'Film music is just masala'

Few bands can claim to have the kind of fan base that 'Avial' has. A mix of hard-hitting Malayalam poetry, moody lyrics, indie rock and insane instrumentals, the band's timeless songs continue to attract music lovers across languages, more than ten years after its debut album took the country by storm.

In the city recently to perform at Xu, Leela Palace, lead vocalist Tony John took time off to chat with Rajitha Menon about their journey so far.

What is the story behind the band?

Initially, we were all part of other bands, singing in English. However we got bored of it, we felt there was something missing. Singing in English ensured a very limited audience for us. We felt we should have at least one Indian element in our music and decided to incorporate our mother tongue, Malayalam, into our songs. Thus was born Avial in 2003.

You and Rex once had a separate project called 'Thoran'. Now Avial (both are vegetable dishes in Kerala). Why is there a fascination for food names?

There is no specific philosophy behind the name. We wanted something Malayali and light, something fun. The name Avial defines what we do; a mixture of all styles.

What was the reaction to your first song like?

Our music was experimental. We released a video single called 'Nada Nada' in 2003 which went viral. It was not appreciated by everyone though, only those who were open to listening to world music, for whom language was not a barrier. It was the success of this that made us decide to do an album.

It's been ten years since your debut album, why haven't you brought out another one?

We never had a fixed time frame to finish work. We are lazy guys who chill more and work less. We are planning to do another single soon because it's been so long. And then work on the album.

What do you like - studio recordings, live gigs or composing for films?

In a studio, we have the time to lay down tracks and redo them. Everyone plays their parts one by one and we get the best take. But for a live, everything happens then and there. If you make a mistake, you make a mistake. But it's all part of the game.

What is your USP?

Avial is the first band to introduce a genre like Malayalam rock. All the other bands came much later.

So being a pioneer sets you apart?

That's what people say (laughs).

Challenges in independent music scene?

Independent music scene in India is still underground. It is not commercial and it is not easy to make a living out of it. A lot of bands struggle. For us, it is our passion that keeps us going.

What kind of music do you listen to in your spare time?

We listen to all genres and all styles, except film music. It doesn't fall into any genre, it's just masala. And we don't like masala.

What do the band members do when they are not making music?

We do nothing, we sleep (laughs). We come together for work, for shows, for practice. Otherwise, everyone is doing their own stuff.