On stage I go into a trance: Santana
19 Oct 2012 4:17 AM IST
Legendary Musician Carlos Santana has been enthralling listeners across the globe for over four decades now. As the Indian audience gears up to experience the feel of his amazingly smooth glass-like tone for the first time, the guitar wizard shares a few thoughts with Millennium Post. Here are excerpts:
How special is the India tour?
I feel inspired, grateful and honoured indeed. I am hungry for colours and sounds. This is officially my first India visit. From 1972 to 1981, I had a spiritual guru. I like to see temples and textures. I am open to everything. It does not necessarily need to be a temple; it doesn’t have to be rich or lavish. It can be simple and modest but really powerful. Stay in your heart and travel in the light.
How do you effortlessly create such beautiful melodies while composing music?
It is the purity of innocence, the complexity of simplicity. It is important to remember that everything needs to be treated in a fresh manner. There has to be a virgin energy, which is what makes everything fresh. I stay a virgin through it all.
Over the years, you’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Who are the existing or up and coming musicians you would like to work with?
I like and admire all the artistes. My band is my family, as well as my wife, who will also perform with me this time in India. I have collaborated with many artistes.
From Woodstock 1969 to now, you have been on a long musical journey. What do you remember most about the great experience?
Through my entire career, I have realised that it is important to stay focused. That is the key word. Einstein and Sri Aurobindo were geniuses who were able to accomplish a lot because of this focus. From Leonardo da Vinci to Pablo Picasso – focus is the key to success. It is a light inside you. The sound I have is symbiotic and it cuts across geographies and generations.
You have been performing for over four decades now. What do you do to prepare for a tour at this point?
I actually prepare to not have an agenda – just come in and have a fresh perspective. On stage I go into a trance or it’s like meditation. It’s very important that my band has focus – I am like a ring leader who likes to shape the symmetry of emotions. There has to be genuine honesty in what I do. I am more focused and energetic on stage – I don’t like to be a personality 24 hours a day.
What are your opinions about Indian music?
I think Indian music is very profound, it also has humour. I like the ragas and meditation music. Indian music is like exercising. You have to surrender your mind to peacefulness.
DETAIL
At:Â F1 Rocks Concert, Galgotias University, Campus One, Knowledge Park, Phase II, Greater Noida
When: 28 October
Timings:Â 5 pm
Tickets:Â Rs 3,500, Rs 10,000
Log on to:Â http://in.ticketgenie.in
How special is the India tour?
I feel inspired, grateful and honoured indeed. I am hungry for colours and sounds. This is officially my first India visit. From 1972 to 1981, I had a spiritual guru. I like to see temples and textures. I am open to everything. It does not necessarily need to be a temple; it doesn’t have to be rich or lavish. It can be simple and modest but really powerful. Stay in your heart and travel in the light.
How do you effortlessly create such beautiful melodies while composing music?
It is the purity of innocence, the complexity of simplicity. It is important to remember that everything needs to be treated in a fresh manner. There has to be a virgin energy, which is what makes everything fresh. I stay a virgin through it all.
Over the years, you’ve collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry. Who are the existing or up and coming musicians you would like to work with?
I like and admire all the artistes. My band is my family, as well as my wife, who will also perform with me this time in India. I have collaborated with many artistes.
From Woodstock 1969 to now, you have been on a long musical journey. What do you remember most about the great experience?
Through my entire career, I have realised that it is important to stay focused. That is the key word. Einstein and Sri Aurobindo were geniuses who were able to accomplish a lot because of this focus. From Leonardo da Vinci to Pablo Picasso – focus is the key to success. It is a light inside you. The sound I have is symbiotic and it cuts across geographies and generations.
You have been performing for over four decades now. What do you do to prepare for a tour at this point?
I actually prepare to not have an agenda – just come in and have a fresh perspective. On stage I go into a trance or it’s like meditation. It’s very important that my band has focus – I am like a ring leader who likes to shape the symmetry of emotions. There has to be genuine honesty in what I do. I am more focused and energetic on stage – I don’t like to be a personality 24 hours a day.
What are your opinions about Indian music?
I think Indian music is very profound, it also has humour. I like the ragas and meditation music. Indian music is like exercising. You have to surrender your mind to peacefulness.
DETAIL
At:Â F1 Rocks Concert, Galgotias University, Campus One, Knowledge Park, Phase II, Greater Noida
When: 28 October
Timings:Â 5 pm
Tickets:Â Rs 3,500, Rs 10,000
Log on to:Â http://in.ticketgenie.in
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