The Year That Was 2009 – Sahil Makhija
Name : Sahil ‘Demonstealer’ Makhija
Company: Demonstealer Records .
Band: Demonic Resurrection, Workshop.
City : Bombay .
How was 2009 for you and your company and bands, what do you think has been the best thing to happen for the Indian Rock scenario in 2009?
2009 was both a good year and a bad year for me personally. For Demonic Resurrection it was the best year so far. We played all across the country at places we didn’t even know had a rock scene like Dhanbad, Jalandhar etc etc. We confirmed our 1st international performance at Brutal Assault 2009 which we couldn’t go play but we got confirmed for 2010 as well so it was a big step. We also finished recording our 3rd full length album ‘The Return To Darkness’ which promises to be a landmark Indian release and I think the buzz around the album over the last month or so speaks for itself. We (DR) also shot our 1st music video with Vijesh and Vaas(Scribe) behind the camera and it will also premier in January 2010. With Workshop we played tons of gigs, recorded and released our 1st album which is doing really well and it’s the 1st even DVD+CD release done in India and we are very proud of that. With DSR we released Workshop and also licensed the new Behemoth album ‘Evangelion’ for exclusive release in India through DSR, the sad part was that it was an EPIC fail and a big loss for us. However that is not stopping us just yet.
What are your Favorite song / album from 2009?
It’s a tough call and since I’m not shameless enough to list my own music it has to be either Ranti Nasha by Bhayanak Maut or Eye of the False by Inner Sanctum which are my 2 favorite songs from all the Indian releases this year. Also a special mention to Amogh Symphony for a kickass album.
Please share an instance on/offstage that you can’t forget from 2009.
A fan kissed my hand at GIR, not once… BUT TWICE!!! And it’s on CAMERA!!!
What is your and your company/ band’s plan for year 2010?
Demonic Resurrection is going to work even harder this year since we have the album to promote, our 1st international gig and hopefully a lot more. We really plan to grab the bull by the horns so to speak. With Workshop it’s going to be writing new material and hitting the studio to record album number 2. Lots of gigs coming up as well. DSR plans to sign some new bands, release more albums and even take another chance and license some international artists new albums for release.
If you had to change something from the year gone by what would that be?
I don’t believe in dwelling on the past and mistakes previously made. Whatever happens is part of live and its best to make the most of what you have today. However if I could change something I would have made sure I didn’t stop going for my morning jogs on the beach.
How do you think the Indian rock scene will change from 2010 onwards?
More shows, more albums, more money etc etc etc.
[Interview Questions Compiled by Ashwin Sharma.]
All the best to DR/Workshop in 2009.
I’m sad to know that that the DSR Behemoth initiative was not a success. It’s fine if those that did not buy the album were not Behemoth fans. But it will suck if Behemoth fans in India passed the album and preferred to rip / d/l it from elsewhere.
ya very true rohanak…
anyways I think sahil is doing a great job…thanks for ‘KHOONI MURGA’. We here at Karnal are your fans…!!
DR has come a long way n the next release is going to be massive ! all the best…