Journalism of Courage
This is an archive article published on November 19, 2024
Indian Ocean celebrates 35 glorious years: ‘The band always comes first,’ says Rahul Ram
"The key to longevity is suppressing ego and prioritising the music," said Rahul Ram, bass guitar and vocalist, said.
It’s been a fantastic journey, but not without ups and downs, said Rahul Ram. (Photo: PR handout)
They may have performed only seven concerts in their first five years, but today, Indian Ocean is celebrating an incredible 35-year journey. Despite the ups and downs along the way, the band has become synonymous with iconic songs like Bandeh, Kandisa, and Jhini. Over the years, they’ve composed music for six movies and released eight albums. Marking this milestone, frontman Rahul Ram spoke to indianexpress.com about the band’s journey spanning more than three decades, the highs and lows, composing for films versus creating independent music, their ongoing tour presented by Tribevibe Entertainment, and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on the music industry. Read the edited excerpts below:
Q. 35 years is a long time. How would you describe the journey?
Rahul Ram: Indeed. It’s been a fantastic journey, but not without ups and downs. From only seven concerts in the first five years, The Indian Ocean now plays 10-11 concerts a month. We have come a long way, with eight albums and contributions to six or seven films. We’ve toured over 30 countries and numerous international festivals. We did feel discouraged when we weren’t getting shows, but the audience’s enthusiasm kept us going. We love what we do.
Q. The Indian Ocean had its share of downs, the most recent being the royalty battle. How do you deal with such situations collectively and individually?
Rahul Ram: There’s no real “royalty battle.” It’s a made-up issue. We handle challenges calmly and collectively as a band. The key to longevity is suppressing ego and prioritising the music. Public conflicts have been rare.
Q. Such conflicts can affect the essence of being a ’band’. Does it get challenging to put music/band ahead of yourself at certain times?
Rahul Ram: When making music together, it’s important to remember that disagreements aren’t personal; it’s about what serves the song best. The band always comes first.
Q. Over the years, you have also composed for Bollywood films. How, and in what ways, is the process different?
Rahul Ram: When composing for films, we have to work within specific constraints and consider the perspectives of directors and producers. When creating our music, we have more freedom. Both have their challenges. We enjoy the challenge of composing within the time limits of film scores.
Q. You recently played the role of a modern spiritualist. Did it take a lot of convincing for you to do the role? Why did you agree to do it?
Rahul Ram: I felt the role of Yara Ji in Khufiya was perfect for me –– a babaji who plays the guitar. It was a fun experience, and Vishal Bhardwaj is fantastic to work with. I even sang in the film. I love stepping outside my comfort zone.
Q. Over the last three decades, what has been your most significant learning about the indie music scene in India?
Rahul Ram: Indie music has grown tremendously, especially with the freedom to produce and release independently. But the challenge now lies in getting heard amid the vast amount of content available. As with any art form, only a small percentage is truly great. Many factors contribute to a song’s success. The indie music scene is diverse and vibrant, and we hope to see an Indian artist achieve international stardom within the next decade.
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Indian Ocean is known for songs like Bandeh, Kandisa, and Jhini. (Photo: PR handout)
Q. What would you say has kept you relevant all these years?
Rahul Ram: Honesty and staying rooted in our musical identity have contributed to our relevance. Our music resonates with people of all ages. Trends come and go, but we remain true to ourselves.
Q. Tell us about your latest tour. What difference can the audience expect? Why are concerts and live performances important even after so many years?
Rahul Ram: On this tour, we’re taking the audience on a journey through our career, playing songs from different eras. We’re having fun with diverse setlists. Nothing compares to the energy and feedback of a live concert. Live performances are critical for financial sustainability, as streaming revenues are negligible.
Q. Social media has changed the game for every industry, including music. How has it affected your music/journey?
Rahul Ram: Social media has impacted our journey but not our music. The pressure to post constantly is overblown. We prioritise meaningful content over constant updates. Social media can be useful for reaching audiences, but it’s important to use it strategically.
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Q. How different do you think your journey would have been had you started today, a time when social media use is at its peak?
Rahul Ram: It’s impossible to say how our journey would be different if we started today. Perhaps it would be easier to reach audiences, but we’ve also grown and changed as individuals and musicians.
Q. What is your take on Artificial Intelligence in music?
Rahul Ram: AI has the potential to impact music in significant ways. It’s already being used to create videos and music. While it may lead to job displacement in some areas, good music will always have its place. AI might even give rise to new genres. I’m curious to experiment with AI.
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Q. A song you consider your best, and why?
Rahul Ram: Each band member would have a different answer. For me, the answer is none.
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