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Skrat gears up to electrify Mahindra Independence Rock’s 30th edition with their signature high-energy performance, bringing new music and raw intensity to the stage. In this exclusive interview, the Chennai-based rock band opens up about their journey, from wild tour experiences to the thrill of…Read More
Known for high-energy performances and raw storytelling, Skrat talks about their journey, new music, and the thrill of performing at India’s iconic rock festival.
Skrat is ready to rock Mahindra Independence Rock’s 30th edition with an electrifying set that promises high-energy chaos, wild storytelling, and the unfiltered intensity that’s become their hallmark. Known for their DIY attitude and rebellious sound, Skrat’s journey from humble garage jams to one of India’s most explosive live acts has been fueled by a passion for music, freedom, and the thrill of performing. For these Chennai-based rockers, Independence Rock has always been the pinnacle—a festival they once dreamed of playing as fans and now finally get to headline as performers.
In this exclusive interview with News18 Showsha, Skrat takes us behind the scenes of their musical evolution, from their early days to the lessons learned on tour (including a few close calls with low-level politicians and motorcycle mishaps). With new music on the horizon, including their latest release Circus Act, Skrat is ready to bring a fresh, raw edge to the Independence Rock stage. Expect a show packed with stories, sweat, and a sound that’s unmistakably Skrat—because when it comes to making noise, they don’t just play; they unleash a sonic riot.
Here are the excerpts:
Q: Skrat has built a strong reputation for delivering high-energy performances. What can fans expect from your set at Mahindra Independence Rock’s 30th edition?
Skrat: We’re bringing everything we’ve got to Mahindra Independence Rock! High energy is what we’re known for, and we plan to live up to that reputation. This festival is a major moment for rock music in India, and we’re ready to bring our best.
Q: How do you feel about being part of a festival that celebrates three decades of India’s rock culture?
Skrat: We grew up dreaming of playing Mahindra Independence Rock. It’s the mecca for rock bands in India. Finally making it here for the 30th edition feels surreal and like an honor. Being on that lineup is a milestone for us as a band.
Q: Skrat’s music often explores themes of rebellion and freedom. How does performing at a festival like this align with your band’s ethos?
Skrat: Mahindra Independence Rock has always stood as a bastion of Indian independent rock music. For Skrat, it feels like the perfect place to amplify our message. This festival embodies the same spirit we’ve built our music around.
Q: How do you approach blending storytelling with your sound in a live festival setting like this?
Skrat: Think of it like a recipe: five cups of storytelling, three marinated musicians, four pinches of Skrat crew, a dash of madness, poured into the Mahindra I Rock blender and… BLITZ! We always bring an immersive experience to the stage, and that involves storytelling, sound, and energy all working together.
Q: Skrat has been around since 2006, releasing albums and taking on unique tours like the LoveRider Experience. How would you say the band’s sound and vision have evolved over the years?
Skrat: Eighteen years of doing this has given us time to grow and shape our sound. The journey has been introspective, revealing our unique sound, and teaching us so much about ourselves as musicians and as a unit. Each album we release marks a new phase, an evolution in both sound and vision.
Q: With albums like Bring Out the Big Guns, The Queen, and Bison, each reflecting a different phase in Skrat’s musical journey, how do you decide on the direction for each new album?
Skrat: Honestly, it’s like a three-body problem—no single solution. The three of us spend a lot of time together, and when we start jamming new ideas, it’s like we’re speaking the same language without words. We each welcome the eccentricities the others bring to the table, and that balance shapes our direction naturally.
Q: The pandemic dampened some of your 15th-anniversary plans. How did the time away from live shows impact your approach to music and your band dynamics?
Skrat: Being away from shows was one thing, but the real impact was the time we couldn’t hang out and make music together. Missing our 15th anniversary became a minor thing compared to the chance to jam and have fun together. For us, being a band has always been about those moments, and we missed them a lot.
Q: Touring the country on motorbikes is a unique approach. What inspired the LoveRider Experience tour, and how did it shape your connection with your audience?
Skrat: Motorcycles are just fantastic—they’re a bond that unites us as a band and a crew. Riding and rocking go hand in hand, and we thought, “Why not combine the two?” It was a shared passion, an identity we all had. So the idea of gigs plus a motorcycle trip? It was a no-brainer. It also brought us closer to fans who share that passion.
Q: Your story about opening for Slash at MTVi Xtreme in 2015 stands out. What did that moment teach you about performing and your aspirations as a band?
