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As Bloodywood prepares to bring their signature fusion of Indian folk and heavy metal to Mahindra Independence Rock’s 30th edition, they’re setting the stage for more than just a concert—they’re sparking a revolution.
Bloodywood discusses performing at Independence Rock’s 30th anniversary, blending Indian folk with heavy metal, and why they believe “heavy music is alive in India.”
As Bloodywood gears up to take the iconic Independence Rock stage by storm, they’re bringing more than just a high-energy fusion of Indian folk and metal—they’re bringing a revolution. Known for their powerful blend of dhols, flutes, and gritty riffs, this band has carved out a global niche that defies genres and boundaries. In this exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Raoul Kerr shares the band’s excitement about returning to the festival that redefined India’s rock scene, promising fans a performance that’s “the energy of last time, but multiplied by two.”
From their start as a parody band to their meteoric rise in the global metal scene, Bloodywood has never shied away from tackling social issues with raw honesty and unrelenting sound. For this band, music is more than entertainment—it’s a call to action, a bridge between cultures, and a testament to the transformative power of heavy metal. Whether it’s inspiring unity with their cover of Ari Ari or tackling mental health in Jee Veerey, Bloodywood has proven that metal can be both loud and meaningful. As they hit the stage, they’re set to remind everyone at Independence Rock why heavy music is alive, kicking, and carrying a message that’s impossible to ignore.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: Bloodywood’s fusion of Indian folk elements with metal has garnered global attention. How does it feel to bring this unique sound to the iconic stage of Independence Rock?
Raoul Kerr: We’d all heard of Mahindra Independence Rock when we were growing up, and it was an honor to play there last time when the festival made its return after years. It felt like the festival was making a statement that heavy music was still alive and kicking in India. Playing Independence Rock was one of the standout moments for us, and we’ve been looking forward to coming back ever since. It’s the perfect setting for what we represent as a band, and it’s an ideal stage for our sound.
Q: What can fans expect from your performance at this milestone edition of the festival?
Raoul Kerr: We’re coming back with a brand-new set that features the best songs from our upcoming album. Imagine the energy from last time, but multiplied by two! We hope everyone is ready for what’s coming because we’re about to go all out.
Q: Bloodywood began as a parody band covering pop songs with a metal twist. What motivated you to transition from covers to creating original music?
Raoul Kerr: Parody covers were a fun means to an end, but the goal was always to make original music. Doing covers was a way to build a support base and discover our own sound along the way. We were doing both, so it felt like the right time to shift toward creating our own songs. We’re grateful for everyone who’s been with us on this journey from the start.
Q: Your music blends heavy metal with Indian folk elements. How do you find the balance between staying true to your roots while pushing the boundaries of the genre?
Raoul Kerr: For us, that balance comes naturally. Indian music—folk or otherwise—has been part of our lives since childhood, just like metal. Our approach to blending them is instinct-driven, and we trust those instincts to guide us. It’s an organic process rather than something we consciously try to force.
Q: You’ve cited influences like Linkin Park, Rage Against the Machine, and System of a Down. How have these bands shaped Bloodywood’s sound, especially when incorporating Indian instruments and rhythms?
Raoul Kerr: These bands opened our minds to how well metal and rap could work together and showed us the potential for blending different sounds. It’s not about mimicking them but about using their music as a source of inspiration to write our own story. They helped us see the possibilities and gave us the courage to create something distinct.
Q: With tracks like your cover of “Tunak Tunak Tun” and the original “Ari Ari,” you’ve put a metal spin on iconic Indian songs. What challenges and opportunities do you encounter when reimagining such beloved tracks?
Raoul Kerr: We chose those songs because we already loved them, so reimagining them was more of a joy than a challenge. With “Ari,” especially, we took the line “Teri meri ek jindadi” and interpreted it as “we all share one life.” That fit perfectly with our idea of putting out a song that delivers a message of global unity through a heavy metal lens.
Q: Many of your songs, like “Jee Veerey” and “Dana-Dan,” tackle social issues such as mental health and sexual assault. What drives you to address these themes through your music?
Raoul Kerr: We believe music has the power to convey the emotion and energy needed to tackle these issues head-on. Our goal is to remind people of the things they know are wrong in the world but in a way that also inspires them to act. Music can give you the drive to make a difference, and that’s what we aim to do.
Q: The partnership with Hope Therapy for “Jee Veerey” and your support of the Posh Foundation reflect your commitment to social causes. How do you decide which issues to focus on, and why are they important to you as a band?
Raoul Kerr: We want to do everything we can to leave the world better than we found it. We feel strongly about the issues we address, and we know we’re not alone in that. When we choose a cause, we think about the impact we can make when combining it with our music or a music video. Finding the right partners and strategy is part of that process. It’s not just about donating money; we want to inspire others to join the movement and take part. We’re always thinking about the next steps, and when the right move presents itself, we act on it.
