Back with a sonically different sound to their previous works, a new era of Sundara Karma testifies to their genre-bending sonic palette and fearless evolution as a band. From the genre-defying sounds to his personal lyricism and beyond, lead Oscar opens up on the EP’s saccharine place, the need to diminish his urges and the lifelong joys of confusing people.
by Ellie Baker
Would it be fair to say that past experiences left you feeling very open to express emotions and feelings?
I’d say past and present experiences. Experience in general shapes who we are. Everything that has happened up until now has had some sort of influence as to why we're doing what we do and why the music sounds like it does. I think there should also be an emphasis on not feeling completely fulfilled with the past; there is still an appetite for needing and continuing to search.
Do you think you lose your true sense of self if you implement limits?
If you're not asking yourself how this makes me feel - does this song feel like it has a soul or is it soulless? - then I suppose you definitely can.
Was there a pinpoint moment where you had to take a step back and question yourself?
All of the time - before any new release. It almost feels like there won't be another release until it makes sense. There's no point in putting something out for the sake of it. I don't believe that it is beneficial for anyone.
How does the creation of ‘Oblivion’ differ from your debut?
The decisions were more informed. Like most, the debut was very wrapped up in adolescence. We were teenagers. I'm a different person now, I've developed. At that age it's very rare for someone to know who they are, and I definitely fell into that trap. I had to make a point that this is our album, this is who we are. I felt like I wasn't ready. It's very difficult for anyone in their 20s to late teens to be so definitive of who they are. You're lucky if you're able to grasp some sort of staticity within yourself at any point in life.
Was this direction definitive before Covid?
It’s been good and bad not to have the live aspect of shows. It's been nice to focus on how the music sounds once recorded without the worry of what it'd be like in a show setting.
Are you most proud of this EP?
I’m really proud of the two EPs together. They compliment each other well.
From your sound to looks, how important is it for you that it comes across equally?
It doesn’t need to be. For me, they're two sides of the same coin.
Tell me about your influences.
It's easy to tell when something is not representative of the artist. If I feel like I've gotten to know the person after absorbing the content, that’s really inspiring for me.
How do you feel about the need to conform to societal norms? You’re bringing the glamour back to rock and roll through theatrical art and fluidity.
It’s a journey with baby steps currently being taken. There's a destination that is yet to be reached. There is definitely progress to be made within the conformity of band culture. It’s very straight. It could be so much better. A lot of people do things without thinking about why they’re doing it.
Beauty and natural symmetry is innate - what does beauty mean to you?
Being true to your essence. The pursuit of finding your essence is commendable.