Vijoy Rao gets the Spotlight Friday Night at the Pageant
This Friday night it’s another Ticketmaster New Music Spotlight. This time, the big stage is turned over to our town’s Vijoy Rao and the Removers. Rao has been playing acoustic blues rock in the area for about a decade and his band has released two records — one live and one studio.
Patrons of South County’s Ten Mile House know Rao as he plays there regularly.
I spoke with Rao a few weeks back.
***
RC: Are you from St. Louis?
VR: I was born and raised in St. Louis. My parents moved here in the 1960s from India. I was kind of brought up in an artistic house. My dad was a painter. I grew up listening to all kinds of music.
RC: How do you approach writing music?
VR: Writing is kind of a strange animal. It’s always learning process. I wrote my first song when I was 16 and it was awful! Even now, only one of every eight or nine songs I write make it onstage. I like to keep it really raw and organic. The best word to describe my music is ‘honest.’
RC: Have you always played guitar?
VR: I was actually trained as drummer, so in terms of my guitar playing style, I’m pretty much playing drums on guitar. When I have a full band, the songs are really expanded out a lot.
RC: Any local recommendations for acoustic fans?
VR: Yes, “STL Unplugged” at the Ten Mile House, about every three months. We pull together four or five acts and play an all acoustic night. Everyone walks out with a live recording of their gig. It’s a great way to meet people.
***
Ticketmaster New Music Spotlight
Featuring Vijoy Rao & the Removers, Remedy, Fundamental Elements and Papa Smiley
Doors: 7 pm, Show: 8 pm, $5, All Ages
Upcoming:
Saturday, Jan. 26 @ Cruisin’ Rte 66 with full band (Crestwood)
Friday, March 7 @ Ten Mile House. “STL Unplugged” with Brian Muench and Adam Yont
Tuesday March 18 @ Cicero’s (PLAYBACK:stl showcase)
www.10milehouse.com
Vijoy’s crew: Rachel Brandt - Keyboards/vocals; Dave Brickey - Bass guitar/vocals; Eric Powell - Lead guitar; Chris Keale - Drums/percussion
Matt has been a writer and researcher in the P-D newsroom since 1996. 
Vijoy Rao is awesome. I really hope I get an autograph.
[...] is finally getting his due for his music talents as the deplorable St. Louis Post Dispatch reports today. Published Jan 17 2008, 12:56 PM by [...]
Not many musicians in St. Louis have the stage presence, talent and overall awesomeness that Vijoy Rao has….. and those Removers he has backing him up make his sound explode!
Vijoy is teh headiest.
Vijoy totally rocks. It’s going to be a kickin’ show. If you miss it, be sure you buy an extra beer to cry in.
If I could see one man in concert, it would be Johnny Cash. Then Clapton. Then maybe vintage Zepplin and Floyd. Then Stevie Ray Vaughn and Hendrix ripping a set together with Bowie on lyrics and Elton on the keys. Wait…put the SRV/Hendrix/Bowie/Elton set first, then Cash, then Clapton, then Zepplin and Floyd. Then Vijoy. Tomorrow, I plan to proudly check off #6 at the Pageant.
What can I say about Vijoy? One of THE COOLEST CATS in the local music industry that I know, not to mention, one of THE MOST TALENTED. Although I am more accustomed to seeing him play percussive parts, over the past year or so, I have watched him grow and play his heart out. I didn’t know that he could do all that until we did a STL Unplugged show. I am proud to support him and his entire band on this night at the Pageant. I can’t wait!
What can I say about Vijoy? One of THE COOLEST CATS that I know in the local music scene. I am accustomed to seeing him play percussive parts, however, over the past year or so I have seen him grow in many ways. I did not know he could do all that until we did an STL Unplugged Show with him. I am proud to support him and his entire band on this night at the Pageant. I cannot wait!
[...] Vijoy Rao gets the Spotlight Friday Night at the PageantSt. Louis Post-Dispatch - This Friday night it’s another Ticketmaster New Music Spotlight. This time, the big stage is turned over to our town’s Vijoy Rao and the Removers. Rao has been playing acoustic blues rock in the area for about a decade and his band has released [...]
VIJOY ROCKS!!!!!!
ALWAYS HAS ALWAYS WILL
XXXOOO
hi…
super!…
Danny T….
On guard, you rascal!…
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