Das Hubris formed only in 2013, is a comparatively new band that plays hard rock drawing inspiration from the likes of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Cream, Deep Purple and Guns ‘N’ Roses. The band have proved their good musical acumen through some memorable live performances in the city and two singles.
1. Please introduce the band and tell us about the inception of Das Hubris.
DH : For sure! I am Animikh, the vocalist of Das Hubris. For Forged In Fire II, you’ll be seeing me,
Debarchan (Guitars), Debjit (Guitars), and Gourab “da” (drums) on stage.
I specifically wrote “For Forged In Fire II…” because we have been a very unstable line-up from the start. I and Debarchan got together late in Class XI (2010), and would discuss music online for hours. He was a neophyte at the guitar then, and he had a thirst for playing live. And I, then star-struck by the glory of rock n’ roll, wrote a few songs with him. This went on for about 2 years, when we were playing at our friends’ place for about 2 days a week, labeling ourselves as The Rick n Mick Blues Group (Rick is his nickname).
After said time, Debarchan found PiKu “da” to play drums with us. Momentum immediately picked up, and we recorded Running From The Law, and Tipsy Evening Blues (demos) then and there. We released them online and adopted the name Das Hubris.
2. What is the meaning and significance behind the name ‘Das Hubris’?
DH : In German , “Das Auto” literally translates to “The Car” . “Das” encompasses more of an idea , than a single meaning . It basically means a singular thing .
As for “Hubris” ,the word means “insolence: arrogance , such as invites disaster” (‘Chamber’s..’) It is often associated with “pride ,with a lack of humility, though not always with the lack of knowledge.”
You can relate with me here , since you and I actually know how it feels to be a part of a country , that is run by incapability , deception, and sick brazen lies , etc . There you are eating your cereal one fine morning , when you get the paper , or switch on the news , and the fit hits the shan – But you are not in the dark . You actually know what’s wrong . You actually see through the deception these days easily. So you are knowledgeable of the shit that happens around you.
Neither is there quantity culture. Many substantial people remain unknown faces , and are either subdued , dominated by rotten prejudice , or simply – shy and scared.
Being hubristic here isn’t an unusual suggestion for us. Humility is not to be awarded to the incapable , we feel . We must conquer , with Hubris – that which binds us down.
Thus , Hubris.
https://soundcloud.com/das-hubris
3. Which musicians have influenced you personally and as a band? Do you incorporate the essence of such influences in your music?
DH : Of course we incorporate the essence of that which inspires us .
Hadn’t it been for Jim Morrison , Elvis Presley and Ozzy Osbourne specifically , I would never have had the faith to do vocal duties . From them I learnt , that prowess is power definitely , but
feeling what you sing is important too .
And I know how much Debarchan loves the Blues . Eric Clapton , B.B. King , Jimmy Page are major influences for him .
Debjit has been more in touch with Classical music , and he (I am sure) would not deny influences and inspiration from Adrian Smith, and David Gilmour also .
Both of them are indebted to their guitar guru (and now , mine too) , Sri Alok Ghosh .
Gourab “da” has Dave Grohl , Keith Moon , and John Bonham as his primary influences .
As a performing band , we are influenced by Led Zeppelin , Cream , GnR , etc .
4. How much of original material have you put out so far? What does a typical Das Hubris setlist look like?
DH : We have put out 2 original compositions( demos ) so far , you know ‘em .
We will be playing both of them on 3rd May .
Our typical setlist would mainly have OCs , with occasional covers of bands we decide to pay a tribute to . They mostly include our influences .
5. Is there music that is written but yet to be released? When can we expect an EP/LP?
DH: Yes , we have a couple of songs that are fully ready to be jammed into . We will release them as demos again.
However , we are quite short on capital , you see .
Also , we aren’t signed under any record labels . If we must , then we have to finance it ourselves . So I won’t promise an EP/LP anytime soon .
6. Can you give us an insight into your songwriting process?
DH : Tipsy Evening Blues has been the standard for our songwriting process till date . The lyrics were never written (except for the chorus ) , and they are improvised everytime we’ve played live . Also the solo section is reset and improvised afresh every time . We enjoy this .
Normally else , someone comes up with a riff , or a beat , or an idea , and the whole band digs in , to build something concrete .
Debarchan has composed the riffs for both of our OCs , and I find writing the lyrics a less daunting thing to do than the others do !
7. Which is your dream band to open for?
DH: Almost all of our dream acts are about to retire .
I’d give anything to open for Black Sabbath (Atleast , till Tony Iommi is personally present)
I bet Debarchan would think Led Zeppelin , B.B. King , Pink Floyd …
Debjit might have Iron Maiden in his list .
However , looking over the past , and in our nation specifically , we’d find it an honor to open for Kryptos , or Albatross.
8. Das Hubris is a part of the brilliant line-up for Forged In Fire II. How do you feel about it? What should fans be looking forward to?
DH : KOSMA has our utmost respect for whatever it envisions. We would thank Samrat Daas and Avijit Shyam for giving us an opportunity to play , inexperienced though we are.
The acts succeeding us , are stellar groups of dedicated musicians in the scene presently , and it is an honor for us to be sharing the stage with them.
For our audience , we’ll be presenting an unadulterated set of no-bullshit rock n’ roll.
9. What has been your craziest gig/jam/experience as a band so far?
DH : When we used to jam at PiKu “da’s” place , we would keep jamming and improvising – and that would get extended to about an hour or so non-stop , till his mother would come and threaten to drag us out into the streets . Those have been fun times .
10. What musical goals do you seek to accomplish in the near future?
DH : We hope to survive . Many good bands in India have broken up , while sailing against the flow .
Also , we hope more OCs , more practice , a steady lineup , and a tighter act .
11. For all the hardware geeks at IMS, can you share some information about your equipment and rig?
DH : We use the cheapest gear possible .
Debarchan plays a Yemaha Les Paul copy , and Debjit , a Yemaha also . Both use basic processors (Korg AX5G and Zoom G1 Next).
Our drummer owns some signature drumsticks , and a basic , assembled , drum kit . That’s all .
12. How would you describe Das Hubris in a line?
DH : A funny fireball group of friends , in a funny, damp world.
13. Any message that you would like to send out to your fans?
DH: We thank you all for the steady support we’ve received from you. Join us in on 3rd May. We’re looking forward to it.
IMS : Thank you for your time. See you soon in the pit!
Read our ‘FORGED IN FIRE II’ gig preview, here!
You can RSVP to the event, here!
-Interviewed by Amogh Vaishampayan
Indian Metal Scene 