Pin Drop Violence Exclusive
Anyone who has ever seen nu-metal band Pin Drop Violence play live knows that they’re the most explosive and exciting band to come out of Mumbai since, well … forever! Founded in 2000 by Pradeep and Rohit “P-man”, who were tired of hearing the same old played-out music, PDV reinvigorated the underground rock circuit by starting a hardcore music movement. “The music was getting stale; everyone was doing the same ol’ stuff, same covers, no originality. That’s where we decided to step in”, says Rohit in a RSJ Online interview.
Ever since “stepping in” to breathe new fire into the music scene, PDV, whose latest line-up includes Pradeep on vocals, Rohit on bass, Vispy “V.A.S.P.” on guitars, Mithun “GriDKiD” on guitars and Veeru “Virus” on drums, has stepped up to become one of today’s most extreme Indian metal acts. They’ve won loads of awards and competitions, including Channel [V]’s 2005 Launchpad – the first-ever reality TV rock band competition in India – and a “best vocalist” award that went to Pradeep at Mumbai’s R.A.I.T’s Horizons in 2001. They’ve also headlined tonnes of music festivals all around India, including NLS Strawberry Fields in 2001 and the Great Indian Rock (GIR) in 2004.
Releasing their debut album, Compose … Oppose … Dispose, in 2004, two of their tracks, “Gutterment” and “In Dependence”, were included on GIR compilations, and their hit “Full Body Burn” was featured on Throatlatch’s compilation album, Deepthroat.
But enough about stats! What you might not know about these hardcore head bangers is that they have a soft spot for animals. Don’t take our word for it – read our exclusive interview with PDV for yourself:
How did PDV start?
Pradeep: Basically, a bunch of us from college wanted to start a band. We used to do gigs and realised that we could do better. I used to sing. We had an old drummer who used to play bass. He knew a guitarist, and we soon formed a band.
Tell us the significance of your band’s name.
Pradeep: It’s quite an antithesis. It’s rather ironical. It’s Pin Drop Silence with a lot of noise.
PDV was associated with Channel [V]. Tell us about your experience.
Pradeep: Channel [V] had a “battle of the bands” across India in 2005, called Launchpad. We won it.
Rohit: Subsequently, we had a live music video shot for Channel [V], which received massive airplay. PDV also performed alongside international artists during Channel [V]’s 2005 Launchpad.
Which bands have influenced you?
Pradeep: Individually, we have different music gods – but to name one, it has to be Slipknot.
Jai (drummer): Pantera, Fear Factory and Machine Head are very nice.
PDV plays heavy metal stuff. Do you all have a soft spot for animals?
Pradeep: Yeah, we do – because Jai has a dog, and I have a cat.
Rohit: Yeah, these guys have pets, but we are also not cruel to animals.
Music is about expression. What do you have to say about animals imprisoned in cages in zoos and circuses, who cannot even engage in their most natural activities?
Rohit: We are against zoos and circuses. The condition of animals in zoos is pathetic. They are almost dying.
Jai: And the most ridiculous thing to do is to go to a circus where animals are beaten and whipped to perform.
Pradeep: The best thing to do is not to patronise zoos and circuses.
I believe you have a Street Team of your own to promote your band. We have a Street Team too. Some of the concepts can be used to promote animal rights. What are your views on that?
Pradeep: Firstly, people who have common interests can come together and help animals.
Jai: There should be a helpline which people can call in case they see an animal abused on the road. And there is a need to create awareness about laws on animal rights so that people don’t remain silent spectators but can act to save the lives of these innocent animals.
When you say people should speak up for animals, what would your advice be to young people on what they should do?
Pradeep: If they see an animal in distress, they should act immediately and contact appropriate authorities and provide immediate assistance to the animals.
Lots of young kids want to get into music. What would be your advice to them?
Pradeep: We started out as a fun band. Everyone has dreams and aspirations to go international. Even though we don’t yet have international fame, we are somewhere on the map. So just believe in yourself and work hard and you will succeed.
