Philosophies, early days, symbolism and spontaneity! Suraj Mani reflects on the evolution of Motherjane
Dobareh has been in the waiting for all Motherjane fans and might we say the record came in like nostalgia wrapped in a comeback. The response was immediate. Fans who grew up with Broken, Fields of Sound and Chasing the Sun were back, and a newer audience found themselves curious about a band that had returned sounding older, calmer and strangely hungrier.
And as it goes, we had to sit down with frontman Suraj Mani for a conversation that went way beyond album talk.
What followed was a medley of philosophy session, part band history lesson, and part reminder that second chances only work when people are willing to show up for them.
If you’ve been a fan of Motherjane ever since their early years, you’ve probably wondered about the band’s iconic half-face paint. Did you know that there’s so much more to it than just aesthetics?
While discussing the Broken music video, Mani revealed that the half-face imagery represents the balance between our human and divine sides.
“You enjoy your life as a human and recreate it as a God…”
He also explained that the line separating the two halves symbolizes choice. When we experience pain, we also gain the ability to change, reinvent ourselves and embrace contradictions rather than staying trapped in old habits.
“Be the opposite of what you are. Embrace your contradictions,” Mani explained.
And this philosophy has been etched into Motherjane’s discography. The earlier records often explored personal battles, relationships and self-discovery. Dobareh approaches similar themes, but this time, with an experienced perspective. The questions remain similar, yet the answers are filled with wisdom.
For Mani, philosophy has never been about intellectual exercises.
“I want to be happy in life. That is why I use philosophy. It really was an existential exercise for me,” he mentions.
Check Out Our Review of Dobareh Here: Motherjane Return With Fire and Purpose on Dobareh
From Chasing The Sun to Dobareh
I think it’s about perspective if you want to compare Motherjane from then and now.
The original band reputed itself on youthful ambition and songwriting that was way ahead of its time. Dobareh, meanwhile, comes from a place that feels human – from a man who has lived a decade worth of experiences to vent about in his music. He says he values second chances.
A simple conversation during the lockdown years sowed the seeds for this reunion. When Mani learned that guitarist Baiju Dharmajan had stopped playing for months, he was stunned.
“I said, somebody like you can’t stop playing. Maybe we should consider getting the band back together.”
One thing led to another. Soon, old friends were talking music again and a new chapter started taking shape with a few fresh face stepping in.
One of the first songs to come out of those sessions was Do Good Don’t Be Nice. Mani recalled arriving at Baiju’s place, pulling out a set of lyrics and finishing the song almost instantly.
“Within 10 minutes we finished the song.”
That marked the beginning of a new era. They were back to create new memories.
And that may be the biggest takeaway from Dobareh. The band that once asked imperative questions through songs like Broken has returned with a few answers of their own.
