"This music is all we have, this love is all we need. This song is all we play, this soul is all we feed. Won't you take me by your hand, won't you take me in your dreams? Won't you take me here and everywhere?"-As the lyrics of this ethereal music number by Voodoo Child (music band) goes, music indeed takes us to places and delights our souls. A band whose name would remind one of the popular song by renowned American musician Jimi Hendrix, Voodoo Child has been winning the hearts of people in the state and north eastern region since 2002. In a state that favours regional music more, the true fans of Rock have kept bands like Voodoo Child going and they in return have given the people a taste of the wonderful genre that Rock is.
With roots that can be traced to the late 1940's and early 1950's, Rock music is a broad genre that originated as Rock and Roll in the United States. Rock and Roll, as a style essentially drew inspiration from African-American music and country music. The genre also evolved by drawing inspiration from a variety of other genres like electric blues and folk, jazz and classical etc.
Formed in the early decade of the 2000s, Voodoo Child is a Guwahati-based band founded by Rittique Phukan. During its inception, Rittique was both the drummer and singer. Amborish Saikia was the lead guitarist. Later, they were joined by Tanmay Ray Chaudhury who was a drummer and consequently Rittique shifted his focus solely towards the guitar and vocals. In 2005, Jim Ankan Deka joined the band as the keyboardist, Pankaj Rajkhowa as the bassist and David Goldsmith as another vocalist. In 2015, the band saw a change in the members.
Currently, the band consists of Rittique Phukan (vocals and guitar), Rajib Hazarika (lead guitarist), Priyanku Bordoloi (lead guitarist), Bobo Bardoloi (bass), Mintu Sarma (keys) and Biraj Baishya (drums).
The genres of music that have influenced the music of Voodoo Child are particularly Rock, Blues, Funk, Jazz, Country, Soul, Pop and Metal. Additionally, the band, from time to time has also drawn inspiration from anyone who is connected to music. From a street musician to popular artists, the band has always tried to weave a plethora of tales through their music. Considering the confluence of different emotions and stories that every composition (from this band) resonates, it would not be an exaggeration to say that Voodoo Child has been celebrating life for 20 years.
Until now, Voodoo Child has performed in almost all the leading clubs and events across Northeast India. They have also performed in other parts of the country like Delhi, Bangalore and Goa. In a span of 20 years, the band has released three full length albums- We Own the Night (2017), 20 Years on the Road (2020) and Underneath the Stars (2021)- all available on online platforms like Spotify, YouTube, iTunes, Amazon Music, Deezer, Apple Music, Pandora Music and Yandex Music.
The band's message for young musicians is -Stay dedicated and focused. Give it time and play it with love. Practice sincerely and most importantly, listen to a lot of music of all styles. They will all help you grow.
In the years to come Voodoo Child aspires to spread and reiterate the message that music is a tool of expression and brotherhood among different age groups.
From being the opening band for the Guwahati concert of Michael Learns to Rock to playing across the nation, Voodoo Child has certainly proved what Rittique Phukan likes to ensconce at the heart of the band-"Keep on rocking the highway!"
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