Indra On the Making Of “Banyan Tree”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind "Banyan Tree" and the story it tells?
The song may have different readings, when I wrote it I thought how mystical are trees and I decided to use them as symbol of rebirth and “immortality” in human’s life.
I found the “Banyan Tree” on the internet, his unicity is to have its roots upward so as to make it the main character of many legends.
One of them to which I refer tells: if one stands on the bank of a river or any reservoir of water, he can see that the trees reflected in the water are upside down. The branches go downward and the roots upward.
Similarly, this material world is a reflection of the spiritual world. The material world is but a shadow of reality. In the shadow there is no reality or substantiality, but from the shadow we can understand that there is substance and reality.
I love use metaphors and it was perfect to symbolize what I wanted to tell in that moment.
How did you approach the arrangement and composition of the music for "Banyan Tree?"
Sonically the song recalls a tribal-like world made by percussions and marimbas which fit tighter with the lightheartedness of the ukulele.
I chose those musical instruments because I wanted to give an idea of a forest world with a carefree atmosphere.
Only coming to the end the track opens to a rock and strong-like sound: drum fills and bass arrives in a more electronic background.
Can you talk about the recording and production process for "Banyan Tree?"
The song was entirely written, produced and mixed by me.
When I first wrote it I’ve done the primary structure, basically what I do for all of my songs, this is the time where I don’t limit my creativity and obviously the funniest part. I record everything that sounds good in that moment to have a demo of the song.
When I finally have a defined idea I start the production, I record all the official instruments and choose which ideas are worth to carry on. Only at the end I go to the studio to record the official voices .
Could you share some of your musical influences and how they have shaped your sound?
Since I was a child I’ve always listened to every kind of music. I loved to hear classical piano tracks as I loved rock and electronic music. I think that a listening ear could perceive this contamination in my songs.
What do you enjoy most about performing live and connecting with your audience?
Every time I have to perform I don’t know what to expect. Each show has his unicity, you don’t know your audience and people react every time in different ways. Is so rewarding to see people sing to my songs during the show. An other satisfying moment is at the end of the concert.
Sometimes someone come to me to tell me they loved my music, sometimes they want just a hug. When I know to have transmitted something to my audience I know I’m doing the right thing.