India is a land rich in culture and classical music. From Coldplay’s Hymn For the Weekend, to Selena Gomez’s Come and Get it and Major Lazer’s Lean On, the ethnicity of Indian folk music has gained popularity worldwide.
French boy band Colt Silvers is the latest to have shown keen interest in Indian music. The band is currently touring India and has been performing in front of live audiences. The response they have received from the country has been phenomenal as told by Colt Silvers drummer/manager Julien Holt to thestatesman.com.
Hailing from the city of Strasbourg, Colt Silvers comprises of vocalist Tristan, bass player Nicolas, guitarist Florian and drummer Julien. The band produces intense ‘indie-electro rock’, which is inspired by pop culture.
Colt Silvers started gaining popularity beyond France within a year of its inception with the debut release ‘Night of the Living Robots’ in 2009. Their debut tour in India will see them perform at this year’s NH7 Weekender, Pune.
Excerpts from Julien Holt’s interview:
1. What was the first thing that came to your mind when you thought of touring India?
We were surprised because it’s so far away, we didn’t expect to be coming to India one day. We’ve been to many places but this was a real surprise.
2. How was the tour promoted in the country?
From what we can tell, it’s been promoted well on digital platforms. We also gave a few interviews.
3. This is a land of ragas, have you explored Indian classical yet?
No, actually we’re not familiar with Indian music yet; we are looking forward to discovering it.
4. We have always seen some or the other band mates take a separate route. What do you have to say about that?
We each already have different side projects, and our main focus has always stayed on Colt Silvers, so it’s not a problem for us.
5. Do you intend to making solos sometime later in your career?
Wow, that would be weird. But who knows. Anything can happen.
6. What was it that brought you all together as a band?
Our passion for science fiction! We met at a SF film festival and shared a lot, so we decided to put this influence together with our rock’n’roll background and see what happens.
7. You have had many concerts in Europe! How was the experience performing in the European countries?
It’s always great, with a lot of energy, and at the same time already very different from one country to another here. For example Germany is really different from France. People don’t act the same. But I think the gap will be even bigger between India and France, we’re looking forward to be surprised by the audience.
8. Bands like One Direction, Imagine Dragons, Eagles and many more have been quite popular in India. Do you think your band can be as popular here?
Well, so far we’ve had pretty good response for our first show in Delhi. So we will just go on and see, but we definitely hope to come back for another tour.
9. One thing that differentiates you from other bands?
Probably the cinematographic mood, and also the electronic textures which add to the general rock background!
10. You released you first album early this year, any more albums in the pipeline?
We are working on an album with an orchestra in France, which we will release in December. It’s a huge challenge and we’re very proud of this experience.
11. Did you face any hurdles while forming a band?
We’ve been together for 9 years now, so yes we had ups and downs, but we’re so good friends that we always overcome.
12. How long did it take for you all to get fame?
It’s just an ongoing process, I couldn’t tell that we have arrived there yet, but it’s always getting bigger so we’re enjoying it.
13. Do you think the future of bands is bright?
Yes, because bands are based on combining musical personalities and ideas, and music will always be stronger when resulting from collaborations.
14. What cities in India have you explored?
Just Delhi! Next is Chennai, we can’t wait!
15. How is India treating you? Did you try the spicy food and cuisines of the country yet?
Oh yes, it is spicy. Haha. Also, people have been so nice to us here. Thank you for being awesome!