My Compelling Story

Soulmate is a LIVE band based out of the capital city of Meghalaya, Shillong. Inspired by the roots and groove sounds of the blues, rock, soul, rock n roll, funk and RnB, the band was formed in October 2003 when Rudy Wallang and Tipriti Kharbangar decided to form a band dedicated to playing the blues and spreading awareness about this important genre of music.  Since its inception, Soulmate have gone through many lineup changes and, at present, when playing LIVE, they are joined by Leon Wallang on bass and Vincent Tariang on drums. Some of the band’s influences are Buddy Guy, Albert Collins, Jimi Hendrix, Carlos Santana, Roy Buchanan, Jimmie Vaughn, Muddy Waters, Steve Gaines, George Harrison, Albert King, BB King, Freddie King, Koko Taylor, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Nina Simone, Etta James, Susan Tedeschi, Jimmy   Hall, Rory Gallagher, Janis Joplin, Hank Marvin, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Van Morrison, and Bob Dylan to name a few. Soulmate has recorded three albums thus far – Shillong, Moving On, and Ten Stories Up. Awards: Best Female Vocals, Tipriti Kharbangar, Jack Daniels Rock Music Awards, 2009 Best Guitar Player, Rudy Wallang, Jack Daniels Rock Music Awards, 2009 Performances: Mahindra Blues Festival, Mumbai, 2016 Mahindra Blues Festival, Mumbai, 2014 Ode to the Blues Festival, Bangalore Asia Music Festival 2014, Miri Sarawak, Malaysia International Jazz and Blues Festival 2014, Macau Mahindra Blues Festival, Mumbai, 2013 Mahindra Blues Festival, Mumbai, 2012 Opened for Carlos Santana, Formula One Rocks Concert, Noida Baltic Blues Festival, Europe Tour, 2012 Monsteras Roots and Blues Festival, Sweden The Du World Music Festival, Dubai Mahindra Blues Festival, Mumbai, 2011 Maximum India Festival, Kennedy Centre, Washington DC Four-city tour of Norway