On August 1st, Shillong blues rock aces Soulmate launched their fourth full-length album Give Love in the only way any band could in 2020 — via a livestream performance. Straight out of guitarist-vocalist Rudy Wallang‘s Hole in the Wall studio in Shillong with co-founder and powerhouse vocalist-guitarist Tipriti Kharbangar, the duo were understandably awkward the first few minutes until the music kicked in and they got in the groove with the band and even invited guests over virtually.
Over the phone from Shillong, Wallang recounts to Rolling Stone India, “It was pretty weird… we’re used to talking to people and interacting with people on stage, but then here in this kind of scenario, we have to look at the phone or look at the iPad and see who is coming in and say hi. You don’t hear the applause, you just see hearts and you see claps.” He’s laughing by this point but is quick to add that they’re learning to become more comfortable with the idea of virtual gigs and how future shows will likely be ticketed and employ better tech for optimum audio and video quality.
Kharbangar says she’s not one to play music and interact with people at the same time, but mentions that Wallang has been training her. She doesn’t mind getting into it either and reading comments between songs. “In the end, they are the ones who’ve taken their time and watched you and probably shell out a little money for us, so we always take time in checking out the iPad and commenting and calling out their names,” she says.
This story is from the September 2020 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the September 2020 edition of RollingStone India.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
anumitanadesan
The singer-songwriter talks about her first Malayalam film song, her upcoming debut abum and working across genres and languages
amrit ramneath
Understanding the interplay between abiding by tradition and progress is no new feat for this 25-year-old composer
yashraj
With chart-topping collaborations with seasoned veterans, this rapper has consistently been in the conversations of industry observers
dǝbzee
The 'Malabari Banger' hitmaker shares exclusive insights on his upcoming projects, life, and his vision for the future of music in India
taba chake
The Arunachal Pradesh-based singer-song-writer discusses how his latest song \"Kahani\" reflects the power of love songs.
ranj x clifr
The Bengaluru singer-composer and producer duo may not be done with hip-hop, but they are venturing into pop, R&B and Tamil songs next
RESHAPING THE FUTURE OF MUSIC
How digital collectibles, especially for live events, have a tremendous potential
Evnne On 'Un: Seen,' Their 'Seen,' And 'Unseen' Sides
The Band Discusses How A Setback Early In Their Career Spurred Them On And How They Fused Those Experiences With Their Sound In Their Second Mini Album, ‘Un: Seen
kayan
Between fandoms and aesthetic-setting live shows, artist Ambika Nayak talks about wanting to put out an album
anoushka maskey
Taking her “self-organized” Sunny Side Tour across the country, the Sikkim-origin artist is prioritizing consistent releases and exploring bossa nova next