Roar Engine’ was formed last year in September 2023, when a group of parents who are rock musicians found potential in their kids as well as other kids, and decided to set up a band to play a show. The members are Emma Dias on Bass, Zach Teles on drums, Elaine Quadros and Noah Carneiro on vocals, Mark Carneiro on lead guitar, Royston Mendes on bass, and Noah Dias on lead guitar. The name was suggested by the ex-drummer of Roar Engine, Parth Kamat, who now is the full-time drummer of the metal band ‘Kódop’, and the group unanimously agreed to keep it. They are hugely influenced by rock bands like Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Metallica, Guns n Roses, Megadeth, Dream Theater, Toto, Beatles, Bon Jovi, etc.
‘Roar Engine’ was conceived by Daniel Carneiro, Sunit Pinto, and Samuel Quadros (members of Kodop) to continue the legacy of rock music utilizing the talents of the next generation, and thus Roar Engine, a kid’s rock band, was formed. The band will be playing their second gig at ‘Rock in Goa’ on September 29, at Gawin's Restaurant & Pub, Verna, from 5 pm onwards. The young band will be sharing the same platform as other noted rock bands from Goa, including ‘Bad Blood’, ‘Electric Pulse’, ‘Kodop’, ‘Lost’, ‘Eclipse with Zee’, and ‘Kantte ani Fulam’.
While Elaine Quadros, Noah Carneiro, and Noah Dias are children of musicians, the other band members were encouraged by their parents to learn music. Daniel Carneiro, a member of the metal band Kodop, was instrumental in bringing these young musicians together. “Goa is a small place, and the parents of the band members have known each other for many years, being either family, close friends, or friends of friends. Noah Dias was discovered at a jam up at Alagoa Resort in Betalbatim in May 23 when his intro for Dream Theater's 'Another Day' caught our attention," says Daniel, the father of Noah Carneiro.
Margao-based 8-year-old Emma Dias is the daughter of Ana Teles and Ryan Dias and the youngest member of the band. She plays the bass guitar, and this will be her first performance with Roar Engine. She has been learning to play the acoustic guitar so far. “I am super excited to be part of this group, and I’m looking forward to playing with my bandmates at the upcoming show,” says Emma.
Elaine Quadros from Verna has been learning piano for three years and also loves singing. She has performed with Roar Engine at Rocktoberfest 2023. The ten-year-old is the daughter of Ravina Rodrigues and Samuel Quadros, who plays for the metal band ‘Kodop’. Elaine says, “People undermine rock music, but it is actually full of energy and talent. I'm thrilled to be part of a rock band, and I feel more confident with every opportunity on stage.”
Son of Melanie Dias and Daniel Carneiro from Dona Paula, Noah has music in his blood and has learned singing from his father, Daniel, who is a member of the band Kodop. A natural on stage, the ten-year-old has never experienced stage fright and is looking forward to seeing his family, friends, and the whole crowd singing along with him, dancing, and having a good time. “Rock and metal music gives an adrenaline rush like no other, and it covers all aspects of emotions, culture, and society. The music genre helps you express yourself in the best possible way,” explains Noah.
The ten-year-old drummer, Zach Teles from Vasco, is the son of Sonia and Karl Teles. He has been training to play the drums for over two years. He performed with ‘Kodop’ at TikiBab Goa, Benaulim, Alagoa Resort in Betalbatim, and with Roar Engine at Rocktoberfest 2023. “I love being part of the band, as I look forward to practice days and the time we spend playing after practice. The band members of Kodop watched a video of mine drumming and asked me to come and try playing with the band, and it went from there to actually forming our own band. I like how the different instruments blend together to make up a melody,” says the young drummer.
Lead guitarist of the band, 13-year-old Mark Carneiro, is the son of Karen and Neil Carneiro from Socorro. “I learned to play tunes and songs that I enjoy from my father and grandfather. I practice whenever I have a song I love stuck in my head. I love all kinds of music, especially rock and pop with strong melodic elements and guitar work. I appreciate the catchiness and emotional depth of a melody, and once I learn to play it, I feel really happy. I am really excited now, though I was a bit apprehensive at first about being on stage for the first time,” says Mark.
16-year-old Royston Mendes is the bass guitarist for the band. He is the son of Raia-based Nicalina Mendes and Glorio Mendes. He started guitar classes and then stopped and started learning through online classes. This will be his first performance with the band. “It’s a very good feeling performing with others and making new friends. The band needed a bassist, so Noah Dias suggested my name. Music is a great way of portraying our passion and hard work and also enjoying ourselves while doing the same,” says Royston.
The senior-most member of the band, Noah Dias, is the main lead guitarist and the 17-year-old son of Sibelia Fernandes and noted RJ and emcee Bambino Dias, who was also a part of the band ‘Truly Yours’. Besides Roar Engine, Loutolim-based Noah Dias is also a part of another band called ‘Neon’, where they play more retro music. Noah learned to play music through online classes, but his dedication to practicing for at least two hours a day has made him a perfectionist when it comes to his skills on the guitar. He also performed at Rocktoberfest 2023. “What I love about music is that I can express myself through it. It also allows me to connect and make friends with like-minded people. It's always a good experience playing alongside other talented musicians,” says Noah Dias.
Zach and Noah Carneiro got their first experience of the stage at a jam-up with members of Kodop at Alagoa Resort in Betalbatim. Noah Dias and the previous members Vir and Parth jammed up with other musicians for the same show. Later, Elaine and an ex-member, Varad, were added to the band, and Roar Engine played their first show together at Rocktoberfest 2023. The trio of Zach, Noah Carneiro, and Noah Dias also jammed up with Kodop at Tikibab Goa, Benaulim.
Goa’s foremost rock band ‘Bad Blood’, has been leading the way for rock music in Goa. A member of the organizing team behind the ‘Rock in Goa’ concert, Nixon Soares, has been encouraging young Goans to take to music. “This is the first time that such a young band will be part of the concert. It is important that we promote young talent. Rock is a special genre of music, and if children perform in this genre, then certainly looking at them, more children will feel attracted to the music,” says Nixon, who will also perform at the concert.