Having renamed the band from Black to Blakc, this Mumbai based 5 piece alternative rock act has come a long way since it was formed back in 2005. Blakc comprises of Shawn Pereira on Vocals, Shishir Tao on Drums, Reinhardt Dias on Lead Guitar, Roop Thomas on Bass, and Anish Menon on Rhythm Guitar . In December 2009 the band released much anticipated debut album ‘Choking on a Dream’. IRMP3’s Ritesh Mayekar* caught up with BLAKC frontman Shawn Pereira for an exclusive interview

Ritesh: Hi Shawn, wassup. The most obvious first question why the band rechristening from Black to Blakc ?
Shawn: When the band was formed way back in 2006 we were a different line-up all together, we hadn’t put much thought about a name. Black was what stuck because the people we played to liked what they heard. When we decided to make choking on a dream we wanted to have an identity something unique, we loved the way BLAKC looked (wrong yet right) also it’s a kickass word for Google and other ways for people to get in touch with us.

Ritesh: ‘Choking on a Dream` your debut album has been released.  It was supposed to be released on a record label? Please share the recording experience ?
Shawn: ‘Choking on a Dream was recorded while we were with a record label (Un.Herd Records) as the album was complete we were back to being unsigned which didn’t really change our mindset towards releasing a good album. The recording experience was amazing the sound engineer was exactly what we needed someone patient someone we could work with and that’s what we had. So yeah.

Ritesh: The Album cover sure is interesting?

Shawn: Yeah when we decided on doing everything on our own we would have these random discussions on what we could do, and everything was possible when we had the kind of people that this band has. We finally decided on a thought and then it was just about getting a camera and a model. A friend came in with a camera and a sweetheart, and old friend from a long way away came in, we chilled for a couple of days and finally came up with the picture which made the album cover. And we were happyJ

Ritesh: How has been the evolution of the band in terms of sound, lyrics?
Shawn: The sound has evolved for the better, for the first few years barely 18-19 we didn’t know anything about sound we plugged in and played. We’ve learnt from our experiences and have tried to sound the best we can. We all have inputs in making the songs and we’re always open to try new stuff out and use different influences over the years and sound the way we do. Compared to choking on a dream the next album or for now the newer songs they do sound different we don’t know how.. but we like what we hear and crowds have too.

Ritesh: Energetic as you guys are on stage, surely some of your inspiration comes from outside music?
Shawn: On stage we just always remember to enjoy ourselves. Personally it’s a let out I feel free to let go, a complete release, and once we’re off stage we cant wait to go back.

Blakc was one of the few bands that actually started playing originals when the scene was more into playing covers?
Shawn: I guess we’re just lucky that we’d all seen ZERO beforeJ . We played a few covers in the start and didn’t really mean much to us, but once we started on the trip of making our own music we just couldn’t stop. We’ve also been lucky that off the 40 odd shows we’ve played all over, we’ve rarely been asked to play a cover. And we’re glad that the crowds have grown to be more open to originals.

Ritesh: Favorite and worst gig?
Shawn: Favorite gig would be a little difficult we’ve had some amazing shows in Pune maybe the second show we played in ASSAM it just was a beautiful feeling having 3 thousand people in a venue so far away come to watch only us; the whole trip would probably be the best experience we’ve had. Worst I don’t know must’ve been some show that went wrong we try not remembering them so hopefully it’s behind us.

Ritesh: You guys played at 2 independence rock (competition) and narrowly missed winning it? But how was the overall experience?
Shawn: I-rock for us all was special just to on that stage we never had an aim of winning every competition and that’s probably why we haven’t but we‘ve all been to I-rock and have had a dream of someday playing a show of that magnitude. DONE!

Ritesh: What do you consider to be the major highlights for both the band and for you personally? Which of the bands achievements are you most proud ofandmean the most to you?
Shawn: The Band I don’t know , the I-rock’s the Campus rock idols Assam can’t tell, I thing for me it would be the very first I-rock when we suddenly appeared from nowhere on to where I’d always wanted to be. The band started to take it seriously and we all knew this is what we wanted to do. The album is something we will always be proud of and we did it ourselves so it means a whole lot more. We try to give our all into every show and hence every show is something we’d like to be proud of staying together for the past 5 years through the fun and the “were so fucked” time that’s an achievement in its self J and we still enjoy making our music and we’re happy and grateful that we can.

Ritesh: What are the constant challenges you face as a musician?
Shawn: The same problems any artist would, sustainability. We love doing what we do and it’s a hard job. Organizers and other gig promoters should recognize this and make sure every band gets paid or it just won’t work.

Ritesh: What’s the thrilling part about touring especially now for promoting Choking on a Dream? Any memorable experiences?
Shawn: We as a band have had a lot of fun travelling as you could imagine any other band on tour; we’ve had some killer times in the start of 2009 where we travelled to the North east then a show in Bombay then one in Indore then back to Pune. So we were on the road for practically 2 monthsJ . The really fun part with us on tour is that we’ve been close friends for over 5 years now and we always have ways to entertain each other, we don’t really need anything or a particular catalyst for us to enjoy ourselves. We’re like family, fight, play, chill, get plastered, all among ourselves and yeah everyone else is invited  :)

With the album out we have just started playing shows outstation starting with Pune this weekend, should be quite a ride!!

Ritesh: Any band / artist with whom you would like to share the stage?
Shawn: International bands I’m guessing each of us would like to share the stage with a lot of different musicians. Personally I would probably faint if I knew I could share the stage with Pearl Jam or Tool

Ritesh: What do you think of the current Indian Rock music scene?
Shawn: I think it’s a growing scene and one that is growing really fast, we’ve seen the kind of people that appreciate music in the littlest of towns in our country, and it’s beautiful. Soon the people with power will realize the money to be made with the plethora of indie rock bands around and it will fall into place. Till then the independent promoters and organizers are doing an amazing job to ensure bands like us do not give up on our dreams..

Ritesh: Famous last words?
Shawn: Don’t be afraid to follow your dream it’s a special feeling when you see yourself living it.

*Ritesh Mayekar is a IT professional and passionate about the Indian rock music scene. Also dabbles as a co-manager ( Atmosfear) and a freelance rock journo .

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