Blue Mar – The March Hare

By starrymag | March 17, 2022

By: Jennifer Vintzileos

 

 

 

Q) Tell us the story behind “Eulogy for Rohith Vemula.”

 

A) “Eulogy For Rohith Vemula” is my first single off my upcoming album. I was looking for new reading material and came across a book called The Good Immigrant. It consists of twenty-six essays, and it was the first time I heard about Rohith Vemula. This prompted me to do some online research and learn more about his life story, his activism and what he did for the Dalit community.

 

Q) What was it about Vemula’s story that inspired you to write a song for him?

 

A) His entire demeanor. He stood up for what was right and wrong in a graceful and gentlemanly manner.

 

Q) What was your reaction when you had the chance to listen to “Eulogy for Rohith Vemula” as a finished project?

 

A) I was relieved because it turned out much better than I had anticipated, and I was happy because I thought it was a lovely tribute to him.

 

Q) How involved were you during the production of the song?

 

A) It was co-produced by me and Mauro Motoki. It started with me messing around on my ukulele and led to us experimenting in the studio with new sounds, etc.!

We had a string arrangement made by Piero Damiani that elevated the song to a new level. Victor Rice worked on the mix and the masters were made by Carlos Freitas.

 

Q) Along with the single “Eulogy for Rohith Vemula,” on YouTube you also included songs “Horses Running” and “Gridlock,” which I love! Why did you decide to include those songs along with the title track and how do they correlate with one another?

 

A) Thank you very much! Both of them were previously released singles. I couldn’t bear parting with them just yet, so we had them remastered and showered them with the love and affection they deserved.

 

Q) What do you hope fans take away from “Eulogy for Rohith Vemula?”

 

A) His story, the significance of educating ourselves about social injustice and the fact that we can always find a silver lining in a sad circumstance.

 

Q) With the new single, when can fans expect the upcoming album The March Hare?

 

A) The album drops on March 30th!

 

Q) As you have postponed shows and touring due to Covid-19, are there any plans to resume shows soon or offer virtual shows to your fans?

 

A) Yes, I’m planning a mini tour in the US for April/May/June, and I’ll be performing a live, virtual event in early March. I’m also scheduling a tour in South Africa over November and December.

 

Q) When you have toured, which venue or city is your favorite to play and why?

 

A) One of my best memories was performing at a party at Estúdio Lamparina, São Paulo. It was the first location I ever recorded a song, so it held a special place in my heart! I’m super excited to play in the US.

 

Q) If given the opportunity, who would you love to collaborate with on a future music project?

 

A) Oh so many but definitely Bartees Strange, Toro y Moi and Casandra Jenkins.

 

Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters of your music? 

 

A) The support doesn’t go unnoticed, and I have a few surprises coming up in the near future.