Infivictims :: PIN DROP VIOLENCE: In Dependence

By The Ironman

Pin Drop Violence started off as an exciting, young metal band. They were known more for their explosive live performances than anything else. It’s been a long time since then, and the band is almost a household name in Bombay, or for that matter, India. They released their first ever full-length album in 2004 (July), but not without controversy. Forming member and drummer Niraj (who, in my opinion, contributed more to the band’s sound than anything/one else) left the band just as they started recording the album. Post-Niraj, drummers came, and drummers went — more than five drummers auditioned for PDV, with only two of them (Ashwin Dutt, and current drummer Jai Rowkavi) staying in the band for any substantial amount of time.

I caught up with bass player Rohit Pereira for an exclusive interview about their bad luck with drummers, and their upcoming album amongst other things…

What did you feel as you recorded and released your first album ‘Compose… Oppose… Dispose’? There was a lot of conflict in the band at the time, regarding who the drummer was…

First off, there was this huge feeling of accomplishment, achievement and pride with the release of our debut album. At the same time band was at a little low point, due to line up changes. We had to part ways with our then drummer Ashwin who was with the band for seven months, and there was a lot of doubt as to who could fill up the drummer spot [after him].

What caused the split? And why has PDV has such a bad run with drummers since Niraj?

I guess it’s difficult with so many demanding things — it’s a tough call between your career and music. Luckily the rest of us have so far maintained that fine balancing act between college and band (before), and now job and band. Drummers have been a problem. Niraj at that time had to choose between his studies and band, and he chose studies. Then we had Cassius — he had his work timings, so [there was] another conflict. Then there was Ashwin. He had everything sorted out, but he just wasn’t fitting into the PDV mould musically.

But, Ashwin is still on the inlay of your debut album ‘Compose… Oppose… Dispose’, when he had quit the band before the album was released…

Well, by then all the artwork was done. So [it was] too late to get it all back. Everything had gone to Sony Music for printing and shit.

So, what drummer did you then have to promote the album?

The one and only, Jai.

How many drummers have you actually had in the band?

Hmm… so far five, with Jai being the fifth.

Who all auditioned for the drummer spot in the band, after Ashwin?

Apart from Jai, well, we jammed once with JP of Demonic Resurrection, and that was an insane jam; as in that bastard came in and just blew us all away. He made all the songs ka drumming look so effortless, but he didn’t have that bounce in his drumming, that groove tempo which is very important for our music. I guess that was ‘coz he only played blast and other death metal style drumming. But he was awesome.

Then there was this 30-second jam with Sahil Mane, he came in and blew us away with his gear, set everything up and then [as] we started into the first song, he got a call from his folks saying they had some family crisis. He had to leave immediately. Then we spoke to Kevin from Deflesh, but didn’t jam with him. We also spoke to Rance, ex-Psychomotor — he never turned up for the jam, so he was out of the running too.

How did you come across Jai, and how was he inducted into PDV?

Hmm… we had a drummer crisis, spoke to a couple of drummers. [As I said] We even jammed with a couple of them. None were working out. Then I knew Jai from the Dragonfly tour of 2004, as in, he was the drum technician for all the Bombay, Pune gigs. We asked him to join, but initially he said he was too busy with other bands. Later, he said cool, he’ll play. So, we met up with him and gave him the songs…

From what I understand, he plays in at least four other bands. You didn’t mind the fact that Jai was playing in so many other bands?

Well, to be honest, it was a little scary in the beginning, whether he would be able to give PDV time. But, hell, he gave us enough time for rehearsals and gigs. Not only us, but also his other bands. And never did he once give us, or any of his other bands any stepmotherly treatment, all the other bands were accomodating too.

All except for Groove Lab, where the vocalist told Jai not to play with Helga’s Funk Castle and PDV for the Channel [V] Launchpad elims. As fate had it, both Helga’s Funk Castle and PDV not only made it through the elims but went ahead to win, and Groove Lab didn’t. What I realised was that Jai is a fuckin’ musician. He lives, sleeps and breathes his drums. Even when he was sick he would go to the rehearsal room at least for half an hour to practise his lessons. You can keep him away from his food, but you can’t keep him away from his drums.

Dude, Jai is so obsessed with his instrument (no pun intended)... the only other person I have seen [who is] this obsessed is Rushad (Acquired Funk Syndrome) with his bass.

But since Pin Drop Violence is bigger and more famous than any of the other bands, didn’t you feel that he owed it to you to be loyal to the band?

Not at all. As in, he was a musician first, rock star later. (Laughs) We are all rock stars. Damn, I wish we were rock stars.

But you are, aren’t you? At least in India…

Are we?

Yeah…

But then, so is Lionnel from Psychomotor. [Editor’s note: LMAO]

There aren’ t many kids these days in Bombay who haven’t heard of PDV. Hell, I’m sure, even 30-year-old secretaries working in offices have heard of PDV.

Yes, you could say that we finally reached the masses. Come to think of it, it isn’t too hard to be a rock star in this country. Hmm… well, I guess you gotta be on TV, in the news…

Yeah, I guess we fall in that bracket. Damn, I’m modest (laughs).

Yes, you are. (Laughs)

Well, being a rock star, and knowing the scene, it’s hard for it not to get to your head. Or are you modest only for the interviews?

(Laughs) Modesty? What modesty? And how does it get to your head, dude? I don’t understand that. Coming from the streets, and tasting a bite of the castle in the air don’t take you off the streets. You will still be from the streets. It’s very important to know that, otherwise you will have your head in the clouds, but no ground under your feet.

But not many do know that.

That’s why PDV kicks their ass!

Moving on… what about new Pin Drop Violence material? Are you guys working on any?

[We’re] working on material for the new album, done some seven songs so far. We play three of them live, regularly. The songs are titled “No Regrets”, “H.A.T.E”, “Rub It In”, “And This Is Why”, and “In Dependence”. Two songs have no titles as yet. As soon as we have 10 songs, we plan to hit studios by mid-June. We record drums from Empire Studios, and everything else from Fali’s (Acquired Funk Syndrome, guitars) Over The Top Studios. The Producer will be Mr. Future-of-Rock in this country himself, Fali Damania. Also, the drums will be recorded live, instead of using programmed drums like the last time around.

Why Fali? Why not Randolph (Pentagram)?

We think Fali is a better person for the job. I thought he would be the best guy [for the job, someone] who understands our music, as well is a pretty ballsy guy when it comes to getting the best out of the band on CD. He did our “In Dependence” single, which got selected for the Great Indian Rock 9 compilation, and also Medusa’s “Drip”, which got selected as well, and got some amazing reviews for the production on the song.

When do you think the album will be out?

Say, early next year.

Why should people buy the album?

‘Coz the album will have 10 furious songs that will kick ass and tear up inside ur head. It will be the best metal album in this country.

Any final comments?

Hmm… keep supporting PDV.

That’s it?! Can’t you think of a cooler line?

(Laughs) PDV is coming to kick your ass.

Err… better?

Damn! Keep supporting PDV and stay insane.

Right.