Mangaluru: Music is one thing which transcends beyond all limits, borders and constrictions we put ourselves into. It, in true terms, touches your mind body and soul effortlessly. And there is nothing more soothing and touching than one’s own roots. We have music of all sorts like Rock, Pop, Reggae, Heavy Metal, Country, Alternative, Jazz etc- and then we have the latest trend of music, called Fusion Rock Music.
Fusion Rock music has started creating some good noise for quite sometime in India. Many young artists are working towards blending perfect home ground notes by taking inspiration from different world music genres. It can be noted that regional music in India is has a rich cultural influence. There are many artists who are creating symphony by retaining the essence of these traditional styles of music and just giving it a western touch. One of the reasons why many of us understand traditional music better is because of the fact that today we have a variety of fusion songs on our play list. Indian fusion Rock music is thus hitting the right chord. This genre has started creating inquisitiveness among the new generation, leading to its much popularity.
The current Indian fusion rock scene has a larger following than ever, and may soon become recognized in the international arena, as various South American and Japanese bands have become. Recent entries into the rock music scene are increasingly becoming comparable in their production quality to Western bands, and have been compared favorably to other internationally recognized acts. Progress is certain for the Indian rock scene with the advent of entities that support this genre.
While most Indie artists tend to look West when it comes to drawing inspiration for their music, Mumbai based Fusion Rock Band “InRegalia” is taking pride in the fact that their music is reminiscent of the 90s like Indus Creed and Euphoria. The band which has been playing at the local club scene in Mumbai and Pune since last couple of years, plans on releasing an EP/CD. The band adds subtle doses of Indian classical and Carnatic music to their songs. Their songs are inspired from a diverse range of scenes. the band records songs in two steps- The scratch is done in a home studio set-up, and only when every single detail is finalized, they go for a final recording at a professional studio.
Band leader Vijay Fernandes says,” In this era of the Internet revolution, we believe in putting in focused efforts in each of our songs. As an independent band, we want our songs to be an memorable as possible and hence the decision to release singles rather than an album, EP or CD. Collectively we have played genres from classic rock and alternative, to funk, soul and fusion music while growing up. Add to that the influence of Indian music, and it is quite evident that each of our songs has same ethnic feel to it.
InRegalia’s music is an amalgamation of various genres of music, combining traditional Indian classical music with fusion Rock themes. The band has been a much appreciated live act throughout the gig circuit in the country. The band members have colourful embodiment of talents that spreads positivity around them. Their performances and their music has brought a sense of freshness which grabs the listener with a new found energy. Their unique combination of traditional Indian sounds mixed with western rock influences has brought them firmly into the spotlight of mainstream. Their music is full of life and you will always find the rich flavour of India.This band got a big break post its appearance in quite a few performances around the nation.
There are hardly any words to describe, “InRegalia”! You simply need to log into their website/You Tube to experience that quintessential music. It is the expression of eight distinct musical sensibilities that dissolve into each other to bring forth a truly unique sound. Their music is often so well blended that you will experience the honey like smooth consistency in it. Since their inception, InRegalia has been established as one of the upcoming thrilling, innovative and original acts on the Indian fusion rock scene, with the unique reputation of enthralling audiences in any kind of setting-from music festivals to pub gigs.
InRegalia is a band which was formed with the idea of bringing together a group of like minded musicians who wanted to take a slightly different view to music, bringing the best of genres together and adding a touch of Indian-ness to it. The members currently place the band’s genre as Fusion Rock. The band’s prominent past gigs include the Ray Ban / Rolling Stone ‘Never Hide Sounds Open Mic Night’ in October 2011, IIM-Ahmedabad’s cultural festival, Chaos, in January 2012, the MaxRockers inaugural Pune edition in March 2012. The band was also featured in a full-length radio interview on Jago Mumbai 90.8 FM in October 2012. InRegalia performed an acoustic Early Set at Blue Frog, Mumbai in May 2013.
