Bandstand: 'The Vindaloos'

Meet 'The Vindaloos' (yes, the name itself shouts Goa!) - Agnelo Mendonca (vocals), Ranzelle Fernandes (vocals), Jeremy Fernand (keys) and Kristofor Mendonca (percussion). They also have guest performers Calvin and Vernon join them on special occassions. High on folk songs and fun, the Goan band can belt out the right songs to get you grooving, so be prepared for a lot of 'Maria Pitache' and the likes of that, as they perform.Quite unlike the name The Vindaloos' didn't have some lengthy preparation to come into being - it happened on a whim. A group was needed to perform at a play and spice things up with an intrinsic Goan feel. Kristopher got a call from the organisers and approached his father (who he calls the showman). On being allowed to participate, he asked his cousin Ranzelle, who is a doctor by profession and an active member in the church choir, to take part, too. Now the last entry into the four-piece band was Jeremy, the grandson of Frank Fernand, a filmmaker and music conductor who has movies like 'Don',' Hera Pheri', 'Zanjeer' and 'Victoria No. 203' to his credit. He came abroad and well, that's how their journey began. Their very first performance was received well by the crowd, encouraging them to continue as a band. Though the foursome believes there's a different crowd that follows artistes like Lorna, Chris Perry and Frank Fernand.Talking about music, Agnelo reminisces the time when he used to play in a band, way back in the 70s. He explains how different the music scene was then. 'I believe it was more vibrant, as the hippie moment was making it's way to India; it was revolutionary. As artistes, we had less of luxury, we lugged our sound systems with us wherever we went, unlike now, when everything is set up for the bands.'On their a-ha moment: 'We were performing at a foyer, before the play could start and had a timed slot. This was our first show together and the audience requested the organisers to extend our slot. Everybody was so enthusiastic that it boosted our morale to a different level. This is one moment we still cherish,' says Kristopher.On their brand of music: The band primarily plays Konkani songs, so it's only covers as of now. They also add classic English numbers to their list. 'The Vindaloos' do not have a rigid set up, in fact, they can accommodate themselves in any venue or scene, be it a party or a play. They stick to keeping their music simple, but impromptu dance moves are always a part of their gigs.On their musical influences: Lorna is one of their major influences and they sing a lot of her songs. Goans are said to be crazy about the artiste and long to listen to her songs. Agnelo describes Goan music to be fun and has that satirical element in some songs, which makes them exciting. The band mostly covers classics, so there are Go an folk artistes on their playlist, but with that, they also listen to yesteryear bands like the 'Beatles' and 'Queen'.On their way forward: 'The Vindaloos' are already in the process of writing new songs and work on the music will start soon.