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Blues and classic rock with a twist

Subhash Kamath of the city-based band Wanted Yesterday talks about his band and their upcoming gig

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The first thing that strikes you about this band is their name, Wanted Yesterday. For those of you who wonder what does that even mean, the band derives it's name from an advertising world cliche that is used to describe the unreasonable deadlines that prevail in the industry, "This is wanted yesterday!" This connection to the ad world came into play because of members -- Subhash Kamat (guitar and vocals) is the CEO and managing partner of BBH, and Rajeev Raja (flute and harmonica) who worked with DDB Mudra, and now has started his own venture BrandMusiq. He also has another band of his own, Rajeev Raja Combine. The remainder of members include Cassius Fernandes (drums), Hitesh Dhutia (lead guitar) and Bertie D'Silva (bass), who are full-time musicians.

The beginning
The band was initially formed about five years ago by Rajeev, Subhash and Prabhakar Mundkur. Prabhakar isn't with the band anymore. Wanted Yesterday began their journey by playing for events at the Ad Club, and they were liked by people. They also did private gigs and corporate shows too. Their first big gig happened at the Blue Frog in March 2012, and since then there has been no looking back.

Sound of music
In the past four years, Wanted Yesterday has been playing covers from the 60s and 70s, what some regard as the golden era of music. And so, besides the ad connection, the band name is apt because of the music they play. They do cover of songs like Dead Flowers and Honky-Tonk Woman by The Rolling Stones, Bad Moon Rising by Creedence Clearwater Revival, Born Under A Bad Sign by Albert King, Pride And Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughan to name some. Subhash insists that the band gives it their own twist to the covers that they play. For example, Rajeev plays the jazz flute and when playing traditional blues, the jazz flute brings a new feel.

Personal influences
"All of us creative people have varied tastes and influences in music. I listen to all kinds of music from Western classical, jazz, blues, rock, country and Indian music too, like folk, classical, etc. I love the blues and classic rock, especially," says Subhash who is a self-taught guitar player. "I did play music with some friends at college festivals during my college days, music but was not a career option back then, and got sidelined as a passionate hobby," adds Subhash who has been in the ad world for 29 years now. As for his idols, he looks up to Bob Dylan saying, "I find the power of his song writing incredibly moving. I wish I could write like Bob Dylan." There's not one but two songs that have turned out to be life-changing for Subhash, namely The Times They Are A-Changin' by Bob Dylan and Imagine by John Lennon.

Future plans
Around two years ago, Subhash began writing original songs, and so far, he's done with six. Within the next six months, they plan to work on their composition and arrangement. And just like any other band, their dream too, is to create their own music, and perform live at as many gigs as they can.

Upcoming gig
Wanted Yesterday will be performing live in the city next week. Besides doing covers by The Rolling Stones, The Beatles, Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, they will be attempting an instrumental version of Stairway To Heaven for the first time.

WHEN & WHERE: Tonight, 10 pm to 11.30 pm, Blue Frog, Lower Parel

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