'We draw our inspiration from each other'

They are the quintessential new kids on the block but ‘Rock Paper Scissors’ sure knows how to grab eyeballs, right from their catchy name to their quirky acts.

This experimental rock band from Bengaluru has a very simple aim — to play the kind of music that makes people feel good and gets them on their feet.

Covering a variety of genres, from classic rock to the top 40 hits, this band’s influences include Toto, Queen, Guns ‘n’ Roses, Script, Bruno Marz and Michael Jackson. ‘Rock Paper Scissors’ has Rahul Joseph on vocals, Ashwanth Vergis on saxophone, Chethan Kudoor on guitar, Arun Paul on drums and Kevin Timothy on bass guitar and the men took some time out from their busy schedules to talk to Rajitha Menon about music, gigs and more.

Tell us a bit about the musical journey of the group till now.

Rahul: It all started with a gig at the ‘Fête de la Musique’ in the city. I had been wanting to play in this event for a very long time, so I registered for it and then went about looking for band members. A group of us came together and after a few jams and ‘ice-breaker’ sessions, we decided to form a full fledged band.

From those humble beginnings we have come a long way and are now doing shows in various cities across India. A big shout out to those who have been instrumental in getting this band together — Winston, Vijin, Marcel, Sam, Anshul, Helipi and Ashley Joseph.

How do you describe your music.

Ashwanth: Our music is mix of old school classics and new age hits. You are guaranteed to shake a leg to our tunes.

What are your favourite genres of all members and are these incorporated into the band’s music?
Chethan: We all love different genres and often fight over the songs we should play. But when we jam, everyone brings their own flavour to the song and that is what makes us stand out.

What is the story behind the name of the band?

Chethan: When we formed the band, we all suggested different names and couldn’t decide which one to choose.
We played rock paper scissors to see whose name would be chosen. And then we were like, wait a minute...

Most memorable gig?

Arun: Our gig in Goa- the journey, the ambience, the crowd — it was a memorable experience; something that I will remember for a long time. Not to mention we managed to miss our train back because we were busy having lunch.

Funniest back stage incident?

Rahul: Once back stage, there was this girl with her arms around Arun’s shoulder watching an ongoing performance. He thought it was me next to him and went on talking for a while. When he turned back he got the shock of his life.

Kevin: This is a funny on-stage event. During one of our recent gigs in a college, we played a few ‘Bailas’ (a genre of music) numbers. Since it was a fest of a management college, the professors expected some decorum to be maintained, but the crowd was itching to get off their seats and dance. To my surprise, Ashwanth started dancing on stage and as soon as he did, all hell broke lose and people swarmed the stage and started dancing.

Who, or what is your musical inspiration?

Kevin: We get our inspiration from classic rock to pop and funk, but most of all, we draw our inspiration from each other. The passion, commitment and talent that each band member brings to the table is what keeps all of us going.

If not a band, then..?

Arun: That is a very scary question. I just can’t image my life without music. This is our calling.

(‘Rock Paper Scissors’ will perform at the Bak Bak Bar on November 19. )