Today, we sat down with InRegalia to talk music inspiration, music listened to growing up and much more! Be sure to check out their music after the interview below on Spotify!
Here is the interview:
What is your inspiration to write your music? Is it your surroundings?
Vijay: The inspirations come primarily from my observations, musical improvisational sessions or even from non-musical situations. On occasion, some good ideas are picked up during our rehearsals and I sit down to work on them when I have an appropriate theme to work over. In general, I keep my creative mind open most times and I just wait for the inspiration to happen rather than ‘forcing’ it.
What type of music did you listen to growing up?
Keith: I used to listen to a lot of mainstream Bollywood in my younger days
Eventually when I started playing the keyboard for the choir, I got into listening to gospel music – Hillsong United, Don Moen. During my college days developed an interest towards ballads, soft rock and punk rock – Avril Lavigne, Taylor swift, Akon, Westlife, Boyzone, Elton John, Green Day, Nickelback, Linkin Park. A little before joining InRegalia, I met a few artists who recommended artists such as Guns n’ Roses, Bon Jovi, Eagles, Metallica, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Wolfmother and a little of prog rock like Liquid Tension Experiment and Dream Theatre. This greatly influenced my taste in music and since then. Folks at InRegalia made me listen to a lot more Classic Rock and it helped me develop a sense for creating patches that align in that space.
Is there someone you looked up as a hero?
Warren: When i first started playing drums around the age of 15 i used to really idolize a local drum guru, he used to play for a band that did the local Catholic Club dances every couple of months. I remember helping him cart his kit, setting up and then watching his every move as he polished his kit meticulously, then set up the kit and tune it. He was such a gem of a person, always open to questions, he shared a ton of knowledge about drums in general and even gave me tapes to listen to and drum magazines which he used to source from the US in those days.
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing today?
Peter: Probably what I’m doing as a side hustle at the moment – voiceovers. I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue this right now. It would likely have been a full-time career if I wasn’t actively playing in a band.
What advice do you have for our fans out there that want to create music?
Saurav: The most important question you must answer is why are you in it? Being the go to guy for every studio and artist in town or being the guy who believes in creating only the music that he/she wants to be associated with. In short – A studio musician vs an independent one. The paths are different and so is the glory. If this is clear to you then all you must do is never stop believing.
InRegalia band bio
Based in the city of Mumbai in the western part of India, InRegalia is a band which plays Classic and Alternative Rock with elements of Indian classical music.
The band was founded by guitarist Vijay Fernandes. They were later joined by vocalist Peter Abraham, drummer Warren Swaries, Keith Pereira on keys and Saurav Das on bass. The band has been active on the Indian indie circuit playing at a number of venues in their home city and across the country.
InRegalia has released three singles and two EP’s thus far. The band has received positive reviews and coverage in the press and blogs and their music has been aired on over 200 indie radio stations and podcasts worldwide.
The band is currently working on a string of singles culminating with an EP all of which is slated to be released this year.
Their music is available on all the major digital retail outlets and streaming platforms.
InRegalia band line-up
Peter Abraham – Vocals
Vijay Fernandes – Guitars
Keith Pereira – Keyboard
Saurav Das – Bass
Warren Swaries – Drums
