Artist Of The Month: Silman Marak (Guitarist)

• Greeting from Unholy Maunder Mr. Marak, it’s our immense pleasure talking to such a great artist, so how’s life treating you so far? 

Hi Rik it is indeed a pleasure to talk to Unholy Maunder, well life is great because struggle always reminds us that we are alive n kicking, for musicians who are like me life is very directional though we are not the best or biggest we have a mission here.

•  Most of us as kids wish to learn this amazing instrument, and we grow up listening to the greats, who or what inspired you to play guitar, play seriously enough to choose it as your profession? 

I actually picked up the guitar when I was around ten (1988)when my uncle came to my place carrying a medium size guitar, he use to play lots of folk music n some old classics Beatles, Elvis, Don Williams & Abba n lot more which I don’t remember well. So I got the influence from him and he encouraged me to play and taught me few chords. But more than me there were other kids of my age who would show more interest as I took the back seat. I was shy but at the same time had a natural feel towards guitar that’s why I never struggle too much to play anything (at that time). By 1990 we all ready had a band (we 3 children) we were so bad when we first stood up on the stage, But it was also the first lesson we learned, and from that day onwards I decided to play guitar only to be the best or not at all(at least in locality) . So my journey started, I would practice every day after school and gather material from everywhere, during those times only few instructional videos were available so we lay our hands on everything we could. By 1994 our band was all ready to do the regional tour with few covers from Iron Maiden, Deep Purple, AC DC and Scorpions. But the biggest drawback was the equipments there were no proper sound system only the big bands could afford those things. We would do shows with few amplifiers that we ourselves assembled which was not sufficient for large gathering.

My biggest influence was the two giants in guitar world Yngwie Malmsteen and Joe Satriani in the beginning and later friends led me to other great guitar players.

When I was in college I actually never thought to become a full time musician but the practice was on and this time I took more interest in gospel music so I didn’t do much show around but was active in church choir, maybe that’s the reason I was more grounded than ever learning about myself and the essence of music which became the powerful force in me. By the time I left the college I was ready for bigger challenge and technically ready.

•  Mainly you’re a solo artist but a band named “Orange Green” plays with you; introduce us with the band with a brief description. 

I move to Mumbai in the year 2004 (won the best guitarist award in Audio Plus competition) from that time I am into music doing small gig as well as some teaching and studio sessions. By now I have a dedicated band “ORANGE GREEN” (5 band members) which is not just two color but something to do with the fruit orange.( orange which is partially green). We do lots of covers as well as our own compositions. The main motive of this band is to do only originals, but who would listen to a new band’s OC s without some covers. We have lots of instrumental songs including some good melodies with lyrics. The band plays very progressive stuff and has done few shows recently; I never wanted to appear too much in the pup scene, Besides the payment is very nominal. Now we are ready to tour all around the country.

•  Well tell us about your upcoming solo album “OUT OF THE HORIZON”, what will be the theme behind this and tell us about the genre. 

About my solo Album ‘OUT OF THE HORIZION’ it is one of its kind progressive and melodious. I been wanting to do this since very long time but never had time or resources. Today I could manage all this somehow I Thank the Almighty. This Album has loads of things to surprise the audience.

Something they never expect from neo classical shredder. All the instruments are recorded live that’s another level of recording. Because most of them does it in their close room these days and claim it to be an album of the year. Live is live no more questions for that. .With much delay now I would be launching the album in December that too in Meghalaya tentatively on the 17th.

•  You’re an Ibanez Certified Technician, you’ve also played, demonstrated guitar skills in countries like Japan & China, tell us more. 

It is indeed a pleasure and honor to be with such a reputed Brand “IBANEZ” since it is all over the places its all understood I actually don’t have to do too much. People are already aware of this Brand so I was accepted easily in countries like China, Thailand and Japan. I am still in contact but not as active as before since my personal work (music) is growing out here in India.

•  Interestingly recently you’ve worked with bollywood industry, you worked in the movie “I love your Mr. Kalakar” being from rock music background or being from a state which is known as one of the India’s rock music hub, how was the experience? 

Yes I am very much part of bollywood these day and doing lots of recording with different music directors. In fact it was a different world for me when I first stepped but now it’s a home. I played some songs in ‘Love you Mr. Kalakar’, and helped in ‘Tere mere Phere’. The recent one was a comedy movie “what an idea sirji” There are few more movies at hand which i won’t be able to disclose their names. Had done some add- film musics as well.

•  With whom would you like to share the stage with, which would be a “dream come true” for you? 

I always dream to play with Joe Satriani, yngwie and Mr. Paul Gilbert, Joe is my childhood idol, Yngwie my shred Guru and Paul makes me Happy, such technicality yet very flamboyant on the stage I have never seen a performer like him in today’s date.

•  Tell us about your guitar(s), your arsenal-divide! 

I have assembled my guitar some days back it is now a Jem 555 with a liquefier pickup in the bridge and breed for the neck (Dmarzios).I Love the analog setup got some stomp boxes and a processor to support, Go through my Fender deluxe (tube amp) which gives incredible sound.

•  Meghalaya which is always been one of the rock music hub of India bands like Mr. Big, Scorpions, Petra, White Lion, Sepultura etc. played there, or the bands from Meghalaya like Soulmate, Lou Majaw – The Great Society etc played in countries like U.S, U.K, Indonesia, Norway etc, so what’s your take on current music scene of Meghalaya and INDIA as a whole. 

Meghalaya is very good place for music in the capital Shillong especially, maybe because of amalgamation of seven sisters. Students from all over North East come to study in Shillong and in the process there is lots of musical recreation happening. Any way people of Meghalaya like music since the time they are born most of us pick the guitar just for the love of it.

As for the International acts which happened and which is going to happen are the blessing for the true audience, this place has produce good musicians and sincere listeners, we all northeasterner deserved it. As for some musicians they are learning a great deal out of these experiences.

As for the local musicians n bands, scene is getting hotter (competitive) but lesser scope to rise because the lack of avenues. Lack of sponsors and infrastructure in the scene is hindrance for music. As for the rising stars of shillong, my good old friends all my best wishes are with them.

•  Please share some tips/advise for the beginners as guitarists! 

For the young guitarist the message is very simple, Practice hard be perfect and also be humble, Responsible as well as available, Stay Focus and be Practical because there are too many good guitarist these days but sad to say most of them lack the Personality.

•  This is your space!

I have seen too many guitar players in my life some are really good n some will never come out of their 4walls. They are happy with some people singing their praise. Many Guitarists today they try to play too fast and get very technical but they forget the music. My advice is be very sensible while creating something at the end it should be music which should be louder in their ears not just some noise which we call it technique. Satisfaction of the listener is the ultimate gold of the good musicians.

•  Thanks for being our “Artist of the month”, best wishes from our team. 

Thank you, May God bless you all.