Smalltalk on their new EP and the indie music scene in India

The Mumbai-based four-piece experimental music project Smalltalk describe their sound 
as heavily influenced by soul, R&B, rock, jazz and electronica. Their newest EP, Tacit, blends all these genres. The band, comprising vocalist Samarth Bahl, bassist Yohann Coutinho, drummer Linford D’souza and guitarist Siddharth Shankar, heads to Bengaluru this week for a gig at Fandom.

“Tacit was a great experience for us as writers,” says Samarth, adding, “It gave us the opportunity to experiment and develop a dynamic within the band. We always write together. It could be that a kernel of an idea is introduced by one of us in the jam room and we take it from there and try to stretch it out in every direction till it feels complete.” The EP has four tracks — You Don’t Even, What A Mess, Come Back (It’s Not Broken) and Blindspots. The songs are inspired by artistes such as John Mayer, Hiatus Kaiyote and J Dilla. When asked about the themes, he says the EP deals with simple emotions. “But emotions are never simple,” he adds with a smile.

Smalltalk will perform with Bengaluru’s current favourite indie band, Cinema of Excess. Talking about the indie music culture in India, Samarth says that there are many acts making interesting music right now. “I would name Avora Records, Jordan Johnson and Ape Echoes as some of the best,” says the lead singer who is also gearing up for a small India tour, with his band, in the second half of September. 

Rs. 500. August 24, 8 pm. At Fandom, Koramangala
anagha@newindianexpress.com 
@anaghzzz