Since then they have continued to actively play at venues around the city, notable among them being Out of the Blue, with the band now being a regular face at all their venues in Mumbai and Pune. In April 2014, the band also played a corporate gig for telecom provider Bharti Airtel. The band also played a gig at Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai in October 2014. InRegalia also played for Muktangan, a Mumbai-based NGO, at the Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon in January 2015. The band played at Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai in March 2015 as part of the Hard Rock Rising 2015 global Battle of the Bands competition. The band’s first single titled ‘Was it a Dream’ was released early in June 2014. The track is available for download through iTunes, Amazon, Spotify and other major online retailers.
The single was also aired on 94.3 FM Radio One, in June 2014, and was also covered in Hindustan Times Café (Mumbai) in the same month. The track went on to air on All India Radio (AIR) Kargil 684 AM on July 8, 2014. The band’s guitarist Vijay Fernandes was interviewed by Bombay Times, on the band and its music on July 25, 2014. In the first week of August 2014, InRegalia went on to release their second single titled ‘Rock this House’ which is now also available on iTunes, Amazon, Spotify, etc. Both tracks made their debut airing on Radio City Freedom in April 2015. That same month, the band’s singles received airplay internationally. The single ‘Was it a Dream’ made its debut airing on US Internet radio, on the Wisconsin-based Rocker’s Dive Radio. A week later, the single ‘Rock this House’ got featured on the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvaina-based US podcast show The Loudini Rock-n-Roll Circus.
As for their music credits-“Was it a Dream” was released on10 June, 2014 (https://soundcloud.com/
Their gig listings are : Ray Ban / Rolling Stone ‘Never Hide Sounds-2011; IIM-Ahmedabad cultural festival, Chaos-2012; MaxRockers inaugural Pune edition-2012
Max Rockers Mumbai edition-2012; Early Set at Blue Frog, Mumbai-2013; Soda (Bar & Grill), Mumbai-2013;Out of the Blue, Powai, Bandra, Pune-2013-14; Sahara Star (Bharti Airtel corporate show)-2014; Hard Rock Cafe, Worli, Mumbai 2014 Standard Chartered Mumbai Marathon 2015 Hard Rock Cafe, Worli, Mumbai (Hard Rock Rising 2015) . Their 2015 VIDEOS: 1. Originals: (i) Rock This House, (ii) Was it a Dream (iii) Stand Up (iv) Second Time Around, (v) Rebel’s Dance. Their covers include : (i) The Reason (Hoobastank), ii) With or without you (U2), (iii) Free Falling (Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers), (iv) Trapped (Indus Creed), (v) Breakfast at Tiffany’s (Deep Blue Something.
The band has been also featured on RADIO:
1. Jago Mumbai 90.8 FM: October 2012 (https://soundcloud.com/
2. 94.3 FM Radio One: June 2014) https://soundcloud.com/
3. Radio City Freedom: April 2015 4. Rocker’s Dive Radio (Wisconsin, USA): April 2015. PODCASTS: The Loudini Rock ‘n Roll Circus (Pennsylvania, USA): April 2015 https://soundcloud.com/
The band consists of:
Vijay Fernandes (Guitars, Backing Vocals) :
Born in Mangalore (May 14, 1976), Vijay is the son of Edward Lawrence Fernandes (Bachelor of Engineering (BE – Mechanical) KREC Surathkal-1964 batch; Worked at Bahrain & Kuwait Steel Wool factory, Bahrain, as its Works Manager, currently retired) and Doreen Veronica Fernandes (Fondly known as ‘Vera’ within family circles & friends; a BSc graduate from St. Agnes college, 1972 batch; Worked as Secretary to the Director, Amiri Flight- currently known as Presidential Flight) Bahrain, at present, a homemaker). of Kapikad, Mangaluru. Vijay’s only sister, Sonia Christina ( who has done Masters in Information Systems, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, currently working for YMCA of USA, Chicago, as Project Manager/Senior Business Analyst, is married to Christopher Pinto – MS in Electrical Engineering – Illinois Institute of Technology MS in Finance – Stuart Business School; Currently serving as IT Director, Olive Harvey, Chicago Group of Colleges, and has a son named Adrian Connor Pinto)
Vijay seen with his parents and sister
Vijay Sister’s Wedding Photo
Vijay did his early schooling at Sacred Heart High School, Bahrain; later studied in Milagres High School (Milagres Pre University College), Mangalore. He has been actively involved in the local music scene having represented his church and school and excelled. Been a member of the Bejai Church Choir (1989 – 1993) in the Tenor category; He did his Pre University at St. Aloysius College, Mangalore; Bachelors in Chemical Engineering from Manipal Institute of Technology (Mangalore University); Masters in Chemical Engineering from The University of Akron, OH, USA; He has also completed my diploma in Audio Engineering from AAT College (formerly SAE) Mumbai.
