Indian classical has given us inspiration

They came, they performed and they had audience in a spell. The three-member rock band, Aurora Jane, set the stage on fire at NIFT, Gandhinagar. The lead singer and the founder of the band, Jane Hole, and her band mates — Tim Benneth, on bass guitar, and Jai Rowkavi, on the drums — tell Mitaaly Naidu about their fifth trip to India (first to Ahmedabad), rock music as a genre for Indian youth and also about Indian classical music.

What kind of music does 'Aurora Jane' blend? Is it an inspiration of different styles?
Jane: We usually mix a number of styles so we are not just about head-banging rock. We experiment a lot and try to blend different forms of music like punk, rock, jazz, etc. However, most of the songs I write narrate a story and, hence, are meaningful. My songs also describe our journey and feelings.
 
Do you listen to Indian classical music and have you tried to incorporate it?
Jane: This is our fifth tour to India so I can vouch for the different kind of classical music we have heard here. In fact, we have preformed with guest artists, such as Arjun Sen from India, in the past. Indian music has in fact inspired me to write some songs. For example, my song 'Seven Sisters' is based on the North-Eastern states.

'Aurora Jane' has seen many members joining and leaving the band over the years, any specific reasons for that?
Jane: Well, there are no specific reasons for the change as such. I started the band five years ago and over the period, I have had a fantastic opportunity to play with extremely good and talented people in the music industry. The idea of starting 'Aurora Jane' was not about the people I am with, it was the experience of music which each individual in the team got so I never tabbed anyone for sticking around or pressurise anyone to join our group.

This is your fifth visit to India and your band has performed at many places, so do you think that 'rock music' in India has evolved over the years?
Tim: Yes, it has! Like one can see people actually coming forward to listen to rock! We have met so many talented aspiring bands in India; it is fun and a privilege to jam with them. Five years back, only the metro cities in India would have a selected sect of people who would prefer listening to rock. However, now there are many rock fests happening at so many places, like this trip of ours to NIFT. It's like celebrating music!

How are the aspiring rock bands in India doing, especially youngsters who are trying their hand at rock?
Jane: I think they are doing great! I mean, many rock bands from North-East seem to have loads of talent. Our band member Jai, he is from Mumbai and is a promising drummer.

So, Jai, has rock in India evolved and what kind of future does it hold for the aspiring youngsters?
Jai: Well, I think, we have come a long way with our perception of rock. Many youngsters here have a promising future as a rock band as a musician is all about talent and does not stick to or can relate to just on genre.