Warren Mendonsa

"I don’t have a fixed routine for practise, and I also spend some time coming up with new musical ideas and experimenting with sounds"

Warren, you have had such an amazing career in music. How did it all start? Who influenced you the most to become a musician?
‍I was lucky to be born into a musical family. My dad mentored me when I  first started playing, but once I learned my basic chords and music theory he gave me some Beatles albums and sent me on my way. Derek Trucks, Michael Landau and Jeff Beck, they are some of the most expressive and inventive players I’ve heard. Everyone I’ve ever listened to has inspired me in some way

You have played with some greats! Who have you enjoyed playing with the most?
I’ve been lucky to jam with a few Blues greats such as John Mayall & Billy Gibbons at the Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai. The Blackstratblues lineup of Jai Row Kavi (Drums), Adi Mistry (Bass) and Beven Fonseca (Keys) evolved into something special by virtue of the sheer amount of time we spent playing together.

Being a musician requires a lot of dedication and practice. What does your practice routine look like?
‍I practice things in my playing that I notice need work from time to time. This could be anything from alternate picking exercises with a metronome to practicing triads across the neck. I don’t have a fixed routine, and I also spend some time coming up with new musical ideas and experimenting with sounds.

What tips do you have to offer other guitarists to keep improving their craft?
Take in information in small chunks and fully integrate it into your own playing before seeking further knowledge.

In your opinion, who was the greatest musician on the guitar?
Jimi Hendrix, without a doubt.

Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. How do you work on them?
Putting in the time to work on both.

Is there anything you totally love and love less about being a musician?
LOVE: Creativity and improvisation, the hang with other musicians
Love less: Intense travel schedules, Social media, Delayed payments

Which musician do you dream of collaborating with?
I would love to watch Michael Landau record and mix guitar, he gets some of the best tones I’ve heard.

Being a musician can involve doing so many things including recording, touring and live playing. Do you have a preference or wish you could avoid something?
‍Each has pros and cons, as long as I reminded myself how fortunate it is to make a living playing music, it’s all good.

Any interesting memories from either recording, touring or live playing?
I’ll save those for the book I’ll write when I retire. Right now there’s more memories to be made :)

Being away from home while touring can be hard. How you cope?
I would look at it as a necessary evil, though these days thanks to technology it’s easier keeping in touch with loved ones back home.

How are the pressures of performing live versus session recording?
The people I worked with were pretty relaxed in the studio. You can always do another take in the studio, whereas live this is not possible. But the energy the audience throws at the stage is another feeling altogether.

Which is your absolute favorite performance venue? Anywhere in the world.
‍Rang Bhavan in Mumbai, sadly now defunct. I was lucky to play there quite a few times before it was shut down.

Any pet peeves with live performances?
My pet peeve is when equipment promised on the tech rider was either substituted or not provided.
The vendors in the north of India were notorious for this, though the situation seems to have slightly improved.

Are there some specific skills that you have developed to help you perform even more effectively as a musician?
Ear training and a relaxed temperament.

Any performance that stands out for you as a major highlight?
It’s hard to pick just one :)

Was there anytime you hit a roadblock or struggled with something either during practice or while in your professional life?
This happens all the time with my playing, but is easily overcome with dedicated practice.

There are highs and then are always some lows. Any low experience that you would like to share with our readers?
There was one gig where we were hired to play along with some tracks from a laptop which malfunctioned during the show, making us sound unrehearsed and empty. I learned not to rely too heavily on the machines ;-)

Which qualities do you think make a great musician?
Great ears, generosity of spirit and the ability to take musical risks

What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?
To not overthink things while improvising and just play from the gut. To accomplish this it takes a lot of practice, but ultimately proves very rewarding.

It can be daunting to be in front of screaming thousands! How do you cope with performance anxiety, if you feel any?
Early in my career I used to take off my glasses so I couldn’t see the audience. These days I remind myself that I’m participating in something bigger than myself with other musicians, most of who are good friends. And if people have turned up to see you play, there are usually on your side :)

Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance to get rid of nerves or performance anxiety?
I make sure I’ve drunk plenty of water and have made a trip to the bathroom.

‍Ever made a mistake during a performance? What did u do?
The old jazz adage - play it again!

So many budding musicians look up to you, what advice would you give them?
You have to really want to do it, as there’s a pile of shit to wade through. But if you feel there’s no other option, you will find a way :)