1. With the shift to Suraj Mani & The Tattva Trip, it is clear that you don't feel the need to retread on old ground at this point. Ever get nostalgic though?
Absolutely. Nostalgia is about remembering old achievements with fondness, and I am extremely proud of the music that I wrote for Motherjane. I still sing those songs as often as I can.
2. Were you worried about how old fans of Suraj Mani and Mother Jane would react to the new sound?
I knew they’d like the lyrics and the thought process, becaus that has probably gotten even more diverse and emotive. The music has less progressive time signatures now bcos I favour a more groovy delivery. Many old fans have probably not heard SMATTT live and I’m sure most of my fans will love it and some won’t.
3. Tell us a little bit about the Tattva trip
The Tattva Trip is the musical journey of a mythical traveller. And The Tattva Tripper can travel through time & space, see into the hearts and minds of people anf sing us their stories
4. You're known as the thinking man's rocker. For some people, lyrics are just a melody delivery mechanism, but that doesn't seem to be the case with you.
(Blushes and smiles.) I shall take that compliment. But seriously, I am very very involved in my lyrics and SMATTT compositions are typically driven by what we are striving to say. In fact most of our shows there’s an LED poetry wall that draws audiences into the trip.
5. You have a record label, Aum-i-Artistes, which also spawned the idea of Music Mojo and the discovery of Thaikkudam Bridge and Masala Coffee. So, have you made any unexpected friends through music?
I have. And I’ve made some very special friends who I will treasure forever.
6. What's the indie music scene in the country like?
India’s Indie scene has everything it needs to become the biggest music industry in the world. I’m serious. And that will happen once the indie community reclaims its power to revive the local scene.
7. What can we expect from your gig at Ooty?
With SMATTT always expect to be surprised.
8. What's on the cards for Suraj Mani & The Tattva Trip?
The trip is about embracing the ‘way’ and having fun with it. So trip on the contradictions that exist in you, because they exist for a reason.