Manas Jha Recalls Blackstratblues on New EP 'Freedom or Love," Also Collaborates with Sidd Coutto and Dhruv Visvanath
RollingStone India|February 2023
The four-track record also features musicians Jai Row Kavi and Raag Sethi
DAVID BRITTO
Manas Jha Recalls Blackstratblues on New EP 'Freedom or Love," Also Collaborates with Sidd Coutto and Dhruv Visvanath

THE LAST TIME WE SPOKE TO MUMT BAI-BRED singer-songwriter Manas Jha was in 2021 when he released his third EP Trifecta. That record included a host of collaborators. Jha has kept with the same formula on his just-released fourth EP, the four-track Freedom or Love. The musician brings back Mumbai/Auckland guitarist Warren Mendonsa aka Blackstratblues who played on Trifecta - for the new EP as well as his bandmate drummer Jai Row Kavi on the punchy early 2000s rock offering "Broken Bangles." Mendonsa's other bandmate from rockers Zero, Sidd Coutto, joins Jha on the vivacious "Abandon - Reprise." The singer-songwriter also enlists Ahmedabad-based producer-bassist/guitarist Raag Sethi for the stirring "Mend Your Ways" and New Delhi guitar maverick and singer Dhruv Visvanath on the percussive acoustic guitar track "Decay Redux."

In this interview with Rolling Stone India, Jha talks to us about the new EP, how the collaborations came about, the music videos he's made to accompany the tracks, what he has in store next and more.

The last time I interviewed you was for your EP Trifecta, what have you been up to since then?

MA lot has happened since. We moved countries relocated from New York City to Bombay. It feels great to be back home. I've been fortunate to catch some of my indie favorites live again, be it at a regular gig at antiSOCIAL, Independence Rock, NH7 Weekender, Mood-I, and so much more. It's also been great to jam again with a few friends, though getting a full band going has been a challenge.

When did Freedom or Love begin to take shape?

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ROLLINGSTONE INDIAView all
SPICE WORLD
RollingStone India

SPICE WORLD

Ice Spice ignored the haters, commanded our attention, and became a new kind of star. Next up: a great debut album

time-read
10+ mins  |
October 2024
Pritam: THE HIT MAKER
RollingStone India

Pritam: THE HIT MAKER

INSIDE THE MIND OF HINDI FILM MUSIC DIRECTOR PRITAM CHAKRABORTY, WHO RECENTLY WON HIS FIRST NATIONAL AWARD FOR BRAHMASTRA: PART ONE - SHIVA, ON HOW HE CREATES SCORES THAT ENDURE AND SONGS THAT CLOCK MILLIONS OF STREAMS

time-read
10 mins  |
October 2024
K-Drama Flashback: 'My Name'
RollingStone India

K-Drama Flashback: 'My Name'

'My Name,' starring Han So-hee in the titular role, deftly subverts gender norms in society via a story of relentless fight for revenge

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
LAST NIGHT I DREAMT I WENT TO SILENT HILL AGAIN
RollingStone India

LAST NIGHT I DREAMT I WENT TO SILENT HILL AGAIN

The 'Silent Hill 2' Remake has you returning to that restless dream from 23 years ago

time-read
8 mins  |
October 2024
FIFTY FIFTY: 'WE'LL CONTINUE TO SHOW OUR BEST SELVES'
RollingStone India

FIFTY FIFTY: 'WE'LL CONTINUE TO SHOW OUR BEST SELVES'

Fifty Fifty's single 'Cupid' was a viral hit. The K-pop girl group is back with renewed vigor, releasing its new album, 'Love Tune.' The following interview covers details, insights, and anecdotes

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
EXCISE DEPT: 'IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CREATE STRONG, BOLD CONTRASTS'
RollingStone India

EXCISE DEPT: 'IT WAS IMPORTANT TO CREATE STRONG, BOLD CONTRASTS'

From An Armory Of Instruments To Personal Stories Told With An Uncharacteristic Straightforwardness, The Delhi/Goa Band Are Taking Over The World With Their Latest Full-Length

time-read
6 mins  |
October 2024
Mali is Heading to SXSW Sydney in October
RollingStone India

Mali is Heading to SXSW Sydney in October

For the longest time I have known that my music has a significant market outside the country,' says the Chennai/Mumbai pop artist

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Ji Chang-wook, Lee Jun-ho, and Cha Eun-woo to Star in Superhero K-Dramas
RollingStone India

Ji Chang-wook, Lee Jun-ho, and Cha Eun-woo to Star in Superhero K-Dramas

Features the upcoming 'Twelve,' 'Cashero,' and 'The Wonder Fools' with the Korean stars in exciting new roles

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Yoon Seobin Makes a Stylish Comeback with 'Rizz'
RollingStone India

Yoon Seobin Makes a Stylish Comeback with 'Rizz'

The Korean actor and singer well-known for starring in the K-drama Kissable Lips' returns to the music scene after a 10 months hiatus

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
Markio Tanaldo Pours Out Emotions in 'Mera Koi Na'
RollingStone India

Markio Tanaldo Pours Out Emotions in 'Mera Koi Na'

The Arunachal Pradesh singer-songwriter's second release is a poignant Hindi song that pays tribute to his late father

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024