A few weeks after the release of their groundbreaking album, Nu Delhi, Bloodywood’s Raoul Kerr made an appearance on Loudwire Nights to delve into their innovative music, reflect on their remarkable career journey, and articulate their ambitious aspirations for the future. This discussion provides insights into the band’s unique approach to metal music and their cultural roots.

To fully appreciate this enlightening conversation, be sure to listen to the complete discussion in the audio player located towards the end of this article.

“I’ve only recently been able to articulate my vision in a way that resonates,” Kerr shared with host Chuck Armstrong regarding his aspirations for Bloodywood’s future. He emphasized, “We aim to reintegrate metal into the mainstream music scene.”

This vision isn’t merely a recent development for Bloodywood. Their second full-length album, 2022’s Rakshak, achieved a significant milestone by charting on Billboard, marking it as the first Indian metal album to reach such heights. Additionally, upon its release, it quickly became one of the top-selling new releases on Bandcamp, showcasing the band’s rising popularity and impact.

“The concept of merging metal and hip hop felt instinctive to me, as I grew up immersed in the sounds of Linkin Park, Limp Bizkit, System of a Down, and Rage Against the Machine,” Kerr explained passionately.

Linkin Park, in particular, emerged as a pivotal influence for the band. Kerr stated, “They were our initial inspiration, the common thread that binds our diverse musical tastes. While each of us has individual preferences, Linkin Park serves as the unifying core of our musical identity.”

As Kerr and Karan Katiyar of Bloodywood began brainstorming their original compositions, their vision consistently pointed back to the iconic sound of Linkin Park.

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“It would be exhilarating to revive that distinctive sound, as it had been absent from the music scene for quite some time,” Kerr noted with enthusiasm.

“Moreover, we aim to convey a powerful message that resonates deeply with listeners. Even those who may not actively seek it out can find common ground through our music, fostering a sense of unity and celebrating diversity within our community,” he elaborated.

Key Insights from Raoul Kerr’s Conversation on Loudwire Nights

• The experience of being from India and representing metal music globally is a dream come true for Kerr: “It is the dream. We have always aspired to make a meaningful impact on a global scale through our music.”
• Kerr emphasizes the importance of staying connected to their Indian heritage: “Our roots shape our identity. It informs how we communicate our message and express our sound, which are intricately linked.”
• The intriguing connection between Bloodywood and Babymetal: “We received a delightful video showing our track featured on Babymetal’s playlist before their performance. It was an exciting moment, knowing that we were acknowledged by artists we admire and have enjoyed listening to throughout various stages of our lives.”

Catch the Complete Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Raoul Kerr joined the Loudwire Nights show on Friday, May 2. The episode is available for replay online, and you can catch the show live every weeknight at 7 PM ET on the Loudwire app. Additionally, check your local radio listings to see if the show is available in your area and enjoy on-demand interviews.