For nearly ten years he has worked in notable companies including Parker Hannifin Corporation (USA), MRPL and Furtados Music India Pvt Ltd. He learnt music and guitar from eminent teachers like Late Bennett Pinto (Mangalore), Tom Hess (USA) and Vichoo Iyer (Mumbai); Taught hundreds of students to play guitar in the western suburb of Andheri (W), Mumbai. Currently, Vijay is the Marketing Manager & Guitar Instructor at Spectrum Academy located in Shastri Nagar, Lokhandwala, Mumbai.
Vijay’s musical talent was imminent at an early age having won several local guitar and singing competitions. The journey from an acoustic folk guitarist to an accomplished Rock Lead/Rhythm guitarist has brought with it experience in Rock & Soul bands to which he blends in pop and ethnic sensibilities. Some of his influences include Jimmy Page, Ritchie Blackmore and Angus Young.
Warren Swaries (Drum)
Warren is a commerce post graduate, and has over 10 yrs of work experience in the finance field. He quit his job at JP Morgan Chase Mumbai to pursue something of his own which would allow him more time for music as well. Presently he has his own business of retailing interior products like wallpaper & wooden flooring in 2010. He has his own Water Jet Cutting Job shop which he set up 2 yrs. ago.
Born into a musical family, Warren was exposed to the drums early in life, with his Dad and uncle both being drummers too. However, his great interest in the instrument had to wait quite a while, before he got his first kit at the age of 16. Since then, there was no looking back. From his first band formed with childhood friends, to playing at university level for state competitions, and being on the Sa Re Ga Ma Pa band special finals, Warren was exposed to a wide range of music. He cites Vinnie Colaiuta, Benny Greb and Gavin Harrison as his heroes.
Keith Pereira (Keyboards, Backing Vocals) :
A BSc IT graduate from St. Andrews college, Keith worked for a US IT staffing company (Infojini Inc). Apart from all this, he loves going to places of historical importance like caves and forts. He has been a good sportsman (chess and basketball) as well during his school days. Keith has lots of interest in technical stuff, anything related to computers and technology can grab my attention easily.
Keith’s musical journey with the keyboard begin at the age of 7 and progressed from there on. Keith is an accomplished musician, having completed Grade 5 theory and Grade 6 practical exams through Trinity College, London. He’s been an active musician in the local music circuit in the Mumbai area. He cites Elton John and Jordan Rudess as his main influences.
Duane Wilson: (Bass / Backing Vocals)-
Born in Mumbai, aged 27, Duane did his schooling at Don Bosco High School, Borivali, Mumbai; Excelled at music during school and college years, consistently winning a number of competitions in various categories; Was actively involved in the church choir from school to college years. He is an Alumnus of St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, with a Degree in Mass Media, specializing in the field of Advertising. Worked in various fields of media including Public Relations (R&PM: Edelman), Event Management (Red Chillies Entertainment), Branding, Promotions, Sales & Marketing (Furtados) and Content Management (Netscribes India Pvt. Ltd).
Duane Wilson also knows to play the keyboards, a bit of the drums and harmonica, and now looks to learning a bit of the violin too. Aspires to learn one Indian stringed instrument. Currently, he is a private Guitar Instructor, and also conducts group classes at Toystar Academy in the Kandivali suburbs of Mumbai.
Apart from music, his other hobbies include going on treks and hikes, catching the latest movies, or just hanging out with some really cool friends.
A self taught musician, Duane was singing before he learnt to play the guitar. Ever since he made the decision to become a bassist, it has been an ongoing journey. Though his primary genre is Rock, he loves to add touches of other genres to songs. Among his idols are Flea, Billy Sheehan, Marcus Miller and Victor Wooten. When playing acoustic sets, he doubles as guitarist, preferring the finger-picking style of playing.
