‘I’m a lazy Goan’

Music guru Remo Fernandes talks on his new album, returning to Bollywood and jamming with Jethro Tull!

Now that you’re 52, how has life changed ?

Frankly it hasn’t changed much. I feel as though ‘this guy’ who’s turned 52 is someone else, some extension of me who’s not quite real. I feel as though the real me is someone who just goes through life without thinking about age, and gets surprised when asked such questions. I guess a time will come when my body will start slowing down, and that’s the time when age will become a reality. But until then, it’s rock ‘n’ roll all the way!
 
After ‘Aankhen’ in 2001, there was a long gap before you sang for Bollywood again. Why is that?

Primarily, my main body of work is the creation of my own albums, not music for films or other mediums. Once in a while I do a film song or two, as a music director or playback singer. But now I want to concentrate more on my own stuff, so I’ve cut down on Bollywood songs. ‘Mixed Doubles’ was exciting because the song was so unique. It is very difficult to tell a joke through pure music, and that is what the music director Saagar Desai did - the melody, rhythm and arrangements were brilliantly funny and made me laugh. Of course, the lyrics were hilarious too. It was a fabulous experience which I thoroughly enjoyed.

You have been low-key for a while now. Why?

I have not been low-key, I released an album which was unfortunately more appreciated abroad than in India. Songs from ‘India Beyond’ have been signed for compilations by George V Records in Paris (the producers of Buddha Bar), and by Opium Garden in Miami, USA. But now that I’ve got the more serious and complex music off my chest, I’m coming out with a pop album once again.

You’ve played with Jethro Tull in Dubai. How was that experience?

Amazing!
 
You haven’t cut an album for a year. Why?

Partly because I’m a lazy Goan, and partly because I don’t think art is a production line. I am now about to release my new album,  ‘Muchacha Latina’. The album and video are complete, and ought to be out by end of February, if all goes according to plan.

s_shubha@dnaindia.net