On the occasion of Sheldon Fonseca’s album Dismantle being released Bandra Buzz caught up with him to discuss the influence and the message he aims to share with his listeners through his latest album.
Bandra based musician Sheldon Fonseca’s latest album ‘Dismantle’, produced by Pruthu Parab (Echolouge) features 6 songs and was in the making for the past three years. His unique sound is alternative in nature, infused with electronic elements. From rap to rock, menacing synths, love ballads, and progressive instrumentation, his composing style extends across genres. His journey began with the band ‘Kastadyne’ and in 2007 they released their debut album, titled Eleven Complaints, mastered by XARC in Germany. Victim of my Anger, a song part of their debut album secured the No. 1 spot on the alternative rock charts of soundclick.com, a first for an Indian Rock band. Their second album, Hover, was mastered by Carl Saff in Chicago. Post-Kastadyne, Sheldon Fonseca has released various singles and EP’s on multiple streaming platforms. He has released over 42 originals on Soundcloud, and most of his music is on all popular music streaming sites as well.
Your latest album was three years in the making what inspired you to create Dismantle?
Prior to Dismantle I had released a number of EP’s and singles such as BAIT, Ike the Evil Bear Skeleton, Stranded Without You, Save The Pterodactyl etc. Dismantle is special because it is the 1st album that I’ve released as an Indie artist. With this album, I wanted to focus on my journey and establish a more independent signature sound. Therefore, it took me 3 years because I had to make sure that everything was perfect and more importantly, that the songs expressed what I really wanted to say.
What were your influence and intention?
My biggest inspiration while working on the album was my journey so far. Of course the sounds and genres one listens to does trickle in, however, I emphasised my experiences. For instance, the first song on the album, called Dissonant, is dedicated to my dad who passed away, and in many ways is a letter from a son to his father. Another song called ‘I Once Knew A Shooting Star’ that features drums by Dhruv Sarker, is about dismantling the various aspects of society, while ‘Hungry for More’ deals with breaking down the elements of a man-woman relationship. Holistically I tried to dismantle my emotions and experiences in their purest, musical form.
What is the message that you want to share through your latest album Dismantle?
Rather than appeasing or creating a superficial/commercial sound, this album is about insights and the larger truth. I have tried to unify my experiences in correlation with the state of society and my immediate surroundings. Through the songs part of the album I tackle the state of our justice system, Bxxch Let’s Get Real is a song based on this thought, while I Once Knew A Shooting Star is about being liberal and not getting caught in the web of the prevalent political narrative. Mighty Shark, Small Tank featuring Asxem Dleamas the lead guitarist talks about capitalism.
Artists and bands, who have inspired you along the way?
Well, that’s a difficult question since my listening pattern is not linear in nature. I like to absorb all kinds of music and styles. However, if I must, they include Audioslave, Nine Inch Nails, Limp Bizkit, Eminem, Marilyn Manson, Rage Against the Machine, Tame Impala and MGMT, De Staat, Chinese Man, Massive Attack, Jungle, The Beatles, Tool, Gorillaz, White Stripes and Air, amongst others.
What are your future plans?
I want to focus on my form of expression and create a legacy for myself as a musician.
Given your experience of more than 15 years in the music scene what message would you like to give budding musicians and what are your thoughts about the future of the independent music culture in India?
To all the budding musicians my most important advice would be to keep practising and keep exploring with different sounds and aim for perfection. With regards to the independent music scene, the future is bright and booming. Prior to the onset of the pandemic live performances were growing in strength and the audience was accepting and inclined towards exploring new music and sounds.
Artists on your playlist?
Kendrick Lamar – Hip Hop & Rap
Johnny Cash & Bob Dylan
Fleetwood Mac
Chris Cornell
Led Zeppelin
Where can listeners & patrons connect with you?
My music is available on all major platforms, however, the best way to connect is to visit my website www.sheldonfonseca.com
