Exclusive Interview With The Urban Earlymen

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

Ans- So the band came in together in the summer of 2011. As a 4 piece band originally and after some lineup changes we now have a lineup which truly unique where every member is on the same tangent. We are called The Urban EarlyMen because for us earlymen is a metaphor for the 60’s a golden age of music, which inspires our music and our concepts. On the other hand urban is a metaphor for the modern materialistic world and we use modern equipment’s to create the vibe of the 60’s, which is about expressing yourself.

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?

Ans- Our uniqueness lies in the fact we never focussed on sounding like someone or something that already exists. Also, for us music in an art form and its about expressing ourselves and what we feel. Bands that influenced us are Pink Floyd, The Beatles, Radiohead, Led Zeppelin, Porcupine Tree, Jimi Hendrix Experience, The Doors, John Scofield etc. According to us these bands were very unique and have stretched the boundaries of music in terms of musicality and concept.

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?

Ans-The Urban Earlymen focuses on spreading the message that life is not just about the modern rat race that people get stuck in and crave for all materialistic belongings but about finding a purpose and meaning in life and finding your true self. We feel this message important to the youth today to live in peace and harmony.

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?

Ans-For us music is not merely playing a song but about providing an entire experience for the senses to the listener. Moreover, we aim at making our listeners understand what we are trying to express through our music. Choosing the best track out of our own tracks is like choosing among your own babies, but each song has a meaning to which we are connected and any song would probably be incomplete without the other as The Urban EarlyMen is an entire concept.

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?

Ans- It is indeed hard for musicians financially, especially in our country. For us we are focussing on doing what we do best which is play our music and believe in ourselves, hoping everything else follows. The scene in the country is now improving in our countries a lot of opportunities are coming up.

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?

Ans-We would love to play HIRC as it is one of the biggest and the best music festival in the country, also we have played quite a lot in the north east and love playing there as people are extremely receptive  and genuinely care about music.

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

For us there have been two most defining moments in our musical career, one would be representing India for hard rock rising being 19^th among bands from all over the world. Second would be winning Alcheringa 2013 in Guwahati.

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?

Ans: Every stage we play had a different feel and sound and for us there is no best or worst, rather it’s a new experience everytime.

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?

Ans: As per us to be able to be pursuing music full time, young musicians should firstly focus on their own music and not get into plagiarism. Moreover it is important to believe in yourself and stay focused. But most importantly Practice, Practice, Practice and practice !!!!!!

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

Ans: We would like to thank you for taking this interview  and were really excited about playing Hornbill this year and hopefully win too.