Exclusive Interview with Turnkey

Turnkey is here with Massive metal India...A 5 piece metal Band from Kolkata, playing at the great Hornbill International Rock Contest.

“HORNBILL is without saying, in our opinion, the biggest platform in India and we have been preparing ourselves for it. It has always been one of our dreams when we started off as a band and yes we are overwhelmed that its finally time to play for the contest and even happier because its international for the first time.” -(Turnkey- 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, Turnkey, How did it come together? What is that made you decide on the name of Turnkey and what story does it have behind them? Who are your members and what role do they have in the band?

Well, to start it off, Turnkey started out 4 years back as a 3 piece metal act from Kolkata. later on with the addition of new members it has evolved gradually in course of time to be what it is today, a five piece experimental rap rock project. Our members are as follows : Promit Chowdhury (Lead Guitars/Vocals), Soumabir Bose (Bass/Backing Vocals), Debraj Ghosh (Drums), Tuhin Chongder (Rythm Guitars/Effects/Vocals), Somraj Ganguli aka RAZ(Emcee/Lyricist). As for the band's name it was coined by its founding member Promit and the term "Turnkey" stands for a commercial product or a substitute project. But for us Turnkey is because we want our music to reach everyone.

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?

Well frankly we do not know enough about the rest of the 27 bands that we r up against to say what sets us apart but we believe in making something new with our music, something not done before. Initially we were a metal outfit with rap in it. But slowly with the addition of new members and our new drummer(Debraj) we have been able to venture into new ideas and reconstruct all our compositions. Since all 5 of our members are from different musical backgrounds we were able to put in all 5 diff flavours into our compositions creating something entirely different and new for our audience. As for influences, since we all have individual interests n influences we are not orthodox about any particular genre of music. Some bands we like would be slipknot, Linkin park, Limp bizkit, Karnivool etc.

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?

Social and Political issues have always been two of the most popular topics in recent music scene. but other than that, in our songs our lyricist(RAZ) has dug a bit deeper into different stages of a human life and the psychology concerned in certain situations and finding out the purpose of life and death. That is how our EP has been structured with songs like 'Losing Yourself' and 'Deathbed'. At the same time we use metaphors in our lyrics to not make it sound very strong yet decorated enough to present n make our audience comprehend our message. Other than what we talk about we just like to convey one single motto through all our songs. and that is having a positive mentality no matter what lies in front and being able to overcome and live life to the fullest.

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?

Again our music is composed by all of us together and all have a major part to play in our compositions. It’s out an out a trip for our listeners through all our layers and as for lyrics expect to have an optimistic experience yet our grooves are gonna keep them bouncing and moving throughout. Maybe a lil bit of heavy breakdowns as well for our headbanging audience. Basically all our tracks are our favourite and if one listens to our upcoming EP, the songs have been arranged in a story telling manner.. So yeah.... you gotta give it all a listen to complete the trip.

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?

Financial situations have always been an obstacle for all musicians and artists alike. Every celebrated artists that we know have all gone through it and made it big hence. Our intro song talks exactly on this topic. So we believe, "if there's a will, there's a way" and yes we dream to make it to everyone's heart someday and fulfil the purpose of our music.

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?

HORNBILL is without saying, in our opinion, the biggest platform in India and we have been preparing ourselves for it. It has always been one of our dreams when we started off as a band and yes we are overwhelmed that its finally time to play for the contest and even happier because its international for the first time. We consider ourselves lucky and at the same time ready to give our all to make an impact and get the gold.

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

That i guess would be the day our current line-up performed together for the first time and we realised that we have evolved into a unique act which had been appreciated everywhere henceforth.

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?

Well memories say that our most fun and turning point of the band was the day we got a chance to open for the mighty Karnivool from Australia, at IIT Mumbai. And every time we have won and become champions, it has always helped us to grow more confidence as a team and do even better the next time. No such bad experiences as such. its only bad when we get bad sound set up to play with. That’s always a turn off.

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?

Believe in your own music more than you believe in your idols. and ups n downs are a part of showbiz. So never let any obstacle stop you from believing in your music.

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

Thank you Massive Metal India. and as for Hornbill.... look out people.. Turnkey is on its way to entertain you and set the stage on fire. so make sure you are ready to bounce. Cheers.