While most of us try to act like jotting off a couple emails before lunch constitutes "getting something done," real done-getters like Shonali Bhowmik are making us look like the lazy sloths we are. She fronts NYC-based garagey soul rockers Tigers and Monkeys, is a member of the all-female sketch comedy group Variety Shac, and in her spare time works as a full-time lawyer. Anyways, we're beat just from typing all this, so we decided to ask her how in the hell she pulls it off.VICE: How do you even have time for this interview?Shonali Bhowmik: I have no idea how I make it work. I was at the doctor's office recently for my throat. I've always had a hoarse voice. Since I moved to New York, it seems to be more hoarse. Their analysis was that I'm a vocal abuser. They said that if I'm doing all these things, I'm really going to have to start do things that I don't do—like sleep. I was averaging like four to five hours a night, but I'm better now. I got lucky knowing that music is first. The film and comedy stuff is my second thing, but the law thing is paying for me to exist in New York for right now.Why are so many Indian kids in law and medical schools? Are you guys taking over the world?You get this pressure early on in terms of academia—my parents were professors. We had all kinds of Indian family friends where the kids all went to medical school or were lawyers or engineers. But now I'm seeing lots of writers, artists, and musicians. There are a lot of smart Indian kids. It would be amazing for them to make art. This traditional work ethic—it starts at a young age.How strict were your folks?I was a pretty good kid. I was one of the few Indian kids who dated and had boyfriends. I'm sure in hindsight that if my parents knew anything in terms of my relationship with boys at a young age, they'd freak out. I snuck a few boyfriends into my bedroom. But I only got crazy as an adult.You are fronting a mostly male band. What's that like?I had always looked up to musicians as a kid, and most of them weren't females. They were gorgeous, skinny, effeminate men with full lips and loose hips like Freddie Mercury, Mick Jagger, and Robert Plant. And if I speak the truth, there was a time when I wanted to play music just to get the attention of the male musicians and rocker friends. But I embrace the responsibility of being a role model and in terms of supporting others. I am eager to help encourage woman and girls to play music.Do the guys who run venues give you shit while you're on the road?Definitely! For the most part, if you are new to a club and haven't played a town before you always meet a gentleman before the show that wants to school you as to the perfect amp or guitar that you should be using. I always smile and say, "You are exactly right." Many soundmen make the generalization that, if you are a woman, you are going to play and sing like Jewel. I don't know what the problem is with that. There have been times when I have wanted to knock the shit out of a soundman, specifically the time that one guy called one of my old band mates a cunt for asking him to mike her bass cabinet.How did you get involved in Variety Shac?My old band had gone on tour with David Cross. He was definitely a big supporter of me moving here from Atlanta. He had just moved here from L.A. I had all these musician friends, but I met all these comedian friends through him. I started working with him on that "Tinkle" comedy show he did at Pianos. It set up a good basis of what I think a lot of comedy shows are doing now in New York. I was one of the producers. While doing that, I always remember watching these amazing women that were on the show. It just seems that things are so dude-oriented. Things are always revolving around a dude's sentiment. Maybe that's the kind of stuff we're interested in—the female dude.What's going on with it now?It's doing really well. Our show has gotten notice from other folks. Amy Pollard from SNL has offered to work with us in terms of producing. Eventually the plan is to make a TV show out of it.
Is the name Tigers and Monkeys a shout-out to your jungly homeland?I was almost attacked by a monkey on the roof of my grandparent's home in India. I was probably 12. He almost took my face off with his claws, but I was able to run. I still like monkeys… It's sort of the same way I've been treated by men, but I still love them [laughs].
If a tiger and a monkey got into a fight, which would you want to win?You know, I'd want the little monkey to win.
So you'd root for the monkey even though it's the animal that attacked you?I guess you're right. It's just that the tiger is big and ferocious, which means he's probably an asshole.ROCCO CASTOROThe new album, Loose Mouth, is out now. Check the Tigers and Monkeys site for details and upcoming shows. Variety Shac is happening once a month, check the site for the schedule and some video shorts.
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