The Conquest of the Sonik Gurus

by Harmeet Kaur Sidu

La Jerga: You'll be playing at the Alhóndiga de Granaditas on the 12th of October during the Cervantino festival, in your best promotional lingo, can you sell us the sound of the Sonik Gurus ?

Ranvir: Sonik Gurus' sound is very eclectic. It's a true fusion of cultures within a context of electronics, modern production techniques and dance music philosophies. Fusing the ancient and futuristic, combining elements of traditional Asian folk music, classical music, Bollywood, Bhangra and devotional music with elements such as drum 'n bass, breakbeat, experimental music, house, jazz, funk, hip hop, soul, reggae, latin american music and anything else that works. It is has no boundaries and is a living experiment. Music should not have limitations or boundaries - that is the philosophy of the Sonik Gurus sound.

LJ: I'm guessing you haven't been to Mexico before, so what preconceptions do you have about the country? Ranvir: I have no preconceptions about Mexico. We come with an open mind and heart and are ready to learn and experience the full taste of Mexican culture. Ash: Preconceptions? Best not to have too many, sounds a bit like 'misconceptions' to me. I've heard great things about Mexico from friends who've lived or traveled there. I also saw the film Nacho Libre the other day too, I wouldn't mind going to a wrestling match.

LJ: Everyone's heard of Mexico's Mariachis, have you heard any music from Mexico?

Ranvir: Only the sound of Mariachis in movie so I come with open ears.

Ash: Strangely, I heard some Mexican influences in a Black Eyed Peas track the other day. To be honest I don't know anything about Mexican music but i'm going to do some research before I come out. I also want to check out as much music by local bands/musicians as possible.

LJ: What are you most looking forward to during your time in here? Ranvir: Playing and performing gives me the greatest buzz so to be invited to come to Mexico is the greatest of honors for me. I look forward to being able to give my music to the Mexican people and in return taste the diverse culture Mexico has to offer.

Ash: Where do I begin? Getting to know the music, people, sunshine, food, travel...what else could you ask for? And we're getting paid too! I think i'm in heaven. I also want to find out more about Mexico's ancient history and traditions, I hope we get a chance to visit some historic places.

LJ: Music and fashion with influences from India appear to be popular all around the world, why do you think that is?

Ranvir: Because people are always fascinated by something that is different or new to them. Asian music is very diverse and represents many languages and peoples. It also has different scales (or 'raag's) as well as rhythms, and uses many unusual instruments such as tabla, sarangi and sitar.

Ash: It's also partly because there are so many Indians in different parts of the world now - UK, USA, Dubai, Kenya, Canada etc - although Latin America isn't one of them. But that's why it's so important for people like the British Council to support this music and encourage musical collaborations with Latin American artists. It gives people access to our music and culture and for us it's an exciting way of taking on board some of your music too. We're hoping to record with some Mexican folk musicians while we're there.

LJ: Your music features many different languages, six in fact, including Spanish, could you tell us how you came to incorporate Spanish?

Ranvir: We have two tracks with Spanish vocals on them because we played in Caracas, Venezuela two years ago and while we were there we hooked up with a vocalist called 'One Chot'. he came on stage with us and freestyled which was great and we recorded his vocals while we were out there. We still work together and recently co-wrote another tune too.

LJ: Could you describe how some of the languages that you use add a dimension to Sonik Gurus? Do they sound sufficiently different so as to create a
different tone to the tracks or are you being mega clever by making yourselves appealing to a very wide audience?

Ranvir: Music is about exploration and experimentation. It is a creative medium. As an artist the wider the palette of sounds and expressions the better the picture. My influences are so vast and varied - one lifetime is not enough to explore all these possibilities. India has so many languages alone so add to that the rest of the world and boy that's a lot of tunes man.

Ash: It's a conscious and a subconscious thing at the same time. We like to experiment with new sounds and try to sound as fresh as possible but we're also aware that our music crosses into a lot of different markets and we want as many people as possible to appreciate and buy our music.

LJ: This will not be the first time that you'll be playing to a Latin American audience, a couple of years back you played to 1500 in Caracas, Venezuela,
how did it go? Were they any different to audiences that you've played to in other regions of the world?

Ranvir: Playing in Caracas was an amazing buzz. The venue was amazing, it was rammed full of people and had an open roof so I could see the mountains and stars as I played. The people were just so friendly and kind, I found them very warmhearted and up for fun which is what life should be about, so big up Venezuela man!

Ash: It was a fantastic night and promoted really well by the British Council...half the people there were music lovers and the other half were there for the general media circus.

They were certainly the most beautiful audience we've played in front of although i'm expecting great things from México too...i'm single by the way, if any Mexican ladies want to come and meet me after the show ;)

LJ: What expectations do you have from the audiences you'll encounter in Mexico?

Ranvir: None really other than to be open-minded and up for a good time. Hopefully they will understand what Sonik Gurus are about. Actions speak louder than words so I will let the music do the talking. Peace & love...Ranvir.

Ash: Well i'm particularly intrigued to see what the Tijuana and Mexicali crowds are like. I hear that it gets pretty 'lively' in those border areas. That's what's exciting about going on tour...you never really know what to expect or how you'll be received although so far it seems that the further we travel from home the more appreciative the audiences are. That's usually because they've never heard anything like our music before...and hopefully because we put on a good show too.