Chatting up with ARTCELL

After the usual introductions, little chit chats about elements familiar to you, and then the order for lunch, you finally ask Lincoln the lingering question in your mind. How come Lincoln looks nothing like he does on stage, with his hair sprawling around his shoulders, his eyes covered with dark glasses and his attitude 'rough and tough' enough to jolt your wits out? 'Do I really look that frightening on stage?' smiles out he, with innocent pride shining on his face. 'Well, you have to realize that along with our voices and other technical needs, we also have to look after our appearances to let the audience have the real feel of our music. You can't expect me to look like I do now, when I go up on stage and perform Metallica for the people!' remarks the front man.

Once the order arrives, everyone gets busy with their grub. While you sip your apple juice, you can't help but wonder about the amount of popularity they have gained in a very short span of time. 'Well our popularity is consistent within a particular section of the society.' says Shaju. 'This section consists mostly of kids and the younger generation. There are a very few older folks who enjoy the music that we play. That's why we believe that our popularity actually revolves within a limited range. It's the same with our friends, Black and Cryptic Fate.' 'But we don't mind it a bit' chips in Ershad, 'all we want to do is create some good music that we would enjoy playing for the listeners, and they would enjoy as well.'

Is that the reason why Artcell is not stepping into the mainstream limelight? 'We wouldn't want to get into the limelight or the mainstream', says Ershad. 'Too much work, too many sacrifices!' remarks Lincoln. 'We actually enjoy the freedom we have right now.' says Shaju.

Then you move on to their album, and wonder as to why 'Onno Shomoy' had a set of completely different numbers and musicals. 'I know. Its nothing like the ones we did during our concerts, prior to the release of our album.' smiles Ershad. 'All the numbers were composed by us. Lincoln, myself, Shaju and Cezanne have our own ways of interpreting our feelings and thoughts into music, which is very much apparent in our album. For instance, Lincoln prefers to compose the music first and then fit in the lyrics. I do it otherwise. Then we all sit together and work on them.' 'Some of the numbers like Pothchola were also composed by Late Rupok, our friend who had died a year back. The song Rupok was our way of thanking him.' says the trio.

And the conversation goes on between you and the one band which is said to have risen from their underground position in a very short span of time. You can't help but wonder about the enormous amount of rich talent pumping inside them, making them the musical heroes amongst the young in Dhaka city today. 'Our friends and fans who listen to us and cheer us on and encourage us deserve the real applause.' smiles Ershad. 'They make us feel important and we appreciate that.'