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.
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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.
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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
