JOIN USA Bengaluru-based alternative rock band, ‘All The Fat Children’ not only has a humourous name but also witty band members. Comprising Eben Johnson on vocals and guitars, Vickram Kiran on bass guitar and vocals and Sachin Savio Dane on percussion, it plays and covers a variety of songs by giving them a unique twist. In a chat with Ananya Revanna, Eben talks about its approach to music.
The band has a unique name...
Yes, but now we’re tired of explaining why it’s called that. Let’s just say we were young, fat and in our first year of college. We thought it’d be cool to sound like a 1940s mobster, with a 3-piece suit, a hat, a tommy gun and a name like ‘Baby Face’. That was the imagery we had and we knew we’d get attention for it.
What kind of songs do you write?
About our exes, food...anything we connect to. Yes, it’s nothing unique, we’re like any other alternative rock band when it comes to the music. This is why we call ourselves entertainers.
Really? Then why should someone listen to you?
Because we have a lot of personality, we are genuine and most importantly, we connect to the audience. We think this is the most important aspect of being a musician. Take for example ‘Coldplay’, they aren’t an exceptional band but the lyrics from their song ‘Fix You’ — ‘lights will guide you home’ — resonate with people. This is what music is about or should be about — getting people together.
Why do you say that?
As a musician, I can express certain feelings clearly but there are people who can’t do that, which is why they listen to songs that help them connect.
Does this mean you fluctuate between emotions?
Yes, all the time. Sometimes we have a very emo vibe, at other times we play fun beats. It’s about being...human.
In such a competitive market, what’s the key to, well, keeping your head above the water?
Branding. The market for English music is pretty small so musicians aren’t ever going to make a steady living from just performing. Rather, we can make enough to survive but people are ambitious so it’s difficult to not want more. This is why we try not to play in the same city too many times. Taking the example of ‘Coldplay’ again — if they were to come over to the same city 3 or 4 times in one month, people wouldn’t want to see them anymore.
And you are good at branding...
Well, I do run an artist management company! I have mastered the art of blowing my own trumpet.
What’s the secret to this art?
That everything is an art!
When was your most recent gig in the city?
At ‘The Lost Caravan’, where we played a set inspired by the 80s.