Q: How do fans, both in India and globally, respond to the socially conscious messages in your music, and do you think this approach has broadened your audience?
Raoul Kerr: The response has been incredible. Roughly every second or third person mentions the message and lyrics in our music, and that means everything to us. We’re building a family of like-minded people who want to make a difference in the world. This approach wasn’t about broadening our audience; it was about connecting with people who believe in what we’re doing. Seeing that audience grow is reassuring because it shows us that our message resonates.
Q: Being named one of the “12 new metal bands to watch in 2022″ by Metal Hammer and performing at Wacken Open Air were major milestones. How did these achievements impact the band’s trajectory?
Raoul Kerr: Both Metal Hammer and Wacken were huge for us, especially Wacken. That experience was magical—a major heavy metal festival inviting us to perform when we only had three original songs out. It was an honor, and we’ll always be grateful for the faith they showed in us. The tent was packed to capacity, and a lot of people discovered us after that show. Metal Hammer also supported us from the early days, even when they had nothing to gain from covering us. Their faith has been invaluable, and we’re so appreciative.
Q: What were some of the most memorable moments from your “Raj Against the Machine Tour,” and how did international audiences react to your unique blend of metal and Indian folk?
Raoul Kerr: The reaction itself was the most memorable part. This was our first tour, and we’d been told to have conservative expectations outside the festival shows. But every single show sold out. Seeing online views, likes, and comments turn into real people at our shows was unbelievable. It was surreal and showed us just how powerful that connection could be.
Q: After returning from your European tour in 2019, you donated earnings to support a local NGO in India. How important is it for you to give back to the community through your music?
Raoul Kerr: It’s incredibly important, and we plan to keep doing this as long as we’re a band. Giving back is one of our core values, and it’s something we hope to do until the very end.
Q: Your debut album, Rakshak, tackles a range of political and social topics. What was the creative process like for this album, and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
Raoul Kerr: We typically come up with the theme for each song after the instrumental is finished. For Rakshak, we wanted to create an album that would bring like-minded people together—people who want to make a difference. We envisioned it as a guardian for individuals and for the world as a whole. We hope that people feel empowered and motivated to take action after listening to it.
Q: With Rakshak being your first full-length album, how did you approach the songwriting and production process differently compared to your previous releases?
Raoul Kerr: In the past, we’d lock ourselves in the studio and work on one song until it was done. But with Rakshak, we were juggling multiple songs at once, so we had to streamline the process. We worked individually, shared drafts through voice notes and WhatsApp, and then came together in the studio to finalize everything.
Q: As you look ahead, what direction do you see Bloodywood taking in terms of sound and themes? Can fans expect more experimentation or collaborations in the future?
Raoul Kerr: Yes! We have our first-ever collaboration on our upcoming album, and we’re thrilled to share it with everyone. Experimentation will always be part of what we do. We’ll keep our core sound but aren’t afraid to explore in ways that feel right.
Q: As a band that started on YouTube and later broke into the global metal scene, what challenges did you face in gaining acceptance within India’s metal community?
Raoul Kerr: We got some hate from gatekeepers in both the Indian and global scenes, but the love and support we received outweighed the negativity. Some people who initially posted hate later came around and apologized, saying they appreciated our sound as it evolved. That was a humbling experience. We don’t waste energy on negativity; instead, we focus on the love and positive energy from our supporters.
Q: The Indian metal scene has a unique identity. How do you see Bloodywood’s role in shaping the perception of Indian metal, both domestically and abroad?
Raoul Kerr: We want to change the perception of India and the Indian metal scene because we’re a product of it. We’re grateful to the domestic scene, and that’s why we included people from the local scene in our latest video, “Nu Delhi.” We want to inspire the next generation to form bands, create, and make their mark just like we are.
Q: What advice would you offer to upcoming bands in India looking to make their mark internationally, especially in genres that aren’t traditionally mainstream in the country?
Raoul Kerr: The possibilities are endless with the internet, so take advantage of that. Put in the effort to create something unique, something that feels like a true reflection of who you are, while still keeping in mind what will resonate with an audience. If you can win over people online, you can definitely take it to the live stage. Focus on offering a fresh perspective or sound because that’s what will set you apart and make people take notice. Don’t try to be a replica of someone else. Find that balance between authenticity and connecting with listeners, and once you have that, keep pushing.
Q: As an Indian band representing both Indian culture and the metal genre globally, what legacy do you hope Bloodywood leaves behind?
Raoul Kerr: Our hope is that Bloodywood will be remembered for more than just the music. We want to be remembered for our values, our drive to make an impact, and our commitment to addressing important issues. Our dream is to inspire others, whether it’s through our music, our social causes, or our story. If we can pave the way for other bands from India to break into the global scene and show the world what Indian metal can be, then we’ve done our part. We want to show that heavy music can carry powerful messages and bridge cultural divides, all while staying rooted in the essence of who we are.
