Los Angeles based indie pop/retro filmi band Goldspot that formed a decade ago is playing in Hard Rock Cafe, Pune this Wednesday. Named after a fizzy drink (Gold Spot) that the band frontman, Siddhartha Khosla grew up drinking as a kid in India, the band has a sound that embraces the melodic sounds of India while playing around freely with Western indie pop/rock music and lyrics. We caught up with Siddhartha before the gig for a little chat about the origins of his music, his upcoming album and his India tour so far:
The Tossed Salad: You grew up listening to old Hindi music and one fine day, got introduced to the world of western music by chance. What was that moment like?
Siddhartha Khosla: I grew up listening to the classics – the music from the golden era of Kishore Kumar, Mukesh, and Mohammed Rafi and whatever else my parents played on the stereo in U.S. Listening to them taught me how to sing. Till I was around 14 or 15, that’s all I heard at home. The first time that I remember listening to anything else was when my sister and I were playing some music on the cassette player and we saw the option of changing the setting from tape to radio. I heard an R.E.M song and it was interesting. I started listening to more R.E.M, The Beatles, The Smiths, The Cure and all of them attracted me as well. Now when I write, I bring in both influences to the songs and it all happens pretty effortlessly because that music in my blood.
TTS: Was that the same time that you realized that you want to make music?
SK: Not quite. From a young age, I grew up singing all the time and I credit that to my mother. She would go to the mandir every week and even made me a song book with scores and scores of bhajans in them which I had to learn. She’d tell me to learn a particular bhajan and I would have to go and sing it the next day in front of 150 people in the temple. My stomach would be all knotted up and I’d be nervous but I was still always performing. I never really liked it but she pushed me. It was only after I completed my education from Pennsylvania University that I realized that I was supposed to make music. It was going to be either that or getting into law. But I knew that music was my strength and that’ how this journey began.
TTS: There is a distinct Indian sound to the music of Goldspot, which pretty much reflects your background. How did you get the other band members to enjoy playing that when there were so many other American influences around that they could’ve picked up?
SK: When you present something different and original, people just want to be a part of it. It must’ve been the same thing with the musicians that I wanted to work with. They embraced my vision and even brought in a lot of their personal influences and ideas to the table.
TTS: Biggest musical influence?
SK: It comes from the heart. I worship Kishore Kumar, Mohd Rafi and Mukesh. Sometimes, I pretend like I’m writing something that one of them would have written if they were in a 21st century band writing music in English.
TTS: The band’s lineup has changed on and off but the sound has not. What is it that keeps it together?
SK: The musicians in the band have changed over time. Every album has had a different lineup because I like collaborating with different artistes. The sound has evolved as well. But all the musicians I have worked with are still good friends and so, that has never been a problem. I’m really grateful to Jeff Peters who produced all our albums so far.
TTS: So when is the next album coming out?
SK: I’m working on a new album right now with the same lineup that I’m doing the India tour with. There’s Adam Chilenski on bass, Darren Beckett on drums, and James Gabbie and Jake Owen on guitars.
TTS: Have you decided what it’ll be called or when you’ll launch it?
SK: Well, we’re in the process of recording it but there’s still no title for it yet. If all goes well, it should be out by the end of the year.
TTS: After your debut album, Tally of the Yes Men which came out in 2005, the second album, And the Elephant is Dancing only came out in 2009. What was the long hiatus for?
SK: We released Tally of the Yes Men in 2005 with an independent record label. It was actually released for a second time in 2007 after Universal signed us again. For the re-released album, we made some alternate versions of songs from the initial album and put in a few new ones as well. After that, it was another year and a half of making songs for TV shows and films. But, that was a good kind of distraction. And after all that came the next album.
TTS: While we’re on that topic, your music really found a place in TV show soundtracks, commercials, and even films. Do you find it more satisfying to hear it played in these or is the purity of playing at a live gig better?
SK: Nothing beats making albums! That’s the focus. Every other thing, be it touring or making soundtracks for films and TV shows are a slight diversion. But, working on them is great and it really supports us and that’s important too. It’s a different way to expose the band, the music and the songs. Those who have approached us so far like the Goldspot sound and getting that into the songs is easy but keeps us creative.
TTS: How has your India tour been so far?
SK: It’s been surreal and also, fulfilling. As a kid, I always dreamed of performing here. The crowds have been really warm and the band shares a deep connection with India. There’s a mutual love and adoration for India. Plus, the fans hear the songs and they can feel the old familiar filmi vibe.
TTS: Any last words for your Pune fans?
SK: I’m really looking forward to play for the same people who came for the gig in our last tour. We all still remember that gig. I’m also excited to play for the new faces in the crowd.
Venue: Hard Rock Café, Mundhwa Road
Date & Time: 25th Jan, 8 pm onwards
Entry: Rs 500 (250 cover, 250 entry)
