AMOGH RAO
M arco innemann ,
about his India tour !
Could you tell us about the concept behind your new album , Borrego ? How did it come together ?
Hi everyone ! Borrego was inspired by the hauntingly beautiful desert of Borrego in Southern California . I drove there a few times and decided to basically write a Soundtrack accompanying the landscapes , which later turned into a 2 CD set talking about the Anza Borrego , its beauty , space and reclusiveness , the founders , resident , the ghosts , the history and the present day vibes around it .
Are you exited to conduct workshop in India at Furtados school of Music ? how do you find your connect with India ?
Yes , I ’ m very happy to be doing some workshops in India . I ’ ve been there last year and people were so attentive , involved and curious and the musical connection just felt natural and fun . Very grateful for having the chance to come back and play some more and spending some wonderful time here .
Is this the first time you will be performing with Mohini and Rhythm ? How did the India Tour along with Workshop take place ?
Indeed it will be the first as a trio with Mohini and Rhythm . I ’ m fully aware of their great playing and artistry and I can ’ t wait to get this formation out on the road . And the combination of workshops and shows came together from the great work of Karan Mehta from Blue Tree and Ketan Mohite from Furtados School of Music , who made their magic happen bringing this whole thing together . Hope you enjoying our playing once we hit towns and cities .
You ' ve played for Thaikkudam Bridge and Raastha , two intrinsically indian bands . What did you think of the musicians and how do you think they are different from other artists you ' ve played with ?
That was such a joyful , musical and dear experience . I felt musically respected and involved , which is the most honest and humbling impact music collaborations can give I think . The songs were nice to play and have a vibe and my instrumental ‘ offerings ’ were all welcomed and used , which I ’ m very grateful for . Great artists , I feel honored and want to express my gratitude .
What was it like playing with Joe Satriani ? How did that happen ?
Well , we played for almost 5 years . So I can say that Joe is a dear friend and our musical chemistry is really locked in and we can communicate freely on stages and studios . Very nice person and an amazing player of course . How did that whole thing happen ? I guess I have to thank my long time friend Mike Keneally for that . He played in Joe ’ s band before and recommend Bryan and myself .
What was your experience like playing with Plini ? Your style was noticeably different from your work with Joe Satriani and Steven Wilson . Was that intentional ?
Oh cool . Well , Plini was a thing that was more close to the experience I ’ ve had with the Indian artists I ’ ve worked with . The collaboration felt unlimited and free and all the input was welcome . Not that it was not the case with Joe or Steven , actually these two artists totally let me have my freedom as well , but the Plini thing was a different approach and recording setting . I ’ ve recorded to the tracks at my home . With Joe and Steven we were all together in the Studio for the album versions .
Are the Aristocrats working on some new material ?
Can ’ t speak for Guthrie and Bryan now , but we have songs I ’ m certain we can somehow turn into a new ‘ Aristocratic ’ adventure . Let ’ s see what the future brings , as we ’ re currently all involved in different musical adventures .
Your chemistry with The Aristocrats is pretty much the best i ' ve ever seen . How do you guys go about writing your music ?
Awwww , thank you so much for saying that . Surprisingly we all write the music completely and actually individually at our homes and then bring them to the group . Then we learn them , go into a studio and play them . It ’ s I guess what chemistry is all about , it falls from the sky . You can ’ t practice chemistry , it just really happens . And I guess in our case it seems to work in our favor .
Could you tell us five of your favourite tracks that you ' ve played on ?
Difficult to say , as there are so many beautiful artists that so far I ’ ve been fortunate to work with over the years . But I ’ m very happy to have worked with the following 5 artists over the past years : Aristocrats , Steven Wilson , Joe Satriani , Raasta and Thaikkudam Bridge , and I ’ m not just saying the last 2 because of the upcoming tour .
You ' ve played all the instruments for your album pretty much by yourself . How do you approach composing your music when it comes to playing the drums , versus playing the guitar or another lead instrument ?
It ’ s all the same to me . Sometimes a nice idea happens by playing some melodies , riffs or chords . Or it could be just a groove falling form the sky , inspiring something to write . Then it could be topic related , like Borrego for example . Basically I had the vibe and sounds and stories all mapped out inside my head and then built the concept and made it into an album .
The Score Magazine
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