IMR: Okay, so currently how is the working on your second solo album THE CONQUEROR going? What differences can one notice, if compared to your debut solo album A CHANGE in terms of music and themes?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): The album’s sounding great! The first one A CHANGE, had a lot of electronic elements to it. This ones absolutely RAW! I’ve tried to keep it as minimalistic as possible so as to be able to replicate it live without having the need to have a rhythm guitarist on-stage! So the rhythm parts that I’ve recorded are not indispensable in a live situation. The inclusion of the "Electric Ukulele" is a huge difference as compared to the 1st one!
IMR: Is there any of your previous projects you would like to revisit sometime in the future or you are just looking forward to collaborate with more musicians and explore new musical boundaries?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): At this point I am more than happy to go Solo and continue collaborating with as many artists as possible.
IMR: You are a guitar teacher, you also make music for TV commercials and also for some Bollywood tracks, you have your own AXE-TORTION project etc. So how do you manage all these things simultaneously?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): Well, it does get crazy during some weeks where I need to juggle and be completely involved in every aspect of my professional commitments. So I try and prioritize my commitments for the week and stick by it. That way I am able to accomplish most of it.
IMR: With such a diverse and prolific career, is there any track or album that particularly stands out above all others for you and which really make you proud?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): I think at this stage in my career I am very proud of my upcoming album THE CONQUEROR. I really think I have grown leaps and bounds as a Composer, Producer and also a Sound Engineer!
IMR: As per the Digital world and it's limitations, how would you describe THE CONQUEROR in 140 characters or less?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): THE CONQUEROR – CONQUERS, CAPTIVATES & CHANDRESHALIZES YOUR BODY, MIND & SOUL!
IMR: Was writing fresh material for THE CONQUEROR difficult? What would you call the easiest and hardest aspects of bringing THE CONQUEROR to life?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): No I wouldn’t say it was difficult at all! I think I have reached a place in my playing where I am able to express emotions through my music in the purest possible way. So if I am feeling a certain emotion I can capture that feeling and channelize it in my composition if that makes any sense at all!
IMR: Could you please list the names of other musicians who will be featured on the upcoming album?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): Well, theres Chandresh Kudwa on Drums, Chandresh Kudwa on Bass Guitar & on the Electric Ukulele.. ha ha ha! Honestly its completely a solo effort, so I have done everything on it except for one track, where I have been fortunate enough, to have collaborated with Swedish Guitarist Mattias Eklundh of FREAK KITCHEN!
IMR: Well, naming an Instrumental track has its own rules depending upon the musician. Tell us, what procedure do you follow behind naming the "Titles" for your songs?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): All the songs have been inspired by real life feelings. A few were written when my father was suffering from Cancer (whom I eventually lost a few months back). I found solace in writing songs so I could channelize my true emotions at that very moment which would stay with me for life, disguised as songs. This holds true for all other tracks on the album.
IMR: The music scene has changed quite a lot and the Record Labels have become extinct. Today, more and more bands have started releasing their music independently rather than depending on labels to promote their music. Is this something that you guys would consider doing as well? What are your thoughts on this subject matter?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): Digital is the way to go for me for sure! It gives artists like me the opportunity to have my music accessible to virtually every person on the planet. I no more feel the need to be signed to a Record Label and am truly happy being in control of everything.
IMR: Okay, so here's the challenging one! Vocals always add a distinguishing feature to any form of music. How do you guys manage to keep things so fresh and interesting, keeping vocals apart?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): Well, I approach my instrumental songs as if it were a Vocal track! I look at my Guitar/Ukulele as my voice. I try and make both these instruments sing in my own little unique way, which I feel gives my music a character, different than all other artists.
IMR: Do you have a favorite city that you particularly enjoy performing in? What are your favorite tracks to play live and what is your most challenging track to play live on-stage?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): Honestly, I have enjoyed playing in every city since there’s an audience that is absolutely Guitar crazy everywhere!! I love to play most of my high energy songs live but the one I find most challenging to play live is the yet to be released THE G-UKE SONG (which you can find on YouTube) where I play the "Electric Ukulele" and the "Electric Guitar" simultaneously during the Main melody of the song…. It’s bloody tough with all the feedback, the adrenalin and the sweat dripping from my face!
IMR: What are your plans regarding the tour, maybe some good number of gigs accompanying the album launch across the country?
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): Most definitely! Looking forward to gig my ass off to promote this album!
IMR: Well, here we come to an end of this Interview. Looking ahead for some crazier guitar tunes and legato/sliding licks to which I am addicted very much and I wish you all the best with the upcoming album on behalf of IndianMusicRevolution. Thank You!
Chandresh Kudwa(AXE-TORTION): Thanks a lot...It's been a pleasure!
