Exclusive Interview With Red Light Passegers

“HIRC is a very good platform for musicians/bands. Media exposure, experience etc…apart from that the festival itself is very attractive. Not to forget the prize money.”

- Red Light Passengers - Interview MMI

MASSIVE METAL INDIA- We would love to take you back to when you started as a band. For those who don’t know, Red Light Passengers, How did it come together? What is that made you decide on the name of Red Light Passengers and what story does it have behind them? Who are your members and what role do they have in the band?

Music has a way of connecting and bringing people together. And that’s exactly what happened to us. We didn’t know each other until 2011 and 2012. Thotreimung (vocalist) met Poujen (guitarist who was back then playing drums) and shared passion together, from then on played, they performed together several times. And then met our Ram (bassist) in a concert early 2012 where the three played together. After this, the three started dreaming of forming an official band. As a result in July 2012, the band Red Light Passengers was officially formed. That was the initial line-up until the new rearrangement was done, and Poujen shifted to lead guitar. Since then we were looking for a drummer, at the mean time performing with some good friends who played drums, until we met our Vike (drummer) online who also happened to share the same kind of music as we do.

Red Light Passengers: The name symbolizes that life is a journey and that we (passengers) are often time lost and in chaos without the red light. We see the need of red light every day in our lives as we walk/drive across the streets as they are just jammed and in chaos without it. And so in life we need that Red Light.

MMI - We have 28 bands on list and the country witnesses’ bands coming up every year. What sets you apart and makes you different? Who are your favourite bands and influences? And why?

It’s hard to say what really sets us apart from the other bands but we believe we do the same things in a different way. We put our own taste and set our own arrangement to the music we play. We express a lot about ourselves in our music and we don’t restrict ourselves from other genres. We play what makes us feel good. Music to us is not really about how fast one can play or how technical one can get.

There are lots of great bands and music that influence us. Bands like Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Imagine Dragons, FM Static, Simple Plan, etc, have great influence on our music.

MMI - A lot of people as a band focus on subjects like social and political aspect. But what subject apart from the ones mentioned above do you have a keen interest in? What current messages do you convey which is important for the youth of today?

Right now, our songs have a lot to do with our life experiences and changes and bring about positive message to those who listen to our music. Our message would be peace, love and understanding. And we hope to stay on that line even in the future and hopefully become more mature.

MMI - If someone is interested in your music, what would you tell them to expect from your music? What are your favourite track you guys have recorded and Why?

Apart from the genre, our music is more about connecting to the listeners. To share what we experience and give hope.

So far we’ve recorded three tracks. One of our favourites would be ‘Untitle me’, which we haven’t recorded yet.

MMI - As India is concerned in music industry, financial situations are hard for a band and it seems people give up on the search for their Dream. What do you think the Dream for your band is and are you searching for it?

It’s true that the music scene in India is quite harsh but we strongly believe that it will change in time. Our dream is to share our music with everyone and to continue making music no matter the obstacles we might come across.

MMI - Maybe this is your first time playing at HIRC, well If you had to name one of your favourite things that made you guys decide to register and play for the contest, what would it be and why?

HIRC is a very good platform for musicians/bands. Media exposure, experience etc…apart from that the festival itself is very attractive. Not to forget the prize money.

MMI - What do you feel has been the defining moment about Your Band?

There is no definite defining moment, it’s a gradual process. The writing process and the challenges we face helped in shaping up our band and our goals.

MMI - Which shows, gigs or concerts have been a turning point for you as a band? Tell us a stage where you had the most fun and the worst too?

Performing onstage has always been fun. So far the most fun we had was at the Thyagaraj Stadium, an event by the Tangkhuls. The worst would be the one we did for a competition; we messed up real bad, although our vocalist bagged the best vocalist.

MMI - There are so many bands and young musicians today and the completion gets more and more every year. What advice do you have for musicians who want to make music their full time career?

Yes, there are many new talented musicians and bands every year. Despite the competition we think bands need to encourage and support each other. It’s risky to take up music as a full time career in India but nothing is impossible as long as the intention is right with dedication, commitment and perseverance.

MMI - Thank you so much for giving Massive Metal India this interview, is there anything you would like to add?

Thank you too. Keep the music alive… peace!!!