Turning Tides
Former guitarist of the iconic Indian band, Susmit Sen talks about the creative process behind his new album, Ocean to Ocean
(Left) Guitarist Susmit Sen, formerly of Indian Ocean; with his six-member act Susmit Sen Chronicles
The titles of Susmit Sen’s two albums are a reflection of how his career has changed. If his first album, Depths of the Ocean (2011), which came out while he was still part of Indian Ocean, signalled his desire to explore his own musical territories beyond the band, his new album Ocean to Ocean, the first after leaving the group, suggests how he has moved on. Sen’s first solo album was a showcase of his artistry with the guitar. Ocean to Ocean on the other hand sounds like a collective effort with his new six-member act Susmit Sen Chronicles. The master guitarist speaks about playing with a new set-up and the making of his seven-track album.
What was the starting point for the album?
The basic structure of some of the compositions have been there with me for over 10 years. There is a particular track I had in mind since years ago. My elder brother, who is a doctor, named it Bongingon when I played it out to him. It doesn’t mean anything, but just how it sounds phonetically. When I was with Indian Ocean, we did try to jam on these tracks but it never worked out. Saying that the band was limiting me is akin to saying why can’t my guitar have a neck as long as a saxophone. The process of any creation has to happen despite limitations.
Tell us about your creative process?
My compositions are never cerebral, it happens organically. When you are in the flow, you not sure where the music is taking you. I get bored too fast and can’t take the same thing for too long.
Unlike your last album, where you collaborated with various Indian artistes such as Shubha Mudgal and Papon, this time you have worked with two foreign artistes.
Last time, I had to because I didn’t have a band, so I asked Shubha and others to collaborate with me. This time around it wasn’t a conscious decision. There is the Hungarian accordion artiste Orosz Zoltan, who was touring India. One day he came over to my studio, and when he heard Bongingon he asked if he could play with us. I wish we could have given him more space to play on the track, but it was already well-structured. Whatever little he did has improved the composition immeasurably.
I also collaborated with guitarist Bernie Marsden (ex-member of noted hard rock band Whitesnake) two years ago, while doing a couple of concerts in Delhi and Mumbai. We had recorded that track in my studio, which eventually has become the title track of the album.
Do you always strive for a certain meditative quality, which we have come to associate with your music?
Yes, there is a tranquility, a kind of peace that I look forward to extract from music and even other things in life. I believe, that reflects in Ocean to Ocean too.
How do you plan to release the album?
The album will be available on digital platforms in mid-August. For now, we have just released Bongingon as
a teaser.
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