This band’s performance is truly vibrant, lively and dynamic. Bobkat the rapper knows how to get his crowd to swing, be it at a club in your neighbourhood or at a music festival. Bombay Bassment rocks, blending genres of hip-hop, rap, reggae, funk, Dancehall and Drum ‘n Bass. This four piece outfit displays high voltage energy when they come on stage. Mumbai has influenced their music and lyrics, for those who don’t know (their track ‘Bombay Blues’ is a tribute to the city). What’s impressive about Bombay Bassment is that they play for the crowd and involve them in their music. Energy translated from stage to audience.

The current lineup of this Mumbai based urban outfit includes Levin Mendes (drums), Ruell Barretto (bass), Bobkat (MC and rap) and DJ Chandu (samples, percussion).

With songs such as Mo Faya, Get Down and Hip Hop (Never Be The Same), Jump ‘N Stomp along with some new material from their debut album, Bombay Bassment is in great form.

Bombay Bassment is a band definitely worth to watch again and again, for each time they bring something new in their act.

Thus, we certainly wouldn’t want to miss an opportunity to interview such a talented band. In a candid conversation with the band, they talk about their recently released their self-titled album, their music and why they are called Bombay Bassment when Bombay is now Mumbai and a few things would love to hear’. 

Excerpts from the interview…

What is the story of Bombay Bassment. How did the band come together?

Bobkat: Levin and Ruell started Bombay Bassment as a strictly live Drum N Bass project and went on to meet Bob and Chandu through our ex-manager Jayesh. 4 of us got jamming and the rest you say is history.

What is the selling point of Bombay Bassment?

Bobkat: It’s definitely the groove we provide which in turn spreads the good vibes towards the dance floor.

With members coming from Goa, Africa and the South of India, how did the band fit with all the cultural differences?

Bobkat: Since all come from such different musical tastes and backgrounds, it’s important to have a blend of all genre's brought to the table. Hence the mix is what makes our music so different from anything the country has ever seen.

Your take on the Indie music scene in our country.

Bobkat: We all have been in the Indie music scene for over a decade and its comforting to see the industry grow at a rapid pace, at least in the recent past with more venues, platforms and media all contributing to this effort.

What has been the greatest influence on your music?

Bob: Hip hop mainly old school Chandu: Reggae and Danchehall Levin: Alternative, Funk and World Music Ruell: Retro, Alternative, Funk and Motown

Tell us about your debut album?

Bobkat: We released our long awaited debut self titled album late last year. It comprises of a mix of genres like hip hop, reggae, drum and bass, funk and dancehall. It released to some great response. You can buy it on this website https://www.oklisten.com/album/bombay_bassment

Which Indian bands / DJs do you guys look upto?

Bobkat: Since the Indie scene here is so tight knit, everyone is practically connected. There are few incredible acts like Ska Vengers, Papon, Peter Cat Recording Company and Lucky Ali. On the DJ front Nucleya has been a major slamming influence.

Who does the songwriting in the band?

Bobkat: It’s a collective effort which generally starts off by laying the samples upon which a drum n bass grove is laid and then finally the vocals. Though not all tracks have been written in this order.

Which venue has got you most excited?

Bobkat: Always loved playing at the Hard Rock Cafe venues across the country. Other venues like High Spirits, Blue Frog, The Humming Tree and many others have been exciting to play as well.

How has your experience been with the crowd at your shows?

Bobkat: Amazing crowd as always, grooving to our music every time we have played anywhere in the country.

How does it feel to play at Hard Rock Cafe, Mumbai?

Bobkat: It’s awesome to play at Hard Rock Cafe because the vibe is good and the staff too. We haven’t seen a venue other than Hard Rock Cafe where the staff themselves join in on the dance floor.

The band plays at Hard Rock Cafe, Andheri on Thursday 30^th July at 8:30 pm onwards.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira  

Photos of Bombay Bassment at Sulafest 2015 by Verus Ferreira