Kochi alt-rockers Motherjane are set to release a new single on August 1. The song, like their previous release ‘Jihad’, revolves around a social cause. ‘No Contest’ aims to spread the awareness about the lack of ideals in society today and is a salute to the “most unreasonable citizen in our country today” – Anna Hazare. The track is the band’s first release in over a year, since their guitarist Baiju Dharmajan quit and they found a new guitarist.
We asked Motherjane frontman Suraj Mani a few questions about the track.
The new track, like some of Motherjane’s earlier material, is based on a social issue. What drives you guys to take up these causes?
(Smiles) I hope you are not complaining about us not singing love songs, because I don’t know what else other bands are diversifying into. To come back to one possible answer, it is because music helps change things around us in a very subtle and satisfying way. As an opinionated bunch of guys, I guess the temptation to make strong statements lies in our DNA.
What’s Motherjane’s songwriting process?
For us the process is that we write about a single theme and interpret what it means to each one of us in our own ways. The fact that the theme is central somehow keeps it all connected.
Is there a tour or an album planned that we can look forward to?
Yep. The album, definitely. Because the variables are largely in our own hands. Expect something this year itself. The tour will require the whole rock industry to align itself to support that kinda scene. The pluses in the last couple of years has been the improved sound, light, stage companies and the number of professionals who are slowly but steadily changing the scene. Also, the added number of smaller venues will help Indian bands see touring as a non-seasonal opportunity. Motherjane would love to do shows in the 500-1,000 capacity auditoriums and covered venues because that would perfectly complement the college rock festival circuit. We have seen so much change over the years that we wouldn’t be surprised to see the Indian Indie scene explode over the next two years. Expect us to play our parts. Cheers.
More from the Kochi quintet as we hear it.
Twitter
Facebook