Montry Manuel, a Bengaluru-based percussionist, sums Thaalavattam, his 'eco'endeavor, in simple words: Making soul-stirring melodies out of hybrid-customised trash turned musical instruments. Taking the concept of DIY to the next level, finding value and turning usable trash to treasure is what egged this musician to create his music his way — literally and metaphorically. Thaalavattam was the first live act from India to have performed at the O.Z.O.R.A. Music Festival, Hungary for three consecutive years (2014, 2015, 2016). And now, Montry — the main man behind it all — is gearing up for his next big innings. We get chatty with the city musician who is currently working on his first EP slated for release by February.
“This is my first baby. So, I wouldn't want it to run along the usual lines. Never been a fan of conventional stuff. Therefore, listeners can expect a new track release every month. I plan on winding this up by February. Fingers crossed as always!” begins Montry. With a penchant for recyclables from childhood, the self-taught musician shares, “I started out as a drummer at the age of 10. I have my roots in Kerala, and was raised in Cochin. I've been collecting vessels and plates and trying to make unique tunes out of them for as long I can remember. All the instruments I've used for creating music have an ‘organic vibe’ to it — made out of paint cans, soda bottle crowns, PET bottles, shock absorbers, bicycle parts and PVC pipes people would discard without a second though. Dad was extremley supportive of my inclination towards music and trained me under my teacher, Jerry Peter to learn how to play the drums.”
Some of the signature instruments from his handmade collection are Floating Jugs (made from old water jugs), Tubelaa (discarded PVC pipes), Spring Rings, Trash Bin and Discarded Pipe Didgeridoo. While his tryst with playing live began as a drummer with the popular city band Swarathma, the drive to venture out to different avenues is what led to the emergence of this project. Tracing the journey back to a chance he took in the year 2002, Thaalavattam refers to a 'Circle of Rhythm' in Malayalam. “As a typical '80s child, a very popular Malayalam movie which runs along an implying message of how one flew over a cuckoo's nest deeply inspired me. But, that aside, the adage resonated with me on a deeper level," shares the graphic designer who quit his job the same year to pursue music full fledgedely. Drawing inspiration from daily instances, Montry adds, "I wouldn't want to restrict my genre to say rock, blues or anything for that matter. Personally, I love African rhythm grooves and Australian aboriginal tribal music as the sound is very earthy and raw.”
Asserting that it's only right for his concept to be called a project instead of a band, he opines, “Honestly, calling this concept a band would be limiting. I'd like to call it a project, and an experience. I might be taking centrestage with it, but it's sheer collaborative works most of the time.” As someone who has stuck by the purpose of spreading the message of ‘Reduce, reuse and return’, he says, “Thaalavattam opens its doors to anyone ready to unleash their creative energies. We were the first live act from India’, having performed at the O.Z.O.R.A. Music Festival (DRAGON-NEST) in Hungary in 2014, and were part of the opening and closing acts.” The project performed again in 2015, followed by an invitation to headline again in 2016, making it three years in a row. Montry has toured across 16 European countries, over 25 festivals in 90 days with Isabella Hans (Tour Manager / Austria) as part of this project.
