Taking a break from commercial music that is being played and performed at most lounges, pubs and nightclubs, Hard Rock Cafe Kolkata has decided to focus on offering its guests a different experience with their Regional Nights, wherein they have an exciting lineup of regional artistes perform at the outlet every month. The recent edition had actor Jisshu Sengupta and The Retrodictions take centre stage on April 30 at HRC Kolkata. t2 did a quick chat with Jisshu, the musician...
Were you excited to perform in Hard Rock Cafe Kolkata for their Regional Nights and what do you think of the concept?
The entire band and I were supremely thrilled when we got the call to perform at Hard Rock Cafe. We were initially trying to figure the dates as I was scheduled to be shooting in Hyderabad around those dates. I was really hoping hard and keeping my fingers crossed for the date to be worked out. In fact, April has been a magical month for the band; we recently performed for a corporate show in Calcutta. The concept of Regional Nights is very interesting as it brings out the essence of retro music and bands like ours get an opportunity to perform and interact with our audiences.
What did you hope your fans take away from your performance tonight?
We simply hoped they come and enjoy our music and groove with us and go back with a lot of memories.
Three artists that are on the top of my list right now? Arijit Singh, Prateek Kuhad and Sting
Sting, Arijit Singh and Prateek Kuhad
What’s been the biggest challenge for you in preparing for this performance?
My shooting schedule (laughs)! Not being able to manage enough time for rehearsals. But we managed beautifully, and all the band members are extremely talented musicians, they don’t need to rehearse the way I need to; I still consider myself to be an amateur. Also our lead singer Shovon Ganguly was unwell with a terrible throat collapse and we had to bring someone else on board almost immediately; we were lucky that we could manage to bring someone on board that last minute. He sailed us through the show with so much ease.
Who or what inspired you to take up music as a skill?
Music came to me naturally, I have always loved music. It stayed with me and became one of the many passions I have.
For many, music is an escape. What is music to you?
An escape (laughs). I listen to music when I am low, I listen to music when I am high. To me it’s a silent friend who keeps me company in my good and bad days.
What’s your favourite memory from past performances in Calcutta?
I have a terrible memory, but I do think every show has been memorable and special in its own way.
Is there any pre-gig ritual you follow?
None really, we are all on autopilot mode on the day of the show, but I do look forward to the rehearsals, they help me rejuvenate and calm my mind since I usually run a very hectic shooting schedule, travel schedules. I look forward to these sessions.
Lastly, what are the top three songs and artists you are listening to?
The three songs that are on the top of my list right now are Ranjishe (Coke studio version), Sanj dhale gagan tale (Jammin Version) and Police — The Band.