A place where the music freely flows

RISING STARS EASY WANDERLINGS ON THEIR NEW EP

by ASJAD NAZIR

Listen to the recently released two-track EP from Easy Wanderlings and you would be forgiven for thinking they were a band from the western mainstream. The rising music stars are very much Indian and have gained acclaim in a short time for their stunning live performances, along with their crowd-funded 2017 debut album As Written In The Stars.

Interestingly, the members initially kept their individual identities hidden and let the music do all the talking, which it did. Now they have a fast-growing list of admirers connecting to their delicate soothing melodies, which includes the recently released EP My Place To You.

Eastern Eye caught up with the eight band members for a free-flowing conversation to find out more about one of India’s best-kept secrets.

How would you describe your time together?

Everyone’s an easy-going soul and has great stories to tell. So we’re either going on hikes, taking short drives, having nice long conversations or going out to watch some band perform. The band is made of people from different parts of the country. The youngest member is 16 and the oldest is 31. But we all get each other and it’s a fun simple vibe.

What has been the most memorable moment?

There have been plenty of great moments. This year we did a nationwide tour, starting from the bottom of India all the way to the foothills of the Himalayas. There were different types of venues and people from different cultures. Being able to explore the beauty of the country was pure joy.

What are the band’s collective influences?

Most of us grew up listening to a wide spectrum of music and somehow we were all drawn to similar styles. However, we still individually explore different styles. We enjoy listening to hip hop, rock and folk music. We adore music from the 1960s and the 1970s. To name a few: Simon and Garfunkel, CSNY, Michael Kiwanuka, Marvin Gaye, Anderson Paak, Tom Misch, Leon Bridges, Aretha Franklin, The Eagles, Kings of Convenience and John Mayer.

How would you describe your sound?

We do go across genres, but the music is primarily easy on the ear. We do get a lot of messages about how our music has a calming, stress-free effect on people and that it goes great with a glass of wine or a hot cup of tea. Soulful and lyrical!

Tell us about your new EP My Place To You?

It is a two-track concept EP. The arching theme between both tracks is based on people who selflessly give a part of themselves to a loved one. The first song Beneath The Fireworks speaks through two voices; one person having to take up a mundane job for responsibility’s sake and provide a better life for a loved one. The second speaks about societal pressures to fulfil a role, and losing one’s freedom and identity in the process.

Tell us more…

It’s about a woman getting into a traditional marriage and devoting her life to her partner’s needs while sacrificing her desires and happiness. After a lifetime of living together, the husband leaves this world, and she is left not knowing who she is or what makes her happy. It is a plea to every woman to pause, reflect on the amazing things she is doing and do what makes her happy.

Tell us about the second song Madeline?

It is a lullaby from a parent to a child. The lyrics state the realities of ‘today’, be it about our attitude towards nature, politics or technology. The parent also talks about how wonderful life can be, urging the child to explore, dream, appreciate and indulge in the beauty the world has to offer. The melody lets you sink into the song. Inspired by the works of artists such as Aretha Franklin, Etta James, we have gone for a more classic 1960s, 70s sound with grand orchestral elements.

Who are you hoping connects to these songs?

The lyrics of the songs explore themes of existential crisis, around a larger theme of sacrifice and responsibility. Most people might be able to relate to this situation on a personal level; either they have been on the receiving end of someone’s unspoken struggles or they are the ones on the giving end. It’s a song for everyday hardworking people.

How much does performing live mean to you?

We absolutely love performing live. We have been fortunate to have performed at some of the nicest and diverse performance spaces, be it small intimate settings or big music festivals. It is our chance to form a different bond with our listeners. The best shows are intimate ones, where people come purely to enjoy and take in the music.

What are your future plans for the band?

With our new two-track EP we hope to push our music to a larger audience, both in India as well as globally. Through increasing our social media presence and doing thematic tours across India post our release, we hope to attract a stronger global appreciation and explore the possibility of an international tour in 2020.

Who would you love to collaborate with?

Michael Kiwanuka and Norah Jones. I feel like there is some soul connect with regard to the music; we get what they are trying to say, it’s genuine and simple.

There are so many of you, how do you get around creative differences?

We encourage people to speak up and make sure every idea is tried out before throwing them away. Creative differences happen, but we know that music is the real king in the game, and we’re all doing this for that whole reason. So we eventually come to a decision after a mature dialogue and move ahead with it. So far so good!

What inspires you as a band?

The world. There is so much beauty in and around. Other musicians inspire us to become better musicians, and we’re always looking out for interesting experiences to be part of, and live life meaningfully.

Why should we pick up your EP?

We hope the music takes on a journey to someplace nice, and if it does, we’d love to hear about it.

Why do you love music?

It’s our only companion most of the times, and for every mood. It’s impossible to live without it, at least in our case.

Twitter, Instagram & Facebook: @EasyWanderlings