Joe, the Open Music School’s project manager, had a pivotal role in the formation of the Bad Fusion band. He approached all members, some of them even with an out-of-the-box proposition: to join the band changing their usual instruments. Vio got to play the bass, while Kateryna joined the band as a drummer, rather than a guitarist. Despite feeling out of their comfort zone, they decided to take on the challenge. Kesanet had already been part of another band, and driven by the motivation to find a new combo, he reached out to Joe, who connected him to the other band members. Similarly, Charan joined the band driven by his previous experience of playing with other people and his desire to recapture that feeling. 
What Vio enjoyed most about being in the band was the regularity of meetings and the collaborative nature of the project. “We were all equals, exchanging ideas. It wasn’t just my project but a team project created together,” Vio emphasised. For them, the GSBTB environment became even more essential as a supportive and inclusive space. For Kateryna, the highlight of her involvement with the band was undoubtedly the opportunity to play the drums and learn collectively with her fellow musicians. For her, playing the drums in Bad Fusion Band was not just about individual skill development but also about the supportive community and camaraderie within the band. Describing her bandmates as “nice and friendly,” Kateryna highlighted the invaluable role they played in fostering a creative environment conducive to musical exploration and expression. When asked about his favourite aspect of being a part of the Bad Fusion Band, Kesanet mentioned “making songs together, the final result.” The collaborative process of crafting music proved to be gratifying for him. Charan loved the rehearsals. Going to a proper rehearsal room and working like a professional band every week was incredibly rewarding for him. Additionally, witnessing the recording process firsthand was fascinating, as it had always seemed like a mysterious and highly technical aspect of music production.
The impact of GSBTB and the Open Music School on everyone’s musical journey has been profound. It not only boosted Vio’s courage to explore different musical aspects but also highlighted the importance of enjoying the process of playing music without pressure. “I needed to play for the sake of playing,” Vio reflected. For Kateryna, her involvement in the Bad Fusion Band was transformative, enhancing her drumming skills and igniting a passion for music composition. This experience not only boosted her confidence but also reinforced her independence in pursuing her music career, which made her purchase her own drum set. Similarly, Kesanet’s teamwork and collaboration within the band taught him valuable lessons about understanding others’ artistic perspectives, ultimately leading to a harmonious blend of diverse voices and styles. Lastly, Charan noted the difference in the songwriting process, realising its methodical yet simplistic nature, heavily influenced by the song’s vibe and various elements at play.
About:
Vio: Vio is a BIPOC non-binary Italian artist currently completing their bachelor’s degree in popular music at the School of Popular Art in Berlin. At 24 years old, they have been playing music for the past six years and have lived in Berlin for four years. Their music, influenced by R&B, reflects their journey as a queer person of colour seeking a more open-minded and international environment than their hometown of Turin, Italy. Berlin has provided Vio with opportunities to broaden their knowledge and perspective on their identity. You can listen to Vio’s music on Spotifyand YouTube.
Kateryna: Kateryna is a Ukrainian painter who is currently pursuing cultural studies through an online university in her home country. She relocated to Berlin two years ago amidst the conflict in her homeland, leaving behind her beloved cat and dog in Kyiv, whom she plans to visit soon. She has been nurturing her artistic talents while residing in Berlin and is currently gearing up for an upcoming exhibition!
Kesanet Abraham: Kesanet Abraham is an Eritrean educator, poet, and musician, currently living in Berlin. As an accomplished poet, he has authored the book “Die Liebe ist groß,” meaning “Love is Great” which is a captivating exploration of faith, love, and human connection. In addition to his literary pursuits, Kesanet creates his own music, which you can listen to on YouTube!
Charan Visweswaran: Charan has recently graduated from university with a degree in industrial engineering and management and is now looking for a job. He was born in India but has been in Germany for almost a decade and has been playing guitar for just over that time span. He joined OMS as a teacher a year and a half ago. Outside of music, he likes sports, specifically football and basketball, and he also really enjoys engaging with things that make him think, whether they be movies, people, or experiences.