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A Goldspot of passion

Sonia Chopra

When Siddhartha Khosla was seven, he would sing before guests and at events. That's when he realized he had the talent and decided to be a singer.

Khosla grew up hearing Indian singers on his parents' music system in the car and at home. Also during his childhood, he met two other friends, Sanjay Sethi and Nikhil Wagle, who, like him, were born in the United States, settled in suburban New Jersey and spent their summers in India.

Getting together after the holidays, the friends would explore their mutual admiration for music, both Indian and Western. "We all loved to express ourselves through music," reminisces Khosla. "It provides us with a forum to express our love for our culture."

Through their teenage years, they played music. One summer in London, 12 years ago, they decided they wanted to go professional.

Today, singer Khosla, guitarist Sethi and bassist Wagle are in sync. And, in memory of their childhood ties with India and each other, they call themselves Goldspot.

"Goldspot isn't my favourite drink. It wasn't even my first drink; Coke was. But we named ourselves after it because it's bubbly and refreshing. I wish I could still drink it, but I hear that Goldspot is no longer made in India," says Khosla.

They recorded their debut album, Goldspot, with drummer Dino Crescentini. The music is a mix of tabla, sitar and keyboards. The songs have received accolades for their unusual style with modern music harmonizing with an Indian traditional vocal thread, an alaap, before the music comes in. The song Burning Ashes, is an example of this.

"I attribute my success to open-minded individuals who are willing to open up and absorb something new and different," says Khosla. "The immediate goal, which is now in sight, is to get a record deal with a major company. We've sparked interest from a number of record companies, and now it is time for us to capitalize on this. In a decade, I see us recording our fifth album."

Clips of their songs, including Burning Ashes, are available on their Web site (www.goldspot.com) where their CDs can be bought as well.

Inspired by other Asian bands, Goldspot is a pop/rock fusion group with Indian influences. "I couldn't see it any other way. I am an Indian American -- not any more Indian than American, or vice-versa," he explains.

"When you grow up hearing the voices of old Hindi singers like Mohammed Rafi or Mukesh playing in your parents' cassette deck, and then turning on the radio to hear U2 or the Police, it's going to have a profound effect on your musical development. And that's what my music is -- a blend of Western rock with strong Indian classical elements."

Khosla's vocal chords are the backbone of the group. He derives inspiration from Rafi, Bono, Radiohead and the Beatles. His songs are based on his mood at the time of penning them. "The lyrics are about love, loss, changing times, discrimination, hurt, and pain," he says.

Khosla has some advice for other youngsters who wish to follow in their footsteps and pursue artistic/creative endeavours. "It is important to pursue your passion -- whatever it may be. Ultimately this will give you the most happiness."

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