|
06.29.04
I was instantly a fan when I put his CD in my player.
Then I got to learn more about Raman, the lead singer
behind the alt rock powerhouse, Buddahead. Read on for
more about this emerging band.
 Tell
us a little bit about growing up besides what's in your
bio.
Sometimes it is hard for me to take my mind back to
where I started. My mind seems to have quit many of
the more trivial details, never the less, I will try
and let's just see how well I do.
How do you incorporate the ups and downs of war-torn
living into your music?
War, in any country, at any time, is tragic. It wrecks
the lives of those touched by it to a lesser or greater
degree. To be a part of that environment was not something
that my family freely chose but I guess it was somehow
fated. If at any level this is incorporated in my music
it is in the way in which I create a sense of both tragedy
and hopefulness in my music and songwriting.
 What
are some of your happier memories from your youth?
Surprisingly I have many happy memories. Most of them
are memories of spring or summer. Each year around this
time my aunt Soraya would come around to our house and
put together a little kit, of clothes, and toys, and
take me to the north where I would spend the summer
in relative bliss amongst the life in her garden and
the Caspian Sea that was close by.
How do you view your difficult and probably traumatic
childhood?
We made do with what we had and learned to get along
with whatever life had on offer. There are positives:
I enjoy being alive and living in the greatest city
in the world; I enjoy peace and no one can rationalize
their hunger for guns to me.
I know all about the Leona-aspect of your name…how
have people been receiving it?
People ask about the connection and I always reply
that Leona and I are not tight. I am not sure if she
is even aware who I am but that people are curious is
enough.
 Ooh,
still interesting though. So when you were making "Crossing
the Invisible Line", what sorts of expectations did
you have for the album?
That I could be there at NRG Studios in LA, with Don
Gilmore producing, Jim Kelter on drums, and a huge string
orchestra was already beyond my expectations.
One morning over breakfast Don told me how when making
the first Linkin Park record they had no expectations.
His point was, I think, not to have any.
What's your favorite song on the album, and how
do you describe your music?
Different days, different songs. A performance at a
radio station today brought back "Strong"
to me. I like it's heaviness and I like it's warmth.
The beat is like big block of concrete pounding at you
and the guitars sound all nervous sitting on top of
it.
It's my favorite song, too. Who are you currently
listening to?
This morning on the train, on my ipod, I listened to:
A day in the life (The Beatles), A Rush of Blood to
the Head (Coldplay).badge (cream), be here to love me
(Norah Jones), Bell Bottom Blues (Derek and the Dominos).
 How
has touring been going?
Some people laugh at how easy they think life on the
road is. They have no idea how hard it is. I have become
very close to my band members. We have kind of developed
a herd mentality. A close herd clued in to one another's
temperament more than that. On the road you live in
a way that one can not and should not describe to an
outside observer.
Do you plan on making any upcoming TV appearances?
Would love to if the label could persuade them that
we really are worth it. We did cold pizza on ESPN2 and
are waiting for it to be broadcast. We also did music
choice which is being shown now.
Ooh I'll have to check that out. So where do you
think you fit into the music industry?
Hanging out in the corner, working my ass ragged.
Well, Raman, you and your band rock at what you
do. I love the album and wish you the best!
DiscoveringArtists.com is giving away 4 autographed
copies of Crossing the Invisible Line! To enter send
an email to contests@discoveringartists.com
and include your name and address. Entries must be received
by Saturday, July 31at 11:59 PM. Four random winners
will be announced on August 1st.
Interviewed by Kristen
Fischer
DiscoveringArtists.com
|
