Consisting of two Goans, one African and one South Indian, Bombay Bassment’s music draws from a unique mix of hip-hop, rap, reggae, funk, drums and bass. Here follows an interview with the team: Bobkat (MC/rapper), Levin (drums), Ruell (bass) and DJ Chandu (samples, percussion).
You are one of India’s very few hip-hop bands. Tell our readers more about your band lineup and how you formed!
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Levin: First there was an African turning on the heat. Then came in a Goan, blessing with the beat. Then another Goan came in with a funky bassline. A South Indian on the side, killing at the same time. Not to forget the Maharashtrian without whom Bombay Bassment would never be the same – that’s what BB is all about. Ruell and I use to play for a funk rock outfit and when the band decided to take a break, we both in early 2010 started drum ’n’ bass setup in our basement. We both felt that our sound had missing elements and that’s when my work colleague, Jayesh, decided to step in and introduced us to Bobkat and Chandu. All of us got along very well from our first meeting and that’s how this band was formed. Jayesh decided to manage us.
Why do you think there are such few hip-hop groups in India?
Ruell: Firstly, we’re not just hip-hop. Bob brings in the hip-hop vibe with his smooth rap flows. Chandu brings in the electronics to make it sound electro-hop. And the drum and bass bring in that funk flavor to make it electro-funk-hip-hop. Hip-hop as a genre only existed in clubs when DJs spun it on their turntables. And, the indie live scene was only growing off the rock shelf. To have a live hip-hop set-up somehow did not sound at all interesting until BB decided to give it a shot.
How does the composition process work for you?
Levin: We work together on each track that we compose. Someone comes up with a hook, which could be a vocal hook or a bass hook or a sample hook and then we work around that hook to form and compose a song out of it. Bob writes lyrics for all songs. Chandu makes his own samples and Ruell and I work around with the drum and bass.
Does anyone in your group play a guitar?
Ruell: Yes, I do play a guitar. I own an Epiphone 5-string bass. I hope to get another 6-string one from Gibson.
How difficult is it to compete with Bollywood music?
Chandu: Samples and percussions. There’s no competition to start with as Bollywood is mainstream and hip-hop is still very niche in India. However, this niche indie market keeps growing each day at a considerable rate with the number of gigs currently happening and more venues opening and people finally opening up to music other than Bollywood.
What are some changes you’d like to see taking place in the music industry in India?
Jayesh: We’d definitely want indie music to someday become mainstream, but without compromising on the music that’s created originally. Like the good old days, we’re hoping record labels will invest in artist development and management.
You’ve performed at quite a few places – what have been some of the most memorable experiences? Any interesting anecdotes?
Bobkat: Yes we have. We also have quite a few memorable experiences in our kitty, the first being a collaboration gig with none other than Apache Indian, where he actually collaborated on one of our tracks and we got to perform with him live in front of 3.5 thousand people. The MTV Roots interview and acoustic jam, the NH7 Weekender 2010 gig, and all those gigs where we started playing to an only seated audience and ended up with each and everyone of them including the barmen, chefs and guests from the neighboring clubs, dancing to our music.
Could each of you tell us about your musical journey?
Chandu: I started my career as a DJ with resident DJ at many landmark clubs such as Blackout, Avalon, Razzberry Rhinocerous. I am now producing music along with Deep for many Bollywood soundtracks and artists.
Levin: Ruell is a full-time banker and bass player by heart. He and I used to play for funk rock act Aftertaste for many years and glad we are still together. Bobkat came to India to pursue education and decided to start DJ-ing for small parties. Chandu got him to rap and since then he never looked back. He raps. He is a DJ. He is a video producer who directed and produced our debut video on a shoestring budget of 9.5 thousand rupees. He raps for many top-line music directors and has dozens of Bollywood hits under his roster.
Who are some of your favorite artists?
Levin: Each one of us has distinct musical backgrounds and influences. Chandu is into reggae, dub. His inspiration is Bob Marley. Ruell and I always dig for funk rock sounds – we listen to Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Jamiroquai. Bobkat is heavily influenced by old-school rappers – Nas, Common, Tupac.
What are some of your upcoming projects?
Chandu: We are working on our debut studio EP/album. Do check out our debut video “Hip Hop [Never Be the Same]” on http://youtube.com/bombaybassment, which is produced and directed by our very own Bobkat. This video premiered on VH1 India Rules and followed by MTV Roots.
Photo credit: Bobin James