India is chaotic, but endearingly so: Guitarist Guthrie Govan

English guitarist Guthrie Govan has worked with a variety of bands and is known for his ease and effortlessness. For him, playing the guitar is not just about knowledge and technicalities, but it is the commitment to communicate.

“I like to feel some kind of connection, both with my bandmates and with the audience. I feel that the whole point of live music is to facilitate an exchange of energy — to create and share a unique moment,” says the musician.

Speaking for the amateurs, he adds, “The most important thing is to enjoy what you’re doing, and to remember that your progress, as a musician, is a journey rather than a destination. You never actually ‘get there’, and that’s half of the fun.” Govan, along with Gino Banks, took everyone for a roller coaster ride in Pune, Mumbai and in the Capital recently as part of their three-city tour. Govan charmed everyone with his humble stage presence. He belted out his classics and didn’t succumb to requests.

The guitarist touched on his exposure to the country and its musical audiences, saying : “I’ve always had a great time here — everything feels somehow very vivid and alive in India... It’s chaotic, but endearingly so. I first came to India in 2010, to do some guitar clinics for Rotosound strings. I’ve always found Indian audiences to exhibit a healthy blend of enthusiasm and musical intelligence...I have absolutely no complaints whatsoever.”

The self-taught musician has collaborated with stalwarts like Dizzee Rascal, Steven Wilson and Hans Zimmer.