'We sing the common man's chronicles'

Alternative rock

What makes city-based band ‘Thakara’ different from the rest is the way it explores itself. They describe themselves as an ambient-alternative-folk rock band and have their own following in the city.

The group captured music lovers’ attention with the release of their numbers ‘Podi Penne’ and ‘Puttu Paattu’. The members of the band - James Thakara, Deepu Sasidharan, Mark Von Reddy and John Joel - find their experiments fulfilling.

In a candid chat with Tini Sara Anien, frontman James and bass guitarist Mark shed light on the band’s journey so far.

How did the name of the band come about?

James: I just wanted to make music and after the song ‘Podi Penne’ became viral, we needed a name for the band. A friend suggested ‘Thakara’ and I just went with the flow. It had a funny ring to it and sounded catchy enough. We honestly didn’t give it much thought (smiles).  

What brought the band together?

James: The band just happened. I still consider myself a bathroom rockstar. When ‘Podi Penne’ which was a zero-budget project came out, it grabbed attention. After that, I realised that there is more I wanted to do and so came the band.  

The nature of your music...

James: We do not like to be classified into genres. We are more theme-based. We sing the common man’s chronicles.

Some compositions by the band.

James: Our songs are unique in content. While the song ‘Padilla’ which is about Fascism has rock elements in it, ‘Ammachi’ deals about old age and the society, which has ambient rock influences in it. There are songs which have psychedelic and reggae touch to them. We work on ideas more than genres.

A few things that you keep in mind when on stage.

Mark: We just make sure that we are on top of our game and are a total entertainment package. When we are headed out for a performance, we prepare ourselves about engaging the audience and capturing their attention. There’s nothing more beautiful than seeing a gleam in someone’s eye and we love to be the reason for it.    

What influences the band’s music?

James: Just things around us.

The band’s favourite artistes.

James: We like a lot of artistes like ‘Parvaaz’, singer-songwriter Mahesh Raghunandan and Suraj Mani. They have all made their mark in the industry really well.

An interesting comment that the band has received.

Mark: I have received a lot of comments on my hair. A lot of people find it rockstar-like. As a band, everyone likes the fact that we are outspoken lyrically. 

Some funny incidents on stage...

Mark: Every show we play, something funny happens. Either a technical issue happens or one of us gets so caught up with the energy of the performance that they forget their part or play the wrong part.  But we have grown together in such a way that we enjoy our mistakes. We cover up well too!