1′O’1 with FIVE LITTLE INDIANS
Formed in 2007, FIVE LITTLE INDIANS is one of the best Alternative Rock band with a Hindustani touch . I caught up with FLI (in my invisible mode 
) . Let’s hear from FLI ..
Five Little Indians , could you give us a brief introduction?
Five Little Indians — better known by its acronym FLI — was formed in January 2007 with former members of some well-known Calcutta-based bands. The band merges strong grunge/prog roots with melodic rock, blending a heavier sound with singer-songwriter sensibilities.
The band’s use of Hindustani Classical vocals as another voice — and not as a ‘fusion’ ploy — results in a unique soundscape that can only be defined as its own.
FLI played its debut show at the Eastwind Festival ’08 and are a featured band in the East Zone leg of the RSJ Pubrockfest 2008.
The band was recently featured in The Times of India for its original sound. Preferring exclusive appearances, FLI is working on adding new songs to its current clutch of 20 originals.
Could you please introduce the band members and the instruments they play?
Neel Adhikari – Vocals, guitars
Allan Ao – guitars
Arka Das – drums, percussions
Sayak Bandyopadhyay - vocals
Sanket Bhattacharya – bass guitar
What genre of music do you consider your work to be? What Indian and International band influence your music?
We do not like to work within the parameters of genres. We listen to a diverse set of music ranging from Porcupine Tree, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Hindustani and Carnatic classical music.
How long have you all known each other? How did you meet?
We know each other since our childhood but never had an opportunity to play together. Since 2007, we grabbed the opportunity that came our way to work with each other and have been together ever since.
FLI just released a new single ‘I just learned ‘ , tell us a bit about it
The song is about the self realization a person goes through after going through a lot of emotional stress in a relationship. It talk about how one needs to be himself/herself. This is the first song FLI wrote, as a band.
Who writes your songs for FLI ? what are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Neel and Allan write most of the basic words and tunes but the band as a whole works on it and arranges them.
FLI’s song ‘Screaming at the Sun’ was featured at Stuppiditties II, can we expect an full length album soon?
Hopefully, yes.
Do you have a record label ?
No
Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
Debut gig at Eastwind 2008, Delhi. RSJ Pubrockfest, Calcutta Interface, Campus Rock Idols East Zone 2009.
Which songs do you perform most frequently? Do you ever play any covers? Do you have a set play list?
We perform all the songs on our setlist. We don’t play covers.
What are your rehearsals generally like? Do you have a set time each week in which you practice or are rehearsals more spontaneous?
Usually spontaneous but 2 days in a week are mandatory for rehearsals.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music together?
The process has been gradual starting with almost groping in the dark about a band sound to finally finding a common binding factor to take the sound forward. We are not comepletely there yet but with time, it should happen soon.
What has been your biggest challenge as a band? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? The biggest challenge has been to play our music honestly and without any commercial parameters. To an extent, we have been successful but will know we are there when we can depend on FLI full time and make a decent living, without any compromises in our music.
What is the future of Five Little Indians ?
Who know?
What advice do you have for people who want to form their own bands?
Do it because you love playing music and not for any other incetives. And most importantly, have fun.
Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Ourselves.
Any last words?
Not yet.
