Suraj Mani Interview on Nagamag.com

Categories: Features, Interviews, Songwriter Features, Songwriter Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , |


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

Suraj Mani:
I've always done lyric heavy stuff. Even from my Motherjane days. My solo career showcases the lyricism even more and I think that's where I'm headed. Lyrical, melodic & peppered with surprises.


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

Suraj Mani:
Well, I started my musical career as the frontman, lyricist, and vocalist of Motherjane. Did some pretty kick-ass stuff with the band. Won national and Asian level accolades. Now, currently; in my second run, my focus is on the words and then the music.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

Suraj Mani:
Yup. I discovered the Beatles. And I fell in love with what music did to me. Quickly developed into a passionate listener. Considering that I hadn't learnt music or even read poetry, etc; I accidentally walked into this profession.


Nagamag:
Can you provide an Insight into your latest EP, "Rinse and Repeat"?

Suraj Mani:
I've always told people my stories and the context behind my songs because I believe that's what people connect with. And at the risk of being hurt, I'll do it again. So, be kind to me as I open up and say that Rinse & Repeat is my way of acknowledging that I failed at my marriage and that I am currently going through a divorce. This is me, looking back at love, its painful destruction, and wondering if I have the courage to start afresh in the courtship game. Because though I'd like to, that's an emotional rollercoaster that runs through despair, defiance, love, lust, storms, and deathly silence. Rinse & Repeat, Sacred Ground, La Petite Mort & Samsara, provide a snapshot of love and relationships in a manner that is all too relevant, today. Am I misstepping in sharing my personal struggles? Maybe. Does doing so, hurt others involved? I hope not. Sometimes it's hard to know for sure what is right and what is wrong. All I can ask myself in such a situation is, does my decision make me feel stronger or weaker?... Yes, it makes me feel stronger to share this because I know that there are many others like me. And while it's still hard for most us to overcome the sorrow of failing at love, none of us need the shame. So, if you're anything like me, it doesn't matter who you are or where you are in your journey, I guess what I'm trying to say is this: take the decisions that make you feel strong. You're NOT alone.


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

Suraj Mani:
Kishore Kumar "Pyar Deewana Hota hain"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

Suraj Mani:
Vernon Noronah "Come back Jack"

Discover & Listen to Suraj Mani

Suraj Mani on Spotify

Suraj Mani's Signature Tracks

Suraj Mani on Social Media

Suraj Mani's Website

The Bergamot Interview on Nagamag.com

Categories: Features, Interviews, Songwriter Features, Songwriter Interviews, The Latest|Tags: , , , , , , |

The Bergamot
Interview


Nagamag:
What are the genres that describe better your music style?

The Bergamot:
A big part of our music is the lyrical development and storytelling. We get a lot of that inspiration from old folk music. However, we see ourselves existing in the alternative/pop genre. So we are constantly finding ways to connect the two somehow. Sometimes it connects and sometimes it doesn't. Our job is to keep showing up...


Nagamag:
Few words about your musical background and career?

The Bergamot:
On October 20th, 2017 The Bergamot released the dreamy anthem P.D.R. (Both Records LLC). The single launched the band's career who was then discovered by Matt Wiggins (Adele, U2, Florence and the Machine) and achieved great reviews being called "The hottest emerging music talent" (People) and "a gorgeous sound" (Daily Mirror). Fans have discovered the band through an unbelievable series of music videos released to promote the new album "MAYFLIES". The videos have been heralded by music critics as "Lush" (PARADE) and "The Perfect Blend" (EARMILK). These groundbreaking videos have brought light to difficult topics and continued to build upon the band's momentum from "P.D.R.". The videos have garnered over 150k views on YouTube. Music blogs from all over the world have taken to "MAYFLIES". The band's single "L.A." has landed at the #1 spot on SubmitHub and the group looks to expand it's presence on the radio both domestically and abroad. The Bergamot was invited to open for OneRepublic and perform their first stadium show in early 2020. The Bergamot is composed of husband-wife duo Nathaniel Paul Hoff and Jillian Speece from the post-industrial town of South Bend, IN near the southeastern shores of serene Lake Michigan. The duo is all American sweethearts from the heartland. In a recent interview, Hoff states, "Jillian and I both look back fondly at our years growing up in Indiana." Growing up they both sang and performed in the church band. They pulled on influences ranging from Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Nick Drake, and Bob Dylan. The band's main writer Nathaniel discovered the literary genius of fellow midwestern poet Carl Sandberg and his work capturing the life and strain of American life. "The music and the songwriting itself is pinnacle" Hoff explained to Trend and Chaos (NYC). Telling the American story one word at a time the songs touch on many aspects of American life in 2019.


Nagamag:
Do you remember your first connection of love to music that was the right impact to be a music artist now?

The Bergamot:
I remember the first time playing at a coffeehouse in downtown South Bend called Higher Grounds. People had to stand on top of coffee tables to see the show. It changed my life. The cops showed up...


Nagamag:
What's your musical background?

The Bergamot:
We both studied music in college. I (Nathaniel) focused on classical guitar, music theory, and vocal development. Jillian focused primarily on the voice.


Nagamag:
What do you love doing besides music?

The Bergamot:
Jillian - making/eating food Nathaniel - Golf


Nagamag:
Most artists have a favorite song from a different music genre than the one they are producing music for... Which is yours?

The Bergamot:
12 Rods "24 Hours Ago"


Nagamag:
Of Course Nagamag would love to listen also which track from a similar artist you admire?

The Bergamot:
Modest Mouse Float On

Discover & Listen to The Bergamot

The Bergamot on Spotify

The Bergamot's Signature Track

The Bergamot on Social Media

The Bergamot's Website

Go to Top