Today we’d like to introduce you to Rusty Rickshaw.
Hi Rusty, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Rusty Rickshaw is a band born out in Los Angeles in 2015. The band members, each with roots in the Indian subcontinent, found themselves drawn together by a shared love for music that transcends borders. The band fuses elements like rock, pop, blues, and folk, often incorporating regional languages and instruments into their music.
Inspired by the rich traditions of their heritage and the free-spirited vibe, we started crafting songs that seamlessly blended the two worlds. We experimented with everything from our subcontinent instruments to electric guitars and synth beats, creating a sound that was both deeply rooted in the Indian subcontinent and infused with the edgy spirit of the West Coast. We spent our early days performing at small intimate venues and underground venues, where the eclectic sound quickly caught the attention of a small community of music enthusiasts.
The name, “Rusty Rickshaw,” is an ode to the journey—an homage to the rickshaw, a symbol of bustling streets of the far world, now a little rusted and weathered from the journey to this side of the world. It reflected our music: full of character and history.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Cultural Identity Clash: One of the earliest challenges we faced was navigating the delicate balance between our Indian heritage and our indie Californian spirit. Finding a way to blend these two distinct worlds without losing the authenticity of either was a daunting task. We struggled with questions of identity, often wondering if we were being “too Indian” for the audience here or “too Western” for those listening to our music back home. This internal conflict forced us to dig deep and stay true to our vision, ultimately leading to a sound that was unapologetically our own.
Breaking into the Music Scene: We had to contend with the competitive nature of the LA music scene, where countless bands fight for the same opportunities. Gaining recognition was an uphill battle, requiring relentless networking, countless performances in small, often underappreciated venues, and a constant push to stand out in a saturated market.
Audience Reception and Misconceptions: As a band that fuses Indian Subcontinent music with modern genres, we often encountered audiences who were unfamiliar with or even resistant to our unique sound. We had to overcome misconceptions and stereotypes about what Indian music “should” sound like. Sculpting a sound that was not only innovative but accessible required perseverance, especially in a market where mainstream sounds dominate.
Maintaining Creative Integrity: We had to fight to maintain our creative integrity, refusing to dilute the cultural influences for the sake of mass appeal. This commitment to authenticity sometimes meant turning down lucrative opportunities, a decision that wasn’t always easy but ultimately preserved the essence of our music.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
You can check out our work here:
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RustyRickshaw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2vrI3th2MWU5JuiLiWoYiF
Link to all streaming music: https://linktr.ee/rustyrickshaw
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
We grew up listening to our favorite bands on MTV in India. Almost all of us used to religiously go to underground shops that sold bootlegged recordings. We never thought that we would ever get to play the expensive gear our idols used. Playing in the venues that we saw on TV back then and getting to write our own music is a dream come true.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rustyrickshaw.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/rustyrickshaw
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/rustyrickshaw
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/RustyRickshaw
