a musician to a producer and how did it happen?
There was no real noticeable transition as by default I ended up producing most of what I recorded, from the Zero days to Blackstratblues as well. Nikhil heard some material I had worked on and liked it, and so asked me to produce his album.
Are you planning to move into full time production?
I’m always open to working with artists whose music I enjoy, but I think I’d always like to divide my time between the studio and live performance.
Who was your musical inspiration growing up and why?
My first big influence was the Beatles, and this continues to this day. Something about their music grabbed me as a kid and I’m still finding new things in their music to appreciate with every listen.
Your non-musical inspiration?
Life.
What made you pick up the guitar?
I grew up in a musical family and there was always a guitar lying around. There was no defining moment as such, but I remember being naturally drawn to it.
You do not publicise your music much. Is that a concerted effort or something that has never bothered you?
I don’t believe in constantly shoving publicity in listener’s faces and I prefer them to stumble upon it organically, through word of mouth or by association. I would like the music to speak for itself. But, having said, that I guess some PR might help in the long run, huh?
This is the first time you are coming to Kolkata, if I recall correctly. What are your expectations?
I’ve played Kolkata a few times before with Zero, but this is the first Blackstratblues gig there. From what I’ve experienced, there’s a really appreciative crowd that know their music, so I’m looking forward to this one.
Have you heard any bands from the city?
Yeah, some of my favourite Indian musicians are from Kolkata – Tajdar Junaid, Nischay Parekh, Jivraj Singh, Amyt Dutta, Vishal Nayak and The Supersonics, to name a few.
Your advice to any budding musicians coming up?
Find out who your favourite musicians listened to, and go listen to them. Discovering your heroes’ process of taking what came before and doing something new will lead you to find what is unique within yourself.
Finally, what kindles you?
Music, food, humour, great people – all the good stuff!
