Kraken: Conversational Brilliance with the Oddballers

In this edition of Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera, in partnership with the Oddball Festival, the spotlight is on Moses Koul and Suyash Gabriel from Kraken. The band, featuring Vipul Verma (vocals), Moses Koul (guitar), Reuben Das (keys), Divij Kapoor (bass), and Suyash Gabriel (drums), is known for their diverse musical journey, from the EP Lush to the recent hit Club Namaste.

Aditya delves into the heart of Kraken's essence, discussing their core ideas and passions. Suyash highlights their growth across various phases, focusing on originality, aesthetics, visuals, and stellar performances. Moses emphasizes the band's dedication to nurturing creativity, urging each member to infuse their distinct perspectives into their music, prioritizing the sheer joy of creation over following trends.

Aditya praises Kraken's diverse album, Club Namaste, which seamlessly intertwines different genres—a rarity in India. He ponders the potential pitfall of fusion music becoming dated or driven by novelty. Moses steps in, emphasizing the importance of allowing ideas to organically evolve, stressing their commitment to authenticity and the natural progression of fusion concepts.

Digging deeper, Aditya wonders if Kraken's main musical goal is to spread happiness. Moses clarifies their core mission—to make people groove and evoke emotions. Suyash underlines their readiness to embrace what feels right, even if it defies current trends.

Switching gears, Aditya explores Kraken's musical gear preferences and their approach to live performances. Suyash stresses the significance of selecting the perfect drum soundscape, while Moses, the producer, highlights their adaptability, using a diverse range of equipment to match their music's unique demands.

Aditya probes into the balance between spontaneity and structure in Kraken's live shows. Moses explains how their performances draw from their energy, audience vibes, and their pursuit of crafting unforgettable experiences.

The conversation widens to independent music in India and the value of art within today's globalized, capitalist landscape. Suyash defines independent music, emphasizing its genuine roots and rich narrative. Moses advocates for artists to focus on creating music they genuinely believe in, acknowledging that there's no one-size-fits-all approach.

Aditya expands on the discussion on the value of art, taking into account the surge in digital asset investments like NFTs. Moses champions art's intrinsic worth, its profound ability to forge connections, and its role as an expressive outlet.

Expressing gratitude for connecting with audiences through their music, Moses and Suyash reflect on the artistic rejuvenation triggered by the pandemic. They celebrate the positives of working in independent music, particularly the diverse and open-minded audiences they've encountered.

Aditya engages Moses and Suyash in a conversation about the value of art, especially music. Suyash navigates the intricate realm of pricing art, acknowledging the challenges in determining the worth of art forms like music, often influenced by marketing strategies and perceived uniqueness.

Shifting focus, Aditya delves into Kraken's daily routines, exploring their band dynamics, shared objectives, and the delicate blend of professionalism and friendship in their creative process. Highlighting Suyash's impressive drumming career, involving diverse projects like Dualist Inquiry and Doppler Effect, Aditya prompts Suyash to compare these experiences with Kraken. Suyash reflects on collaborating with various artists and the challenge of prioritizing projects amidst multiple offers, emphasizing Kraken as their current focal point.