Their first album, Shillong, was released in 2005 but it never took off. They eventually had to shelve most of their launch plans. “We had a lot of problems with the release of Shillong. I guess no one was willing to take chances with a blues band from India at the time,” says Wallang, who is now planning to re-release the album, with Blue Frog.

Though they have built up quite a following in the country now, one of Soulmate’s best moments came at the International Blues Challenge two years ago. “We were the surprise element of the competition,” Wallang says. “I don’t think anyone there expected a blues band from India. India to the world is still the sitar, tabla and Ravi Shankar,” he says.

The band competed with over 150 bands from across the globe and made it to the semi-finals with their original compositions. The next version of the challenge, to be held in January 2010, is what they have set their sights on. “It was our first attempt then and we were just happy being there. Next year, we know what we have to do and are ready for it,” says Kharbangar.
That’s one journey we’ll be tracking.