INTERVIEW WITH TARA MAHADEVAN
1. What is your full given name?
Will keep that disclosed and just prefer Krow J Chaplin
2. What stage name do you perform under?
The same name i choose to be referred as.
3. Where did you grow up, and how did that shape you?
I grew up in Staten Island NYC, in a small town called Kriescherville. Right next to Tottenville. I'd say it shaped my life pretty well for the most part. There was always something to do as a kid and all the neighbors knew each other like family. It was a special time I'd say.
4. What first inspired you to pursue music as a career?
I was honestly never expecting to make a career out of it, at first it was for fun. then it felt like something i had to do in life. for what reason i don't know. If i had known the whole system would be corrupt I would have honestly never gotten myself involved in it.
5. Looking back, is there anything in your music journey you wish you could have done differently?
I don't know. I mean I got into it because i would mess around on my aunt's grand piano and would just come up with melody's without anyone's guidance. Soon as that happened at the age of 5 years old, my parents gave me lessons for drums, guitar and piano. I was just able to pick up any instrument and play it. They were amazed because I'd play every instrument right handed when I am left handed.
6. When did you begin writing or creating music?
I started getting serious about it when i was 16 years old. Id play the acoustic guitar all night and barely sleep, and just write, write and write.
7. Have any established artists supported or recognized your work so far?
Yes I'd say many have, I been offered contracts but turned them down. I feel music is about expressing your feelings and I prefer being independent because i have that freedom. I'm not going to say it never crossed my mind, you know? The money the fame and all that stuff. But at the same time, its not worth my soul and for anyone to steal the light in me. Any musician or public entertainer knows what I'm talking about. But if the offer feels right, I'll most likely except it.
8. What advice would you give to upcoming or aspiring musicians?
Uhm, be careful. Read between the lines and do your research before signing anything. Know what your getting yourself into.
9. How would you describe your style or the genre of music you create?
I consider it to be dark, dark enough to express the truth about the true reality we are facing on this earth. We face evil within ourselves everyday. But something spiritual, a light inside us does its best to fight it off. Most times it wins, sometimes it does not. So to ask what Genre, im not sure. I feel its just something I invented by accident in order to express the true nature of our own being.
10. Can you tell us about your past releases and give us a glimpse of what’s next?
Well, its hard to explain, my lyrics to each song has a message, a warning perhaps. I feel the words were given to me by a higher source for which we cannot see but feel. Simple Iris for example isn't about flowers. Its about child trafficking and other tragedy's that happen to children all around the world, it expresses the mother and father's pain of losing their child. And Eternal Warfare album expresses the horrors of the world we witness every day. Wars, plagues, government control, a dark society running the world and so on. As for what is next, I honestly couldn't tell you. I guess we'll just have to see what happens.
11. Do you see yourself reaching major success in the music industry, and why?
No, because im not in it for the fame. I just enjoy my listeners hearing my music. Every fan of mine are truly special because they get it. It's not because Im a big rock star its because they enjoy the art I created. And they understand the lyrics. I'm honestly a fan of my fans. And if i could, I would visit each and everyone them and talk with them. So I would never fit in as a famous artist. Because I love to engage with my fans, not ignore them. But like I said, if the deal sound good and respect how we do things, then I would take it into consideration.
12. What challenges have you faced as an independent artist, and how have you overcome them?
I'd say for being Judged. I get messages calling me a Devil Worshipper or the devil himself. But they are far off. I do no such thing, I love people and I'm concerned. I hold the doors for others and i show respect to others. I don't sacrifice chickens or babies. I love Our father Yahweh and his loving son Yeshua. I almost fell into the dark side of the industry, but bailed out at the last minute before initiations. And I believe Yeshua gave me a big smack in the back of my head not to do it. So here I am today, remaining independent.
13. Who are your biggest musical influences or inspirations?
Its hard to say really, I mean. I listened to more than just one group. But none of them really influenced me. I just preferred to do things on my own. I never did a copy band because to me that is not art. That's just taking thin paper and tracing it. I prefer being my own inspiration. I feel there is so much more to be created. Making new sounds is like birth of a baby coming out of its mothers womb. We should only inspire what we create not for someone else's. If that was the case, then there would never be new music.
14. What does your creative process look like when writing or producing music?
Not really sure until I finish it, then we go back and listen for any defects. Thereafter My producer listen's to it and edits the sound control to give it a clean sound. But all and all I'm quite happy how it comes out. The sound we produce is what makes us different. That's how I feel about it anyway.
15. How do you want your music to impact listeners?
I don't want them to just listen, I want them to feel the vibe. The truth and most of all to understand it.
16. What has been your most memorable performance or career moment so far?
Id say they all been memorable. We usually played out in underground clubs and events. Every show has been a great experience and love for the audience.
17. How do you handle criticism and setbacks in your career?
I love our critics, It is mostly because of them that helps us to focus on any of the issues they claim to not like. So we repair it and helps make our sound improve. So to all our critics we thank you, because without your honesty, nothing would be able to improve.
18. If you could collaborate with any artist (living or dead), who would it be and why?
I'd say John Lennon. Because he was real with his fans. he would hang out with those who admired him and was never shy against the public. His love for people, music and freedom was real and inspiring to many.
19. What role do you think social media and streaming platforms play in building your career?
Some are good, some are bad. They base your reach on there own agenda's. so if they don't agree with what you have to say they will shadow ban you. If you place any truth in your songs be prepared to be dismantled from the public having a chance to hear your songs. As of right now spotify blocks our songs from being heard. Because they do not agree or fear of what I sing. And its not just my songs, they do this to many artist's. So its something that most should know.
20. Where do you see yourself and your music five years from now?
Not sure, I may not even be alive 5 years from now. I can't determine what my future holds. I can only hope our reach gains more listeners and to hear the truth. Just give it a listen and a chance if you never heard our music. Its not just about the sound its about the message behind it.