Peter Abraham (Lead Vocals)
Away from the stage lights, Pete runs his own gaming entertainment company and is the co-founder of the India Poker Championship, the country’s premier tournament poker event. He also works as editor for Gutshot Magazine, India’s exclusive publication on poker and lifestyle, and is a voiceover artist for radio, television, e-learning and corporate projects.
He is 36 years old and resides in the northern suburb of Santacruz in Mumbai. A Commerce graduate , MBA in marketing, Peter has worked for 10 years in corporates like Zandu, Star TV. Abraham is the vocalist for InRegalia. It was about 15 years ago, that Pete was convinced to audition as vocalist for his first band in college. Since then he has been part of five bands and has done shows in various venues in Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bangalore. He is a huge fan of the vocal styles of Bono, Freddie Mercury, Eddie Vedder and Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Currently Pete is training for certification from London’s Trinity School of Music.
Following are the excerpts from the exclusive interview :
Q : Who inspired you to get into music or was it your own decision?
This answer spans about two decades of my life. As a kid I got into music because of my Mom and my first music teacher, the late Bennett Pinto but never thought it would end up being my career. My time in the US got my interest back into music after a hiatus owing to academics. Its when I started getting better at playing electric guitar a lot later in my life (I was 28 yrs old at the time) that I realized I could make something of this.
Q : Can you tell us about the formation/reformation of the group? What made you and how did you all got-together?
Since I got back from the US, my biggest goal was to get a band started and write music to express myself, my thoughts and bring something to the table. So in 2010, I came to Mumbai to learn Audio Engineering and simultaneously start a band. I met Duane through a fellow musician. We both have been around since the early stages of the band. Pete joined the band early in 2012. Warren joined us in 2013 and Keith, the youngest in the band, joined us last month.
Q : What do you feel about the music industry today?
The music industry has always been a competitive industry globally. With the playing field having opened up so dramatically since the time of Napster, it has given independent musicians a chance to make a career in music.
Q : Do you think singer/songwriters are interpreters of their own work or do you believe some cover versions can be better then the original?
Original work catches my attention and its something I believe all musicians should aspire to do at some point in their careers. Writing songs from scratch is much more challenging and it is even more so if you want to appeal to a wider audience.
Q : As you are starting out your career in the music industry what steps do you plan on taking to reach your goal?
Its difficult to specify in one interview. There’s many steps on many different levels we need to take as a band and personally for me as a songwriter. A simple answer would be if we see growth then we’re on the right track. The goals will have to be reassessed each time we reach a certain level
Q : What courses/classes would you recommend someone to take if they want to be a successful musician in the music field ?
Apart from musicianship skills there’s many things a musician should do to be successful. The most important of them all is to understand and implement the music business side of things.
Q : How many years did it take for you guys to finally set-up with your band?
It took a little more than two years to put the core group in place
Q : From your experience so far, what have you found to be most challenging? And how are you dealing with it?
The ability to write good songs. Its a matter of patience…if you work at it, things fall in place. To add to that, I always seek to learn something out of my comfort zone as much as time permits. Learning gives me the opportunity to add more to my song writing arsenal.
Q : Share with us your proudest moment in your music career or a gig so far?
The release of our debut single “Was it a Dream”. I finally starting realizing my dreams. Though I should add there’s a lot more I’d like to do in my music career.
Q : What aspirations do you all look forward for your band/group?
All things said, we want to be remembered in India and abroad as a good band with good songs who put on good shows as well.
Q : What kind of music influences your song writing? Are there any artists that inspire you?
The genre that influences me most is Rock which is what I base my song writing on. There are a lot of artists that inspire me. If I were to name a few it would be Led Zeppelin, Rainbow, AC/DC and our very own, Motherjane.
Q : Are you planning on releasing any music CD of your own shortly? What’s next stored for you guys? Any upcoming events?
We plan on releasing an EP later on this year.
Q : What has been the response from the crowd when you entertain them? Do you feel confident that you give the audience what they want?