Skrat: It was surreal seeing Slash and his crew bring their unique style to life, down to the toys on their amps and cabinets! They showed us that rock is about the craft, but it’s also about having fun and keeping things lighthearted. That experience solidified our aspiration to create and live this music as fully as possible.
Q: Skrat’s first international gig in the UK sounded like a turning point for the band. How did playing for a non-Indian audience influence your confidence and perspective on your music?
Skrat: It was such a welcoming experience. The hosts and crowd accepted us immediately, and it felt great to be appreciated by a new audience. We’re excited to go back and to take our music to even more places internationally.
Q: Jhanu joined the band in 2015 with the challenge of learning 16 songs in just a few days. How did that experience shape your bond with the band and your musical style?
Skrat: He didn’t even really need to learn; he walked in and announced, “Hi, I’m the bass player you’re looking for.” Then he plugged in and played like he’d been there forever. We’re still kind of in awe of how that happened, but we’re grateful that it did. Jhanu’s addition has only strengthened our bond as a band.
Q: Tapass has previously spoken about the ease of writing songs as a unit, where each member instinctively knows their part. How do you maintain that synergy, especially during intense tours or recording sessions?
Skrat: We started this band because we love playing music together as friends, and that’s still the foundation of what we do. If we could just jam every week in the garage, we’d be happy. That camaraderie makes everything flow naturally and keeps the synergy alive, even on intense tours or long recording sessions.
Q: The thematic universe of Skrat adds narrative depth to your albums and live shows. How do you develop these themes, and what role do they play in your songwriting process?
Skrat: We just let our imaginations run wild, and there’s nobody to stop us! The themes and characters evolve when we’re together, often inspired by real-life connections or experiences. It’s exhilarating when a story or character comes to life—one of those butterflies-in-the-stomach moments that fuels the creativity.
Q: The story of your encounter with a tough crowd in Puducherry is a classic DIY band experience. What lessons have you taken from such moments, and how have they influenced the way you approach gigs?
Skrat: (Laughs) Lesson one: don’t mess with low-level politicians. Lesson two: always have a getaway driver. We put that experience into a song, and looking back, we feel like we won. It’s moments like those that shape our resilience and bring a certain edge to our performances.
Q: Having faced challenges like equipment failures during live performances, how do you stay prepared for the unexpected when performing on stage?
Skrat: Keeping gear in order is the first line of defense, but we all know chaos theory can take over at any moment. We have a troubleshooting process, and we keep contingencies ready. At the end of the day, the show must go on, so we’re prepared to tackle whatever comes our way.
Q: Your LoveRider tour came with its own risks, including the motorcycle accident that shook your team. How do such experiences shape your perspective on balancing the thrill of the road with the safety of the band and crew?
Skrat: That was definitely a scare. We took every precaution possible, but chaos theory reared its head. We were just grateful the rider was okay, and we could get back on the road without too much trouble. Life has its risks, and we try to stay safe while still embracing the thrill.
Q: Can fans expect any new music or surprises during your set at the 30th edition of Mahindra Independence Rock?
Skrat: Absolutely! We’re launching our new five-song release, Circus Act. Our set will feature some of the new material, and we can’t wait to play it live for everyone. It’s going to be intense.
Q: As a band that has seen both the indie rock and larger rock scenes evolve in India, what do you think the next decade holds for independent music in the country, and how do you see Skrat’s role in it?
Skrat: We see more festivals, more jams, more music everywhere, whether you’re a student or someone retired. The scene is growing, and we’re excited to be part of it. We plan to stay active, contribute to that growth, and continue making noise on our own terms.
Q: With eighteen years of experience under your belt, what keeps Skrat motivated to keep pushing boundaries in the Indian rock scene?
Skrat: Honestly, it’s the love for making music with friends. We started Skrat because we loved hanging out, jamming, and exploring new sounds together. Every gig, every album, every story we create just adds fuel to the fire. Knowing there are people out there who connect with our music—that keeps us going. As long as we can plug in and play, we’ll keep pushing forward, trying new things, and staying true to ourselves.
Q: What advice would you give to young, aspiring rock bands in India looking to make their mark?
Skrat: Keep it simple—start by having fun with the music. Play with people who share your energy, experiment with different sounds, and don’t worry too much about what’s popular or expected. Find your unique voice and stay true to it. There will be challenges, but the key is to keep moving forward. Play live as much as you can because nothing compares to the energy of a live show. And remember, rock music is about breaking boundaries—so go out there and make some noise!