IMR: Now let me go straight to the point, HOVER shows a immense evolution towards the band’s music and overall standards? How was this album put to thought on the topic of songwriting, progression, lyrical content, mixing & production ?
Sheldon: Every song in this album was composed differently. There never really was any special approach. Things just fell into place and we often made changes to get that better sound. There were times when the Lyrics were impromptu and times when bound with thought. The same goes for the Music. It's emotion that influences our sounds, and that’s one of the main reasons why every song sounds different. Mixing and production was another aspect altogether. Once we were done with the songs DJ Narayan would mix them to perfection… cheers to him!
IMR: Tell us something about the cover-art of the album which seems to be quite different but interesting than your previous release ELEVEN COMPLAINTS?
Sheldon: This time we wanted the art to actually suit the music. Phish Pot, the artist behind the amazing artwork actually listened to the album a countless number of times before he hit the drawing board. That’s simply what Hover meant to him... we loved the artwork so much, we really knew that this had to be it.
IMR: Is there a particular concept or story behind the songs on the album. Also speaking about the musical experimentation, what is different with your latest effort HOVER compared to your debut record?
Sheldon: The album was composed over an extended time span. We really took our time, and had no intent of rushing it. Every song in the Album is different and would express itself differently. Every song has a story in itself. Every tune is different. We were extremely strict with ourselves while choosing the songs that would fit the album. We rejected at least a dozen songs after half-completing them. We wanted this album to be better... maybe that’s why it turned out the way it has.
IMR: What benchmarks do you use to determine when you have written a good song or to determine that a song is complete in every respect?
Sheldon: We don’t. We really don’t know which song is a good song unless someone tells us that it is since we can keep adding any number of pianos or guitars or textures. There's no end to it really. We just want to keep making that better song and never stop till we do... I still don’t think that we have. There’s still better songs that’s yet to come.
IMR: KASTADYNE has always been unique with their musical grounds combining soulful melodies with a social awareness. What message do you want to convey amongst the individuals after listening to HOVER?
Shledon: Unlike the first album that revolved around a very rebellious note, Hover is an album that would just elevate you. Make you think. Keep you pondering, Hence hover. It lifts you off your ground.
IMR: Once people get a sample of your music, I am pretty sure they will google for a video on internet. Any chance a music video will be in the works for you guys?
Sheldon: We should be workin on one soon.
IMR: Who did you bring on as guest musicians on the track CREEPING BEAUTY, how was the experience?
Sheldon: When we used to play live shows, we used to play with an awesome drummer by name of Vaibhav Wavikar. We composed many songs together. So when we started work on Hover, we asked him to play drums for one of the heavier tracks, CREEPING BEAUTY. This track remains as the only track with live drums in the album. It was a lot of fun recording with him!
IMR: Over the years you guys chose to express your music that directly comes from the heart, music that really grabs the listener’s attention with a few spins. Folks who are familiar with your music have always respected your work and followed the band throughout the years. Do you think KASTADYNE has succeeded as an artistic act in the Indian circuit?
Sheldon: No, not yet. There’s still a lot to do. We really can’t call this success but we’re getting there. This is not all that we want Kastadyne to be. As a band we need to keep getting better and make some more awesome music. And also reaching out to newer people out there. We'd love to reach a lot of people.
IMR: Other than artistic and musical development and maturation, are there any other prominent reasons as to why your sound is evolving?
Sheldon: I guess it's our lives that have been constantly changing that subconsciously inspired us for Hover. Our musicals tastes have evolved, we listen to much more complex music like KARNIVOOL and BATTLES. And also that constant urge to do something new was always pushing us.
IMR: What would you ultimately love to achieve with your phenomenal musical abilities? Moreover, what does the future (both near and far) conceivably hold for you guys?
Sheldon: Hmm... I don't think we've ever thought of that. We started playing together because we loved making music. We still do that. So even if we don't 'make it big' we'll still be making lots of songs. The future seems uncertain right now since Tejas might be going abroad to study audio engineering and I'll be joining an MBA college soon. Looks like we're gonna be real busy, but we've made plans for making sure the music keeps rollin out.
IMR: Thanks for your time and answers. I can't wait to talk to you again when you release your next album. Feel free to end this interview with some words for our readers!
Sheldon: Thanks so much for interviewing us! Since Kastadyne is a studio band we depend on word of mouth to get the word spread. So to all readers, it would be really awesome if you could support us and tell your friends about us. You can visit our website, www.kastadyne.com . Cheers!
Pravin Prajapati(LordMessiah)
