‘If one has talent and believes in themselves, anything is possible’. Sexy, soulful and a complete rockstar, Tanya Nambiar is lead vocalist of Gravy Train, a band that was a Christmas Miracle brought to life in 2012. She talks music and life this women’s day.
ON YOUR MUSIC
Eight Octaves: What was it like growing up as girls interested in music?
Tanya: I was the geeky looking girl who would sing at school competitions! I’ve been singing since I was a little kid; whether it was to myself, or family or crowds. I never faced any bias. I was free to do what I wanted. I would pick up my hairbrush which I would pretend was a microphone and behaved like a rockstar! Hah!
Eight Octaves: Were your families supportive?
Tanya: I feel blessed to have such supportive parents. Never once have I been questioned for the choice I’ve made. My mom would teach me songs and prepare me for competitions. It’s my parents support that has made me what I am today.
Eight Octaves: Is music a full-time career for you?
Tanya: Now yes. I started working alongside my studies during my college days and the past few years, my only outlet to sing was at the karaoke nights I host. But I’ve quit my corporate slave days and have decided to pursue my passion for music and I can’t see myself doing anything else. So glad i took the plunge.
Eight Octaves: Do you feel it is a viable career for a women in our country?
Tanya: Absolutely. The music scenario is changing by leaps and bounds now and there are so many opportunities for women to make it a career. It ain’t easy but then nothing is right?
Eight Octaves: Who is your biggest inspiration? Any women you look up to.
Tanya: My mother. She is my source of positivity! She has taught me to do what I love and never give up. I don’t know what I would do without her.
Eight Octaves: What would be an ideal world to you?
Tanya: People just doing what they love and following what their true passion is. Everyone is stuck in the damn rat race.
Eight Octaves: What is your take on Women in the music industry in India?
Tanya: Bollywood still rules the industry here. So eventually everyone gets into playback singing since that’s where the money lies and it’s stupid to say that one isn’t interested in the money. But I’m glad that a lot of the female singers still have their bands alongside and continue to make music they believe in.
ON PERSONALITY
Eight Octaves: Describe yourself in 5 lines:
Tanya: I am a total people’s person. I am very planned and organized except for when it comes to cleaning my cupboard. 😛 I talk a lot and damn, I need more than 5 lines to describe myself!
Eight Octaves: What clothes do you ideally wear as a group?
Tanya: I wear what I want to. I love to stand out. Can’t do the whole trend thing. The boys just throw on a pair of jeans and a t shirt! I’ve been trying to style them but alas! It’s a tough task!
Eight Octaves: Are all of you the same person you are on stage or do you have two separate identities?
Tanya: We are just the same. We are as goofy and quirky as we are in real life. And I love that about us.
Eight Octaves: Any spot you go to to make music?
Tanya: Usually my house.
ON THE BAND
Eight Octaves: Why form a band?
Tanya: Why not? We wanted to make good music and so we got together!
Eight Octaves: What made you choose the genre you did?
Tanya: Our genre is quite mixed up – it’s a bit of rock n roll, a bit of blues, a bit of alternative. We all enjoy this so hence!
Eight Octaves: What do you guys enjoy doing in your free time?
Tanya: Make more music!
Eight Octaves: How much has life changed since being noticed?
Tanya: Not really. More facebook friend requests I guess. 😛 But ya, we are just taking each day as it comes…
Eight Octaves: Where does the band see itself in 5 years?
Tanya: As one of the top bands of the country and of course doing international gigs!
Eight Octaves: Your idols?
Tanya: Too many to name. Really. Too many to name.
Eight Octaves: The band is made up of?
Tanya: Me- vocalist, Karan Malhotra- Lead Guitarist, Akshay Johar- Bass guitarist, Bhairav Gupta- Drums
