As Australian guitarist Frank Gambale gears up for his third visit to India. In a short email interview with radioandmusic.com's Chirag Sutar, Gambale in all his element, writes why he loves coming to India, and what to expect from the madness that is going to unravel on May 4, 2010 as he performs with renowned bassist Stu Hamm and drummer Joel Taylor.

READ ON!

From the buzz that has been around, I can see many fans and music enthusiasts eager to watch you. What brings you back? and what should the audience be expecting? (you also have some fantastic musicians to accompany you!)

I love coming to India, that's what brings me back..also because Sandeep Chowta owes me lunch! Well, the audiences can expect a stripped down version of my band, it's just trio...so there will be plenty of guitar of all kinds...all the way from clean to all out Rock Fusion.

Common!! give away one thing that you like about India and Indian music.

I love the food, the people and the music - Sandeep Chowta is one of my favourite Indian artist.

Are you fascinated by any of the Indian instruments? Which one would you like to play? Why?

I thought about the sitar but it's just so awkward to play. I'm still learning the guitar!

What about collaborations with Indian musicians - is that something that is on your mind?

I played on several tracks on Sandeep's new album...

You are known for your arpeggios/sweeps and technique - can you share your thoughts on how you also incorporate feel into it? and the important role it plays?

Hmm...to me the technique evolved from the desire to play musical ideas there were not possible any other way. Feel is everything and technique on it's own is nothing to me. I have a lot of technique but I don't care about it. It's only meant to play the notes my soul desires to play.

What are your observations about musicians and music scenario around the world? would you agree that there is more of music business and less of 'music' now?

Whether we as musicians like it or not, it is a business and ultimately, if you want to be successful doing it you have to write and sell music. This was always true, nothing has changed. The way music is sold has certainly changed but it's still about selling, licensing, getting on the radio, touring and being noticed in the crowded field. Now that musicians can sell themselves on You Tube there's actually less middle men...we're almost all of us, selling direct to the public these days and I think that's great.

When I was on a major label I was lucky if I made $1 an album in royalty. Now, I sell directly on iTunes for example. If someone downloads the whole album I make about $7. That's a lot better than the old days and I don't have to wait 2 years to get paid...iTunes pays every month.

THE FRANK GAMBALE ELECTRIC BAND will be performing at Bandra's St. Andrew Auditorium on May 4, 2010. Tickets priced at Rs 1500 & Rs 1000. For more info mail at sandeepchowtaprojects@gmail.com or call Sunny 09819630938 / Samrat 09920385961.

Send in your comments to: chirag.sutar@indiantelevision.co.in