Framing the Witness - Akhil Kodamanchili Interview

Today we speak to guitarist, producer and music teacher Akhil Kodamanchili a.k.a Framing The Question in a one on one interview like never before.

Aishan Vali: How did you come up with your alias?
Akhil Kodamanchili: It was quite spontaneous really. I once asked this girl "Hey, if we struck a chord and I plucked at your G string, would you let me show you my finger style?"

AV: And then?
AK: She walked away. (cries)

I don't really know what the fuss was about but it got me thinking that I need to frame these questions better.

Aaaaand there you have it.

AV: You're telling me that pick up line didn't work? Why?
AK: Cos people can't wrap their heads around my philosophy in life.

AV: Which is?
AK: No means Yes.

AV: So yes means no?
AK: No.

AV: I'm confused.
AK: No, you are.

AV: What?
AK: Yes.

AV: I can't think straight.
AK: Aww.There. There. Shh. Maybe a nice shoulder rub will help.

AV: No.
AK: Cool. Turn around. :*

AV: No! I don't want one!
AK: That's the spirit! Here it comes!

AV: What does?!
AK: You don't want to know.

AV: :'(
AK: :D

AV: x____#
AK: ^____^

Find Akhil's insanely impressive music here.

View Finder - Rahul Das Interview

The first in a series of upcoming interviews, today's article features musician and photographer Rahul Das.

Let's get right into it.

Aishan Vali: Who are you?
Rahul Das: Whatever you want me to be.

AV: I mean - what do you do for a living?
RD: I'm a jack off all trades [sic]. Many things. But I'm well known as a musician and photographer.

AV: Tell us about your music.
RD: I'm experimenting at the moment. You could say my music is 'post-Bappi neo psychedelic tollyrap.'

I've been breaking new ground in this genre since before it got cool.

AV: That's quite a mouthful.
RD: Are you hitting on me?

AV: No.
RD: :(

AV: Never heard of the genre though.
RD: 'Cos I just invented it. Five seconds ago.

AV: What inspired you to take up photography?
RD: Sitcky magazine centrefolds that wouldn't open after a week of.... nevermind. The important thing is I've now become a master at my style.

AV: Which is?
RD: Candid photography. It's like that show 'Candid Camera' without the pranks and the big reveal at the end.

AV: They don't know they're being photographed?
RD: Let's hope it stays that way.

AV: On to some personal questions. Are you in a relationship?
RD: You could say I'm in a half-relationship.

AV: Half?
RD: Yes. We're in a relationship, but she doesn't know it yet.

AV: Where did the both of you first meet?
RD: We haven't.

AV: What are your other hobbies?
RD: Bird watching. I've had to give it up though.

AV: Why?
RD: Well, after the first 15 times she called the police on me, I decided it wasn't worth it without telescopic lens.

AV: What do you study?
RD: I don't. But I attend Loyola College.

AV: Thoughts you'd like to share with your fans -
RD: Make love. Not phonecalls to the cops. Please.

In all seriousness, you can follow the incredible Rahul Das Project here.

Things I learnt from being a rapper

1. No matter who you are you’ll be terrible in the beginning

2. Your list of favourite rappers WILL change multiple times

3. You will hate your older lyrics as you improve

4. You will go through a cycle of intense joy and deep depression

5. You will meet amazingly talented people

6. You will meet wannabes, scamsters and prejudiced people

7. You will want to learn to DJ, write grafitti, bboy and beatbox

8. You will explore new genres and be influenced by them
9. You will spend sleepless nights promoting your gigs online and creating flyers

10. You will learn how to control a crowd

11. Your happiest moments will be the times you perform on stage

13. You will have fans that will motivate you

14. Recording tracks cost a lot of money and takes preparation

15. Finding a producer who makes your kind of beats is the hardest thing on the planet

16. Mainstream record labels don’t give a shit about the music

17. The crowd will ask you if you can cover popular numbers

18. Freestyling is the most rewarding feeling

19. Writing lyrics is an emotional roller coaster

20. It doesn’t matter how you look

21. Girls still won’t give a crap about you

22. It will change your life forever

23. Even if you’ve never had friends you’ll find a family in your crew