There’s music and there’s music from Goa. The fusion of cultures, the sea, surf, beaches and the air must have conspired beautifully to inspire its habitants to create the most joyous music. Goa has contributed immensely in enriching the musical kaleidoscope of the country- from studio musicians to bona fide stars. A new talent is in the horizon- Silvia Fernandes.
This young lady has been singing with various bands from the age of 15 and has done hundreds of gigs, recorded several local albums, acted in a couple of Konkani films and has even featured as the female lead in a Marathi film ‘Aaichi Punyaee’.
If her debut album released at the national level ‘Unmasked’ (Crescendo) is anything to go by, the young lady is following the footsteps of many illustrious Goan musicians who have serenaded music lovers the world over. The eight tracks showcase her versatility in music styles as she competently sings in English, Hindi and local Konkani.
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Radioandmusic.com caught up with Fernandes for a tete-a-tete on her work and the road ahead.
Excerpts:
When did you take interest in music?
Interest in music came right during schooling when I wrote my first song at the age of 15- ‘Soddon Gelo’. Goa gave me practical knowledge of stage and being a performer than just a singer and overcome my fears of facing the world and showcasing my Music.
In your debut album you have sung in English, Hindi and Konkani – Is this a case of spreading your appeal to different markets?
The whole album is actually more of a reflection of my experiences in life; both the Good and the Bad Times. My first album is the strong foundation to show my complete versatility as a singer with different genres and languages.
How did the tie-up with Crescendo come about?
The contact with Suresh Thomas managing director of Crescendo happened through a suggestion by fellow Musician “Sherin Varghese’’ from Band of Boys. The album is already in the hands of two reputed music labels Crescendo and Universal which is the distribution partner. Also various companies like Artist Aloud and Ping have been partnered for promotions. There’s already been a full concert performance in Goa followed by one in Mumbai subsequently followed by BlueFrog, Mumbai. More such concerts are been planned in other parts of India. My Band Beat Route Jam backs me on every concert and adds a lot of value to my performances.
Any music video?
Yes we have shot a total of five music videos out of which two are already uploaded on Crescendo’s YouTube channel wherein all the songs have been distributed to all the mobile companies for ring tones and caller tunes and also available on iTunes.
How has the rapid changes in communications and music industry effected the musical world of Goa? Do children still take time to study/ play music the traditional way?
The technology that is available is actually affecting and killing the live sets to DJ sets and (the) requirement of band and live music is diminishing. Yes children still learn music the traditional way ‘Solfegio’ ie learning music through notes.
What is the USP of Goa and its people that results in some of the best music?
Well to me Goa is still a place different from rest of India. Where people still have time to enjoy life and not join the rat race of money like all cities. Music and dance are the literal part of Goan lifestyle which has descended since Portuguese time.
What are your future plans?
Apart from touring all over the country, I am sampling my music to various Bollywood film makers with the hope of fulfilling my dreams of getting my songs in Bollywood Films. I am also working on my next album for which the basic compositions are ready.
