IMR: CYNICAL RECESS has come a long way in such a short span of just over two years. How do you view the journey so far, rising in ranks, to be one of the most rocking bands in the present music scene of the country?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): Hey thanks,the journey has been so pretty good so far. We've headlined quite a few big gigs in and around the state and it feels to see We are shaping up pretty well over the past one year,trying to mould the scene even stronger.We made our own recording studio and have plans to release our "debut album" by the end of this year so we're pretty much excited about it. The studio work is on full swing and we'll be releasing our new single MOVE ON pretty soon. So stay tuned!
IMR: Definitely looking forward to it brother. Tell me, most bands that we see now are mainly concentrating on metal music. Do you feel that the other sub-genres of Rock music are losing out in the process?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): To be frank, we've never felt that way.We appreciate all genres of music and being a huge fan of Metal music myself, it feels great to see the Metal scene in India booming and I wish it continues doing so. But cut to the chase,I dont think it has any relevance with the sub genres of Rock music is falling out anyway at the end of the day, we're trying to keep the Rock flag flying high and we're happy with it, both with the response as well with the frequency of gigs we get.
IMR: I definitely agree with you. The flag will always fly high. Now, for most upcoming bands, finding a record label is the main priority. How has the situation improved or worsened in India over these few years?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): Not necessarily,there are many independent unsigned artists/bands in India who are doing pretty well but yes when it comes to the improvement of the scene,it has definitely shaped up, veteran record labels like Grey and Saurian are coming out with insane productions over the years, which is good to have. Plus we're trying to come out with our own record label, lets see how that works out.
IMR: Record label really sounds cool. Wish you all the best with that really nice intent. On a little more serious note, lots of youngsters, in a bid to be rockstars, sacrifice many important things in their lives. Some make it happen, others lose their way. What will be your suggestion to all of them?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): Be genuine and humble. Try to balance work and play at the same time, that's the most important thing. Dont lose focus on what you do,make use of what you have rather than concentrating on the other side of the coin.
IMR: Well framed. But this is really a hard thing to do. Balancing! Who are your inspirations?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): Pat Torpey of MR.BIG has been one of my favourite drummers of all time.
IMR: Do Rock music and culture and drugs go hand-in-hand?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): Depends on how one individual perceives it. In my case, no...Rock Music is an extention of the modern Indian culture.
IMR: That's a really unique way of putting it. Really appreciate that. Coming to my main question to everyone, share with us an experience on stage that you would like to forget, but we people keep reminding you:)!
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): We've always had a great set of audience wherever we've played so far, there was this one time when CYNICAL RECESS was headlining one of the IIT's, Alma Fiesta'11, I remember during our last song, the crowd went insane and got up on stage headbanging along with us, in that fiasco one guy came up to the drum riser took out a pair of my favorite Vic Firth Steve Smith series sticks from my stick bag and did a stage dive into the crowd and disappeared and I couldn't do anything about it coz it was a 180 bpm song...hahaha.
IMR: Lolz. Nothing could be done actually. That guy really knew what to take from you. Coming to the point of a band's longivity, do reality shows play a very important part nowadays in shaping a band's career?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): Definitely, it does raise the bar for a band but again its very shortlived especially if you are an English band playing originals.
IMR: Hmmm. Any "one liner" that you believe in?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): Play hard or go fuck a tree.
IMR: Lolz. And Cynical Recess on the web?
Abhinandan(CYNICAL RECESS): Follow us: www.facebook.com/cynicalrecessindia
Listen us: www.reverbnation.com/cynicalrecessindia
Interview-Abhinandan Mukherjee(CYNICAL RECESS)
- Written by Debarshi Chowdhury
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He has been one of the most adored drummers for quite a while now, and he plays for one of the most adored Indian Rock bands of the country as well. Abhinandan Mukherjee of CYNICAL RECESS shares his opinion on things that are associated with the Indian Music industry, and his experiences of being a Rock Star, being part of CYNICAL RECESS which is one of the best bands in our country today. IMR caught up with him in a short and informative conversation!
Debarshi Chowdhury
Debarshi Chowdhury is presently a student at Maulana Azad College, Kolkata. A music fanatic, he listens to a wide variety of music, from Country to Trance, and also does some, independently. Among his all time favourites feature PINK FLYOD, LED ZEPPLIN, QUEEN, DREAM THEATER, IRON MAIDEN, OASIS, KORN and others. He has tried his hands with a number of instruments, but in the end has settled for Guitar basically, though he claims to play the mouth Harmonica and Tabla too. He thinks that the Indian "Independent" Music scene is one of the best in the world at the moment, and he is always eager to be part of the revolution that should give independent or underground musicians the fitting prominent place they deserve in the International stage.