India –
The heap of genres, the noise that needed to be edgy, distinct and solid in true terms of electronic music, gave birth to the New Delhi based electronic duo Teddy Boy Kill back in 2008. Individually known in the scene as Toymob (Ashar Farooqui former vocalist of Envision) and Audio Pervert, (Samrat B), they blended their sounds to give birth to a genre of its own nature, backed by mesmerising use of synths, beats and programming. We spoke to the duo about their arrival in the scene and found out what’s going on in the studios:
Emaho : How was TBK born?
Teddy Boy Kill was formed out an idea to compose original electronic music which reflects a certain mood, a message and the choice of sound. The mood is twisted. The message is often cryptic. And the sound is dance. It’s a full frontal approach to making and performing dance music live.
Emaho : What was your sound like before you two hooked up?
Toymob – Ashhar Farooqui was the front man and producer of the erstwhile fusion band Envision (circa 2006), Audio Pervert (Samrat B) collaborated and mixed Envision’s debut and only album till date – Patterns & Moodswings. The album created many more possibilities to combine electronic sounds, ethnic melodies, sampling and synthesis – Toymob remains the lyrical and vocal stream of TBK although, as a part of the evolution, Toymob has transgressed into severe manipulation of the voice, while Audio Pervert engineers the beat, basslines and synthesisers at the studio and on stage. The combination stems from the desire to bring in individualistic yet musical sensibilities to perform and to record.
Emaho : How do ambient and acoustic influences play a vital role in defining your sound?
Ambient sound or music is amorphous; mostly synthetic and somewhat endless in terms of manipulation. Hence it’s a great tool to write lyrics and vocal melodies. It creates moods and tonal pressure, while acoustic instruments (guitar, percussion etc) would add a more realistic perception in music. We try and balance these facets remaining inside a solid foundation of drums, synthesisers and bass.
‘Teddy Boy Kill: The premier audio blitzkrieg’
Emaho : Would it be true to call TBK a hyper energised act; seeing the intensive atmosphere, synths, beats and bass in your music?
True – It does get hyper. Mostly live. The studio is where the atmosphere and tales are created …We like edgy and energetic… If the music is too loud, you’re probably too old…Beats, Bass, Synths, Atmospheres and Tales create the hyper energised tone and imagery of Teddy Boy Kill.
Emaho : As an electronic act, how does performing live hold an edge over spreading the sound over the Internet?
There is no real difference whether one is playing jazz, rock or electronic. The point of a live performance is to send the music to an audience, to get a reaction and then create a relationship via sound. On the Internet the music being heard or consumed is static; it’s a recording. Comparing them is a bit impossible, yet both are very legit in terms of popularity or even acceptance.
Emaho : Some say lyrics don’t go well along with electronic sounds. What’s your take on this?
Rubbish !! People who say that – Have not heard or tasted enough electronic music or such ..
‘Teddy Boy Kill: Electromassive audioglam’
Emaho : How do you see the underground scene in India, especially in terms of electronic/ techno music?
Read this blog, there are lots in there which will tell you about the underground or indie status of electronic music in India.
‘Teddy Boy Kill: Electromatik groove’
Emaho : Does the track FUCKZion encompasses the future sounds of the band?
We can’t understand the term – ‘encompasses the future sounds of the band’. If you listen to our music (on soundcloud, myspace etc ) you can tell that sound and music and tastes are always shifting. Though TBK is skewed towards a more bold and edgy sound, within that there are a thousand ways to go about it…
Emaho : Walk us through the composition process of your recent album ‘The Exit Plan’?
We will leave that to the listener… You can download the album. The album represents a journey of sorts. Various styles and influences have arrived and gotten mixed in each song. The album is a more artistic representation of TBK while the live gigs are known for the energy and based on dance music ethics.
‘Teddy boy kill: Sizebeats’
Emaho : Which has been your most memorable gig?
Counter Culture Bangalore .. 2011 New Year’s.
Emaho : How do you see the electronic phase of Bollywood? Does it really stand close to mainstream international electronic music?
Bollywood is totally technology driven in terms of mass use of digital tools for sound and video. That much established, hundreds of composers, engineers and music directors use electronic instruments, sounds and beats to aggrandise the music. Yet it’s totally industrialised to serve the purpose of a movie making industry which has a tremendous business value in terms of international presence – yet it has very little artistic or musical value…
Emaho : What’s in the studios these days and by when should we expect a new album?
Lots ! 20 songs by Audio Pervert and friends in Jan 2013 and another six or seven TBK songs in March 2013
‘Teddy Boy Kill has forced itself to develop an edgey, distinctly solid sound and mood !’
Art & Culture Interviewed by: Sahil Sharma
