Is guitar your main instrument or do you think that the sitar is your principal tool to compose and play?
How would you describe your record "Click"? Are you recording the followup to it?
The "click" CD was the first major release of Anand clique. The music has been described as "tribal hardcore." We like those songs to be heavy, but still mentally captivating to play.
We are currently starting work on recording new material for the next CD.
The musicianship behind the new songs is diverse, and word around Sonic Wave is we may release two new CD's - one shortly afer the other.
How big is the influence of Indian music in your own music?
It plays an important role in the time signatures and some melodies, as well as some content and performance.
Does your music leave space for improvisation or you usually plan everything before recording it?
During recording, everything is pre-planned as detailed as possible.For performances, it depends on the song. For instance, the song "Power Madness," doesn't leave room for any improvisation. Most of the music and performance is pre-planned. We do, however, leave room in some songs to
just let go and "jam." If you've ever seen us live, you'll see that we often jam out of "Vladimere" into a heavy version of Jimmi Hendrix's "Foxy Lady."
How did you hook up with Jim Martin (ex -Faith No More)?
I met him backstage somewhere. We were both playing a festival. He had the better room, so we were all hanging out in there.
Can you talk me about the Anand Clique and Project. 44 history? Are you playing live with both bands?
We started playing out with Anand clique. in 1995. One New Year's weekend, we played one of the final shows that was to be held at a famous Chicago Venue, The Thirsty Whale. The tape of that show over a short period of time was copied and sent all over worldwide. Then with the help and interest of guys like Joey from MANOWAR, and Rebel Radio, we were able to put out the CD a few years later.
Project .44 is another Sonic Wave International band. The band is in collaboration and production with the people from Ministry and My Life with the Thrill Kill Kult. I play guitar, and some violin in this band. It's a different feel when you're playing, and aren't really thinking about the
vocals.
We do shows with both, but Anand clique. plays less often due to the major tours that project .44 is frequently involved in.
Why do you endorse Jackson guitars? Which effects do you use for playing (racks, etc)?
I really like the feel of Jackson, and the crispy tone. My tone comes from using Mesa/Boogie andor Marshall heads with a Digitech noise gate/distortion.
How do you ended appearing and makin music for adult films?
The adult entertainment industry are big Anand clique. fans. They're great. Vivid Video started putting songs from the "click" CD in movies and shows. I started getting acting and more soundtrack offers, after the work and appearance I made on certain Ren Savant films.
Which are your favourite guitar players? Do you have another influences, such as sitar or violin players?
My favorite players are Jim Martin, Dimebag Darrel, Dave Mustaine, Steve Vai
....Ravi Shankar is a major Sitar influence.
Do you feel that a knowledge of theory helps you in developing your own compositions?
Definitely, especially when combining eastern and western theory.
Any final words?
Just that I'm glad to see that heavy music is still major force worldwide. And, don't forget to catch me at the AVN awards live on Playboy in January.