In a world increasingly shaped by the digital frontier, entertainment has become the thread that weaves us together. And amidst the myriad options, nothing is as dopamine-inducing as music for most of us. The world of Indian pop has undergone a beautiful transformation, drawing people from all corners of the globe. In this surge, multi-genre bands have become a sought-after choice, offering a diverse musical experience in one place. Thaikkudam Bridge embodies this spirit, uniting people irrespective of their favourite genres or ages. It's a timeless connection that resonates with hearts across boundaries.
In a conversation with the powerhouse, bassist, frontman, and rapper Vian Fernandes, we delve into linguistic and cultural influences, harmonies, and Thaikuddam.
How would you describe your younger self in your school days?
I was all over the place. I mainly played sports and was a state-level player in hockey. I have also dabbled in football, athletics, and taekwondo. However, I didn’t confine myself to keeping goals. I immersed myself in the music scenes, too. Back in the time, I was versatile. However, I was not awarded ‘The Best Musician’ and ‘The Best Sportsman’ during my final year. Funnily, it was due to my naughty behaviour.
Amidst an enthusiastic crowd, how do you stay grounded and maintain a sense of balance and connection to your core identity?
I feel we adopt the “go with the flow” mindset from a fairly young age. This is not my first experience in a band, it's my fourth, and my longest one yet. Over the years, I have realized that dedication is a non-negotiable. We must commit ourselves to our craft and keep returning to it.
Some things are fleeting — our fans, too, in that case. Several people will put us on a pedestal, but it’s temporary. I can’t blame it. I am quite similar. However, some fans are in here for the long haul. They remind you of the impact your music has on them. It's like we share a connection, understanding what works and what doesn't as we see what they enjoy.
What were Thaikkudam’s wildest fan encounters like?
We've had many encounters, but one stands out. During our recent visit to Phoenix, a thoughtful surprise awaited us in our rooms – a hamper with wine and personalized notes for each band member. My note specifically celebrated our musical connection.
But here's the real kicker – some fans went above and beyond. They had bonnets with the Thaikkudam Bridge logo, and others got creative, making artwork and even tattoos of the 'Be the Bridge' logo. I mean, I used to read and watch documentaries and would be in awe when stars get an overwhelming amount of attention and love. But honestly, experiencing this made me more concerned, you know? Because tattoos are not temporary. It's pretty wild to see the impact we can have on people's lives.
Does all this intense attention and love you get make you feel responsible or add to your pressure?
Not anymore. I’d like to call it the 'Be the Bridge' family, and let me tell you, it's this wonderful community that spans the entire globe. Over the years, we have grown and built this beautiful relationship with the world. It motivates us to deliver more. Make more music. I wouldn’t call it pressure because that is simply how we connect. We know that we will create new music each time. Moreover, it's not just about pleasing the fans; we create for ourselves first. The artist needs to feel that connection to the music.
Throughout the years, you've explored different music styles and ventured into various creative realms. Fans seem to connect with the mellow side of Thaikkudam (Like, the Nostalgia) and then there's the wild enthusiasm for songs like, Urumb, and Navarasam. What, in your opinion, stands out as the ultimate favourite among Thaikkudam fans?
This sounds like a simple question but it’s not. Back in the Music Mojo days, we had this killer mix of melodies, ambient tunes, and sweet songs—everything except Fish Rock. That track was our only original among the covers. Fans loved us, but there was a group accusing us of "stealing music" and being stuck in the Gaanamela label.
So, we dropped Navarasam, a heavy album that spoke volumes through its video, changing the game for us. Post that, melody fans were a bit miffed. Balancing genres took time, but eventually, everyone got it—we're here for all audiences. Music for all ages, offering a trip down real-life nostalgia lane.
When Fish Rock hit the scene, and people were quite hyped over your rap, how did you feel? Were you overwhelmed, or did you grasp the impact you were making?
Oh, people were going all out over Nostalgia than Fish Rock. Everyone in the crowd was belting out the lyrics during the concert. It got so lively that I had to pause mid-performance and grab a video because it was such a unique moment for us. Now, we're both caught in this recording loop. The funny thing is, as pros, we weren't supposed to be doing that on stage. Our manager had to remind us to keep it more professional.
Can you reflect on the memories of Thaikkudam’s debut performance?
After Music Mojo, we got invited to another show. We had a mere two days to prep, and honestly, we were a bit lost about what exactly to do. Cue the frantic playlist creation. The grand entry was there, but looking back as a musician, our performance wasn't top-notch. The connection between us wasn't quite there yet, and you know how it is – you're not sure how the band will sound or what vibe you're going for.
However, the show was wild. As time rolled on, we got better with our musical skills. We've belted out so many songs now that we've got about 30-40 in our repertoire that we've retired. We've experimented and tried new things, but let's face it – with the very limited time that we have, we want our audience to hear new music.
Is there a particular Thaikkudam Bridge track that resonates deeply with you?
I love Khwaab. It has this dreamy vibe, but there's also a certain heaviness to it, which is why it’s one of my favorites.
Could you tell us that one conversation that remains etched in Thaikkudam’s memory?
We've had some incredible moments together. People come up to us and share how our songs gave them hope when things were tough. It hits us that it's not just about the music; we're putting our energy out into the universe. We've got to be mindful of our craft.
And then there are these joyful moments — Parents tell us their babies respond only to Thaikkudam Bridge songs and that their first concert is going to be ours. It's adorable, but it comes with a twist. We have to check if the venue is cool with it and if it's safe enough for children in terms of noise. In a worst-case scenario, if they can't be part of the crowd, they can still be in the wing and enjoy the experience. These moments are just a snapshot; there are plenty more like them. You know, sometimes we meet a fan and we're not sure what to do, you can see the awe in their eyes. I mean, I get it too. Sometimes, you just gotta reach out, pat their shoulder, and let them know it's all good.
As we conclude our conversation, we realize the power of music and its ability to start a revolution. People unite to commemorate your contributions and convictions. How does that feel?
After each performance, we would wrap up with Fish Rock, and witnessing the audience singing along made us realize the deepest impact our music has on them. The unexpected adoration and passion that our music sparks, bringing people together, is truly remarkable. In those days, lacking a fleet of cars, we transported our equipment in a tempo. I recall Ashok and me spotting scattered band posters, envisioning what it would be like to see larger ones. Ashok reassured me it would happen – and it did.
Once, our band name illuminated the screen in all its grandeur, I couldn't contain my excitement while I was capturing it on video. I believe our journey should bring this excitement to keep us going. The amplified excitement and hope for the future feel real. 'Be the Bridge' resonates with us precisely for this reason, we feel grateful every single day.
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