 |
MEET THE BAND
Siddharth Coutto – Vocals
Meghashyam – Guitar
Johan Pais– Bass
Jay Rowkavi – Drums
Ryan - sax
ROCK STAR DIARIES
Helga’s Funk Castle is, at the risk of using a stupid pun, a very ‘funky’ band. Their singer is also the drummer of another band and their drummer plays drums in, not one, but five bands. And they have no trouble admitting that they like other bands who don’t meet the requisite ‘multiple tattooed-wild haired-screaming vocalist’ criteria. Like current alt-rock pretty boys Maroon 5. The band also likes the more suitably credible Korn, Incubus, U2, Jamiroquai and 311. But musical influences aside, the band has quickly collected quite a fan following largely due to the on-the-spot nature of their live sets – they regularly go to performances prepared to play for 45 minutes and then end up with a 3 hour performance where half the songs are just created on the spot. The approach was good enough to win them a slot into the final five for Channel V’s Launch Pad.
For now the “mini supergroup with seasoned musicians” as they are also described, is too busy playing gigs and often has no time to rehearse. They will continue doing the impromptu thing and be as creative as possible and see where it takes them.
Any other dubious musical acts that they’re fond of? We can’t resist asking. “Justin Timberlake…’s producers”, they tell us. Good one! As for the band’s name, it means absolutely nothing. So forget about it and just enjoy the music.
HIGHLIGHTS
• While HFC may be a new band, all the members have extensive experience playing in older bands. Meghashyam was the guitarist for Acquired Funk Syndrome, Jai also plays drums with PDV, Vayu, Groove Lab and Medusa, Johan played with Vicious Circle.
• Their third rehearsal was in fact a live show at Not Just Jazz By The Bay.
• They formed only a few months ago but managed to beat out over 60 bands to make it to the finals of Channel V’s Launch Pad. If that was not enough, they did it on the strength of a song called ‘For Luke’ a completely impromptu track created for Launch Pad judge Luke Kenny right there on stage at the audition.
You can read the rest of our special feature Rock This Country! in the February 2005 issue of The Record Music Magazine available at your local newsagent.
|
|
|
|
|
 |
The Record has been around since 1998. Do you have every issue of your favourite magazine?
 to order back issues
Would you like to have your favourite music magazine delivered directly to
your doorstep?
|
|
