Indian Ocean are undoubtedly one of the most important acts in the country today. Having been around for over two decades now, the band has played around the country and the world. Their sound, so deeply rooted in the callings of the country, is decidedly contemporary, which makes their fanbase span language, ethnic and age barriers.
Rahul Ram, bassist and vocalist of the band, is a prolific character. A microbiologist from Cornell University by profession, Ram decided he didn’t want any of that monotony, and switched to music instead. With the signature headband, quirkiness on stage and haunting vocal melodies, Rahul Ram makes for one of the most entertaining musicians in the country today. He uses a Gibson Epiphone EL Capitan, whenever he can and loves the sound it creates for him
I wanted to use an acoustic bass guitar, and it’s difficult to get one in India, but I’m glad that Gibson made it possible. Matlab, kya sound deta hai, yaar. I try and use it whenever I get the chance to do so – using it primarily for studio recordings, because it’s practically impossible to recreate that sound otherwise. I also used it for MTV Unplugged. It’s a beast of a guitar. Badhiya guitar hai.
Previously we spoke to Sidd Coutto (of Tough on Tobacco), Ankur Tewari (of Ankur & The Ghalat Family), Randolph Correia of Pentagram and Shaa’ir + Func,the guys from menwhopause and Abhishek Mathur of Advaita about their guitars. More from a Gibson fanboy soon (follow Gibson Guitar India on Facebook to find more indie rockers who use Gibson guitars). As always, stay tuned.
Photos by Kunal Kakodkar
Rahul Ram with bandmate Amit Kilam
Indian Ocean will play The Dewarists Stage at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender on Nov 20. Tickets are on sale now!
Visit the official Gibson Guitar India website and find your own Gibson. Follow Gibson Guitar India on Facebook and Twitter for updates too!
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