He is a relatively well-known face in the music industry in Goa as part of two popular bands - Music Fever and Rebel Pundits. And after entertaining crowds for over eight years, an album of his very own was a long time coming.
“I composed tunes in my head very often ever since I was a kid and always wondered how to bring them to life. Of course back then computers weren’t affordable for domestic use and neither did we own any keyboard synthesisers,” says Nashvin Cunha Gomes, whose parents finally purchased a computer in class XI so that he could practice computer science. “Instead, I stumbled upon a music making software Fruity Loops and discovered the music producer in me.”
Falling in love with music was a given, considering both his dad Aureo and uncle Romero were both musicians and played in a band with Emiliano D’Cruz back in the day . However, the decision to pursue it as a career by itself wasn’t an easy one with his parents concerned about job security. “My dream of being a sound engineer surfaced during my high school. Unfortunately, we did not have the decent means in India to pursue it. Nor were my parents comfortable with the idea of sending me abroad because I was ‘immature’. I was persuaded to complete a degree and then masters instead in the hope of a secure career,” he narrates. “I knew the certificate would mean more to my family than me because I intended to pursue my dream thereafter by funding myself which would mean a few years of work in an IT company. However, in my final year it dawned upon me that the IT job would give me the sense of security which would be difficult to compromise if I ever returned to music! So I thought of calling quits after my finals.”
While he initially hoped to move to Mumbai or Chennai to pursue sound engineering, he later chose to self-study with the help of online material. Alongside, he joined his first band Foremost as a crooner. His family wasn’t very pleased. “Music production was not a very well-comprehended concept. Secondly, my musical compositions and productions were never showcased. I did them more as a hobby. And while there was immense passion in me to produce music and learn the engineering aspects of it, my family kept forcing me to consider music as a “part-time hobby” and consider a job in the IT industry,” says Gomes. “I tried to battle but the pressure just rose until I almost caved in one day!”
A twenty minute speech by his sister in law Tanuja however changed that. “I cannot forget that day. After I relayed my news to her, she seemed more shattered than me! “She sat me down and re-built my confidence. She reminded me of the fire in me, and how lucky I was to have such drive and passion. She even prepared me for pitfalls and guaranteed to stand by me if at all I fell. Ever since that talk I never looked back. I set goals, planned, executed, achieved! I can never thank her enough!” says Gomes.
Post his stint with Foremost, Gomes performed solo and duets for a while before joining Music Fever with Jonathan Zuzarte. Over the last seven years the duo, who are famous for their retro music, have made a name for themselves and are in demand both at private functions and weddings. In 2010, Gomes also joined Rebel Pundits , a desi hip-hop and R& B band which has been making waves all around the country with popular tunes like Meri Jaan, The Goan Way and Pal Pal. Their album Day Night is available on their Facebook page.
Gomes began working on his solo album, which has been done entirely by himself right from the backup vocals to the sound editing etc. “It’s a one man show. Except for a track where I had one of my friends deliver their precious voices because I couldn’t impersonate a girl's voice,” he chuckles. “I always intended on having my solo debut as a one man project. I drew this inspiration from our very own Remo Fernandes and Roque Lazarus. Of course, they are brilliant all-round musicians and play most of their instruments live. Whereas my little knowledge in keyboard and guitar playing coupled with technology has helped me achieve my goal.”
The 11 track album is a mix of a variety of genres and is now available on iTunes, Spotify, Amazon, Deezer, Tidal, GooglePlay and many other digital stores. Among the tunes is an already popular tune Kiss Goodbye which was previously made as a gift for his fiancée, before she left to Mumbai for training. This was later worked on and released as a proper single and even found an international audience much to his surprise.
“There are also two tracks on the album especially written for my wedding - Pledge I do and Walk of Life. Nowadays weddings are no longer traditional and these tracks are the new bridal specials,” says Gomes. And will he performing these tunes at his own wedding? “That’s the idea. Maybe I won’t sing them but I will surely play the recorded tracks,” he say.
Another personal favourite of his is Hot Shot after which he named the album. “The track has one of my favourite grooves in the album, particularly the drums and bass lines. They are very punchy! You can keep the track on loop and enjoy your day!” he says. So does he think he is a hot shot himself? “Don’t embarrass me. I’m too simple to be a hot shot,” he says laughing. He does however promise a lot more albums in the future. “This is just the beginning.”
BOX
SUPPORT FOR ORIGINAL MUSIC IN GOA
Konkani music is doing pretty well in Goa. With regards to English music, the youth are more supportive, given the exposure. But as a local musician, I see a gradual rise in acceptance of “newer” or “indie” music. If one can get support from friends and family who help promote via social media, and private networks, it would make a huge difference. Goa is a small state. And a lot of renowned musicians are very helpful. Local RJs, also are very helpful, they push original artists. However it all boils down to individuals believing in themselves, setting their goals right and working towards them.
THE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD SOUND ENGINEER
Good sound engineering can take an artist to the stars or have him vanish below the surface of the earth! I would plead to independent artist to have their songs recorded, mixed and mastered by good engineers even if costs more! Its money well spent! To the end user this process is seamless but its ears that decide along with the brain if he likes the song! Let the best engineers get the best out of you!