The crowd response has been great each time we’ve played live. We’ve always believed in preparation and when that happens there’s no reason to feel under-confident.
Q : What’s your message to the readers of mangalorean.com?
I have a message to aspiring musicians – Believe in yourself and follow the 3P’s – Practise, Patience and Perseverance. There’s no force that can stop you if you put this in place.
I on behalf of Team Mangalorean, wish our Kodiyal origin Vijay Fernandes and his bevy of band members of ‘InRegalia’ all success in their future endeavors and music career. Rock on, guys!
To hear more of InRegalia’s music, check out the following links: Website: www.inregaliaband.comInRegalia on SoundCloud:https://soundcloud.
Congratulations Viju, May the success that has come your way today lead you to a bigger achievement in the years to come. Best of luck. Wishes frm- U Oscar,A Anita, cousins Nikita n Reuben Fernandes.
We’re proud of you Vijay Sir! We can’t wait to hear more of your music!
– Spectrum Academy
We’re proud of you Vijay Sir! We can’t wait to hear more of your music!
– Spectrum Academy
Congratulations Vijay! Great going. Proud of you. Without you cann’s imagine Spectrum at this position in only one year. Wish u all the success in life.
– D. K. Nayak
All the Best to InRegalia!
Very impressive and keep up the good spirit. Make mangalore happy and proud. We r proud of u. May God bless u . Rock man rock
You guys should come down to Manipal campus and give a gig–you will probably rock the young crowd.
Plan your next gig at MIT Manipal.
Hi Ram, we would love to come down and play a gig at MIT, Manipal. Who would be the right person to talk to in this regard?
Nice write up by D’Souza. Have you thought of performing in Bangalore at Hard Rock cafe or any other large pubs. There are quite a few micro-breweries who would like to have you perform there.
Hoping to see you live in Bangalore.
Congrats and wish you more accolades Viju!! Happy to see you overcoming convention and taking long strides in your passion!
“Allow your passion to become your purpose and it will one day become your profession”~Gabrielle Bernstein~
Was that a write-up, or was it a mini-book?…………!!
Great going, guys.
And since one good quote deserves another, here’s one (don’t remember who said it, but wish it had been me): “Consider the postage stamp: It secures success by sticking to one thing until it gets there.”
Nirmala Ferrao
Keep up the good work guys ! Proud of you’ll. Can’t wait to list to the new upcoming singles.
Great performances by the band- I checked a few on YouTube. Hoping to see them live at their next gig in Mumbai. Until then keep rockin’ guys.
Thanks for all the encouraging and motivating comments!
For those of you who would like to initiate booking inquiries with the band, you can log on to Bookings page on our website to do so (www.inregaliaband.com).
You may either call us at the numbers listed there, or fill out the inquiry form on the page.
-InRegalia
Congrats Vijay and all the best to InRegalia. keep up the good work and May God bless.
Looking forward to see you play in Mangalore/Manipal/Udupi–why don’t you plan one of your future concert at one of these coastal towns. Great going folks- keep up the good work that you are all entrusted with. Kudos and best of luck
Hi Vijay,
This is Diana (your Dad’s cousin). Keep up the good work. Congratulations to your rock band Inregalia. Great going guyz. Nice to know that someone from our family is making news headlines. Keep up the good work. May God bless you in all your future ventures.
Diana D’Souza
Hi Vijay
Congratulations to you and your Band Inregalia.I’ m sure Uncle Bennett would be very proud of you on your
achievement. Keep up the good work and God Bless
Loveena Pinto
Congrats Victor! Your success is due to your hard work. Keep playing! God bless you!
Come down to Mangaluru guys and give us your best performance- We will love to see you live rather than on Youtube or other media.
Nice article on you guys by alfi and mangalorean.com team. Wish you every success in your music performances.
Hello Vijay!!!
Hearty congragulations. You guys are doing good continue the same. Good luck to you and your band.
Shailesh Fernandes
Wow..This is awesome. Superb..Fantastic..Congrats Vijay and your band. You guys Rockkkk!!!!!!!! Great going..Keep up the good work…Loved the name InRegalia as well. Best Wishes & Kudos to you and your team !!!!!