We want to get lost in Goa, say Australian rockers

Last month saw thrash metal band Slayer as well as celebrated guitarist Carlos Santana perform for the first time in India. The steady momentum of international acts coming to India continues with Australian alternative rock band Dead Letter Circus.

Last month saw thrash metal band Slayer as well as celebrated guitarist Carlos Santana perform for the first time in India. The steady momentum of international acts coming to India continues with Australian alternative rock band Dead Letter Circus, which will perform their debut Indian concert today at Birla Institute of Technology, Goa. Vocalist Kim Benzie talks about the band’s plans for theirtour.

Dead-Letter-Circus-band

This is going to be your debut concert in India. What are you looking forward to at this gig?
The energy, that exists between the crowd and us. This will be our first concert in a country where English is not the first language. Music will be the conduit for us all that night.

Last year, your contemporaries in Australia, Karnivool debuted in India at a college gig. You are also doing the same. What is it that makes such university concerts special?
We have done a lot of university shows in Australia. There is always a great vibe in these centres for learning. It could simply be that the people that assemble there are open-minded and ready for new things, or simply that study is hard work and when they party, they let go, and have a crazy time.

Your website mentions that your sound is a mix of adrenaline and emotion and how melodies need to marry raw, strong rhythms to make a great composition. Is it a difficult balance to maintain when you're working on songs as a collective unit, as a band?
Definitely, but we must establish that necessary connection to create this music. Five musicians doesn’t equate to a band. It’s five people shouting the same story.

Besides playing at the show, what are the other cultural experiences you'd like to indulge in? Also, since the gig is in Goa, do you have any plans for the place?
We want to get lost in Goa for a few days after the show, absorb and learn.

Are there any Indian bands/artistes you follow or would like to collaborate with?
Your music and art as a whole is a very intriguing to us. (It is) so complex and detailed. We are really keen to see what is happening on the streets and small bars, the authentic underground.