IMR: So when did you guys realise that what you actually wanted to do was to get back together and make an album?
HSD(Dhaval): Half Step Down as a band has always been writing songs... once we had recorded a few songs around the end of 2007, we realised that we didnt want to release an EP but a full length proper album.
IMR: Tell us something about the title and the cover art for the album?
HSD(Dhaval): The title is basically derived from the title track ' Overture to Outerspace'. It is also our way of saying that these are overtures that we have made in various musical spaces around us. The cover art was based on a space theme and is done by a brilliant friend of ours, Sujay Sanan.
IMR: Okay! Is there a lyrical theme running through the album?
HSD(Dhaval): Not at all... Lyrically this album covers many a variety of topics, from social optimism, infidelity, transition from college life to a working one and even general tom-foolery.
IMR: Any personal favorites from the album? Why?
HSD(Dhaval): Well, I love all the songs but Stories of the sun and Knocking have to be the favorites. Stories because its something very different from what we usually sound like and knocking because I just love that track!
IMR: Can HALF STEP DOWN play in front of any audience, if given the chance?
HSD(Dhaval): Ofcourse!!! We've played for many varied audiences and fortunately almost always found a favourable response. As musicians, you have to prepared to try and win over an audience of any kind.
IMR: Having a big label supporting your cause is a very important thing. Are you satisfied with the way UNDERSCORE RECORDS is promoting the band?
HSD(Dhaval): I'd like to clarify that this is an independent release and no labels are supporting us as such. Underscore records is an indie label and we are distributing through them among other outlets.
As for the importance of big commercial labels supporting you, I say Bah!!!!!
IMR: Personally, I have interest in chicks in the rock scene; do you see a lot of chicks at your shows(hehehe)?
HSD(Dhaval): I think all of us have a healthy interest in women and that reflects at out shows as well. On the other hand, we'd always welcome more of them to our shows!
IMR: How would you compare the crowd's response in the beginning of your career and nowadays?
HSD(Dhaval): The crowd has always been absolutely awesome to us in Delhi and now as our songs have grown more popular we have found great support all over the country!
IMR: After the tour is done, what is the next thing that the band would be focusing on?
HSD(Dhaval): After a quick break post the tour, it will be back to business... Writing new songs, playing more shows and general madness.
IMR: Thanks for taking the time for the interview with us! Any last words or parting thoughts for the readers?
HSD(Dhaval): Yes... Please listen to the album.. BUY IT, STEAL IT, DOWNLOAD IT, BURN IT, but LISTEN TO IT!!!!
And see you at a show real soon! Thanks for all the support!
- Pravin Prajapati(LordMessiah)
