Joel Mogera specializes in Electric Guitar. He’s a well-known Rock/Metal Lead Guitarist.
He has a rich experience in music, live performances and has a long list of artists he has worked with. In his 15 years career he has played with bands like Sarfeere, Decayed Souls, Spikedhead.
He is also a Guitar Teacher & Owner at MUSIC MANIAC.
We got a chance to get connected with him, and Here’s a transcript from a recent interview with him.
- What first got you into music?
It was my Brother. He used to turn on MTV and Channel V after our schools when we reached home and that made me hear some beautiful songs from 90’s pop bands like Backstreet boys, Boyzone, Britney Spears & lot more. Also, at school we had to attend church as Christian every first Friday of the month and our vice principal Fr. Walter used to play amazing Guitar. That was the first time I fell in love with Guitar.
- Who inspired you to become what you are today?
Of course it’s my brother, my guitar sir Lenny Kisky, Fr. Walter, Mr. Victor Pereira. But mainly it was my father that allowed me to pursue my dream and who spent a good amount of money in training me and buying me best of the best musical Instruments.
- How would you describe the music that you typically create?
My music is heavily influenced by Heavy Metal, so it has that heavy tone however I love melodic tunes so much so with heaviness I add up beautiful melodies here and there. My music has to do with human emotions, the injustice of the world and government, the brainwashing for media and religions.
- What is your creative process like?
First I decide a topic. I totally get into the vibe of the topic. That makes me write down my thoughts. Once my thoughts are on paper, I convert them into rhyme, giving it a tempo and time signature. Once it’s created, its time to decide what chords will hit those emotions. After the chords structure is decided I create melodies. And then I keep working on it as long as I feel decently satisfied.
- Who would you most like to collaborate with?
If they are western musicians, most of them that I wanna collab with have left the planet like Alexi Laiho, Dimebag Darrell. In indian music scene it’s Sachin-jigar, A R Rahman, Arman Malik, KK and Mohit Chauhan.
- If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Maroon 5, Ozzy Osbourne, KK, Mohit Chauhan.
- What is one message you would give to your fans?
Fans are the reason musicians can feed their tummies. Keep supporting original music.
- We understand you are very talented but can we know what is the most useless talent you have? ( this question is just for adding humor to over audience)
I can go talk to any random person on streets with confidence. Infact that’s one of my hobbies. I love meeting new people and this hobby has gotten me many good connections as well as shows.
- Do you sing in the shower? What songs?
Yes I do. Chal chaiya chaiya, Sweet dreams by Marilyn manson.
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What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?
I left MBA in midway, I’d have been miserable working for some corporate that doesn’t give a shit about my happiness. Thank God I’m not
- Where have you performed? What are your favorite and least favorite venues? Do you have any upcoming shows?
All the colleges that you can name in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar, I’ve performed there. Back in the days there used to be a venue named CEPT. That’s my most fav place to rock.
- How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music industry, and how is it helping you to grow? (we will link your social handles here)
Like everything else internet has affected music industry from the core. For example Youtube, Spotify simply changed the trends of buying cds or cassettes. It’s only live shows now that makes us money as musicians cuz not everyone earns lakhs from Youtube or Spotify. However with curses comes blessings too. It’s way easier to reach audience nowadays than it was before 20 years. It connects you with people in seconds. No doubt everything has become faster due to that.
- What is your favorite song to perform?
In hindi it’s Pal from KK, Bulleya and Ae dil hai mushkil and in Western it’s a long list. But mostly Rock and Metal songs.
- Which famous musicians do you admire?
I admire Shankar Ehsaan Loy, A R Rahman, Mohit Chauhan and KK.
- What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
Well I dislike authoritarian governmental activities. So I’ve gotten into trouble with cops many a times. Recently Due to BU permission they closed down our academy, I broke the seal and opened it up. So obviously I was taken to police station. I explained them my point of view and that this is the only income after Corona years and they simply understood and let me go after I sang few songs for them.
- What is the best advice you’ve been given?
My dad used to tell me,”Beta, do not ever let people’s opinion affect you. Do not change your dreams or consider yourself lower than anyone. The world out there will affect you but you stay strong and stick to your dreams. Never say I can’t do it. You can and You will if you set your mind to it.”
- If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
The power of corporates over music industry. They take up all money of artists and treat them like their slaves. All hard work of artists ends up in becoming slave to big Music labels.
- what advice you would like to give to all the struggeling or upcoming artists?
Never give up. I’ve seen my own band mates leaving music for their jobs and businesses. If you picked up an instrument let it not be only for hobby but become great with it. Consider it hammer of Thor. No matter how dark and hopeless it looks not matter how your family, friends, society pulls you down by saying shitty things believe in yourself and someday the world will believe in you.