Interview: Vijay Kishore

British singer-songwriter Vijay Kishore is gearing up for the release of his debut album 13 Rounds. We caught up with Kishore before he left to perform at SXSW ’09. Here’s an interview about ‘dark pop’, India and Birmingham.
Tell us a little about yourself.
Well I ‘m from Birmingham,England where I grew up and still live. My family are originally from India.Musically I began playing the violin when I was eight and had lessons through my teens until I found an old acoustic guitar at my uncles house. I strung it up and started practising on that. I played with a couple of bands also before I decided to strike out on my own.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
Live it’s just me and a guitar so I suppose it’s folk based acoustic music. With making a record though,other instruments and guests musicians were added and from there I’ve started calling it ‘Dark Pop’.

Do you feel that people, when they watch you perform, expect some ‘Indian-ness’ from your music?
Good question. I’m not really sure. I’ve had the odd comment from people who have said there weren’t expecting what I have done. I sing in English and I play an electroacoustic guitar.I think sometimes the audience are anticipating that I am gonna be different  but a lot people in England probably don’t know that my name is of Indian origin.

You’re playing a gig at SXSW this year. What are you looking forward to most about it?
Yes I am. We have an official showcase plus my manager has managed to oragnise a couple more shows in Austin. I’m looking forward to the whole thing really. But not having to wear a winter coat in March (Birmingham is bit cold right now) will be great!

Top five songs on your iPod right now.
1. ‘Drone (End of Days)’ – Blisst (www.myspace.com/blisst) Great unsigned band from Birmingham
2. ‘Grounds for Divorce’ – Elbow
3. ’15 Steps’ – Radiohead
4. ‘I Prefer Plastic Flowers’ – Liz Lawrence (www.myspace.com/lizlawrencelive) Rising young singer-songwriter from Stratford On Avon
5. ‘Fantastic Voyage’ – Coolio

Vijay Kishore on MySpace
Download: ‘Never Ends’ – Vijay Kishore