Cleave: Tough as we’re working on 2 new originals.
UM: Well as far as I know there is an interesting story behind the formation of “Cleave”, could you tell us in brief?
Cleave: Well, we still remember that day we were searching for a new bands name and there wasn’t a stone we left unturned, we came to know about it from dictionary meaning to cut or to split one object into two different parts, but we have somewhat personified it saying “Crushing of Evil Power by a Good Power”
UM: What genre of music do you consider your work to be? Who are your major influences?
Cleave: We play “Progressive Seclusion Metal”. “Seclusion” is a part in our music through which we connect ourselves to our beautiful fans and our blood brothers. – Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, etc.
UM: You guys have played many gigs, including Karbi Anglong Beats Contest, Manipur Rock Fest etc. Well what was your first concert experience? Do you remember how you felt once the concert was over?
Cleave: Holy Ghost! Our first concert experience was or maybe we could term it on one word “horrible”. Yes, we do remember that day because that was the show which give us a new hell raising idea of originality.
UM: Who writes your songs? What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs?
Cleave: Our Vocalist, that department is all ‘his’. Well historical facts, Fantasies, Social Things etc.
UM: Could you briefly describe the music making process?
Cleave: We make our music according to our lyrics. We take some influences from Dream Theater, Stratovarius, Iron Maiden and from Cultural contacts. Meetei Pung is one of the greatest influnces for our drummer.
UM: Are you planning any full length album?
Cleave: We are planning to release our first album called “7 Years Devastation” very soon.
UM: As a band share some memorable and scariest moment of your life!
Cleave: Yes, our most memorable moment was that of the Beat Contest at Karbi Anglong. The crowds were so deeply into Metal… love that place and people. Scariest! In fact not yet.
UM: Tell about the Metal / Rock scene in Manipur? How it feels to be one of the renowned band in the Northeast (IN)?
Cleave: Rock scene in Manipur is worst. As we belong to a poor state we face a big problem in continuing in this Rock scenario. As we are Hinduism there are lots of obstruction behind us.
We feel really proud to be one of the renowned band in NE ! Becoz of the above reason.
UM: Northeast has got much more talents than some of the biggest act of Indian Rock / Metal today! But lacking proper exposure, what could be the X-factor behind it?
Cleave: Actually, we believe the X-factor would be there’s no X-factor, because whoever works hard and dedicates more and more in his / her field would get exposure or “on Top” whoever doesn't “Vice Versa”
UM: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Cleave: Yeah, we do upload some of our songs at www.myspace.com/cleaveindia and www.reverbnation.com/cleave
UM: Is there anyone you’d like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Cleave: Frankly, we don’t have a person to offer us financially, but off course we do have lots of beautiful fans mainly around the NE States, but to be more specific we have great souls like Lou Majaw, Rewben Masangva and our NE band mates like Circles End, Third Eye and many more…..
UM: Words for your fans and upcoming bands?
Cleave: Yes, please ….don’t hide yourself behind the curtain if you’ve the instinct of Rock within you than you’re a hell-raiser, dudes’ come out the world is waiting for you.
UM: Anything for UM Team?
Cleave: Regards for you guys! Keep it up and all the very best in the years ahead.
“Rapid Fire”
1. Favorite Indian Band? – Cannibals
2. Favorite Northeastern Band? – Lou Majaw and Friends
3. Favorite International Band? – Dream Theater
4. Life without Music: - Nightmare
Thank you for your time guys! Wish you bright future ahead.
CLEAVES’ ARE:
VOCAL – TINKI (SONAMANI)
GUITAR – BILLAI
GUITAR – BIPIN (BOMB)
BASS – TUTU (VAVINDRA)
DRUMS THOI (KHUNJAOBA)
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.