Lima Yanger: I come from a simple pop and classic rock background

This trio is called such because frontman Lima grew up on Duncun Road in Dimapur, Nagaland, and his first pet was Rufus the Dog.
Duncun Rufus is led by singer, songwriter Lima Yanger, formerly known for his role in the famed Indian rock bands like Bliss logic and Sleeping Buddha (Mumbai) and Drummer Gaute Johannesen of Popface fame (Norway). The rest of the ensemble comprises Gaute Johannesen on drums and Vinay Lobo on guitar.Duncan Rufus has managed to stir a response in Mumbai where they are currently based, together with inciting symphonies in the minds of their fan base back in the North East. They started working for their debut album Carte Blanche in 2010, and released it in 2011. In 2009 Lima released his second album, Bliss Logic-The Big Thaw. As he puts it, “The emphasis was on writing songs rather than composing technique-laden pieces.” On their a-ha moment: Says Lima, “We played our first ever Duncun Rufus gig at Live From The Console. I was a bag of nerves and didn’t perform particularly well. But the very next day, we got mails from people at the audience saying they really enjoyed our performance and songs! Needless to say, after all the self doubt, sacrifices and sweat, it was a tremendous fillip for our band. It certainly gave me the confidence to keep at it.”
On their brand of music: They don’t like to label the music as one genre or the other. Simply put, it’s music sans sampling, looping, DJing. “Not that there is anything wrong or right with that. I guess you could say it’s just songs,” says Lima.
On their musical influences: Their songs are about hope, betrayal, desire and devotion in troubled times. The crisp contemporary songs sung in the distinctly laid-back voice of Lima enveloped in soulful symphonies of sharp guitaring and well-spaced beats and catchy hooklines present music that can be felt with the eyes closed. “Apologies to the guys if I get this wrong but if you ask Gaute our drummer, he’d probably say bands like Appleseed Cast and Firehouse. He is more into the punk meets rock kinda vibe. Vinay Lobo, our guitarist, will probably lean towards the blues with guys like SRV and stuff. He is also big time into gypsyesque and world music. As far as my influence is concerned, I come from a simple pop and classic rock background,” says Lima.
On their way forward: Duncun Rufus is on the verge of releasing their latest work, a collection of 45 tracks spread out over six EPs over the next three years. The first release is slotted for January-February with a couple of music videos to be released before that. “Hopefully, the sun, moon and stars will be kind. Other than that, we are all busy with our personal projects,” says Lima. He is recording a solo acoustic album which is slated for release early next year. Liam is currently immersed in producing several albums for fellow musicians like Nirmika and Mohit Mukhi.
For latest Music updates follow us on Twitter >>> @TOIEntertain
For the latest in Music news, like us on Facebook >>> TOIEntertain
WATCH: Duncun Rufus - Carte Blanche - Disarray