The Score Magazine May 2013

ISSN 0974 – 9128

Vol 06 Issue 05 - May 2013

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@highonscore

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India's National Pan-Genre Music MagazinE

Audiophilic

MUzIK LOUNGE Siva Kumar of Panchathan studio shares his sound judgement

BAND OF THE MONTH

COVER STORY

BOMBAY

JAYASHRI RAMNATH

SOULMATE Blues, the

color of our Soulmate

aat powers QUIRKS n queries

akriti kakkar

the “Chick on

The international face of Carnatic music A cappella has a new address on Youtube : the walking talking sensation called Alla Wardi

Fire”

the edit PAD Strategy and Planning

S

Ajay Prabhakar Director, Business Development Pragash VM Editor-in-Chief Nikila Srinivasan Associate Editor Supriya Talupuru Marketing Manager Sneha Ramesh Regional Marketing Manager, BLR Subikka GS

us.

core Media started operating The Score Magazine three years back, on May. We have come a long way from then, nuancing ourselves through the infinite maze of the music business in India.

It has been challenging. It has been overwhelming. It brought with it heaps of criticism in tandom with a manifested disbelief. The disbelief that we may meet the same fate as many music magazine that came and went before

We have crossed the first mile or running a sustainable music magazine, Yet we stand here to see that we so many milestones to overcome. Our challenges remain two fold #1. How to improve the quality of discourse in the nascent arena which is rock/indie music today and #2. How to change contemporize discourse of the classical arts. Our objective? To improve participation ofcourse, otherwise, there will be very little motivation to raise the bar.

Not many people realize this: Score is a lean company with only 4-5 people working incredibly hard to bring out a new issue, host 8 gigs and run a social media channel; month after month. Soon we will ,what what little understanding we have gained, will embark on new journeys to raise the bar in the music festival and the online space.

India needs incredible action. We look forward to rising up to the challenge.

We thank you all for standing by us for the last three years.

ajay prabhakar Strategy and Planning

Anu Pahalajani Creative Director George Vedamanickam Lead Designer Vaishali Menon Content Support

Correction appearing in print for the April issue, 2013 The aforementioned issue carried an erroneous spelling of Muzik Lounge, School of Audio Technology. It appeared as Musik Lounge. The Score Magazine wishes to set the record straight for all its readers.

subscribe to us at http://scorem.ag/buy-subscribe

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Shresht Poddar Cover Story Photography Selva Kumar T DISCLAIMER: Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photography or illustrations without written permission from the publisher is prohibited. The publisher assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, photographs and illustrations. Views expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the publication and accordingly no liability is assumed by the publisher thereof. Advertising copy and artworks are the sole responsibility of the advertisers. http://www.motherteresafoundation.org.in The Score Magazine is proud to support the Mother Teresa Foundation and urge our readers to join us in giving back a fraction of what we have been given.

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i nside

cover story: bombay jayashri

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Get to know the humble disposition that makes this brilliant singer

youtube segment

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Band of the Month Soulmate: our band of the month, bring us to speed with all things Blues

Alaa Wardi, the inquisitive A cappella wielding mastermind breaks it down for us

tv le revolution

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Is the music the culture or the way it looks that makes it the culture?

Our in-house rationalist breaks it down for you

Quirks & Queries POWERED BY AaT

in india segment

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Akriti Kakkar talks to us about all things dramatic and uniquely her

fest focus : delhi metal project

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Go Metal mental with the Delhi Metal Project while they aim for the stars

Carnatic segment

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The various festivals that redefine the coming months of music

INDIE review

World renowned DJ Tiesto sheds light on his love for music

sahej bakshi thompsun music house star of the month 32

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From albums so scene to those so heard; get our word on them

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Dualist Inquiry | Sahej Bakshi. Two Roles, one identity

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I don’t know if the music is therapeutic.

I haven’t studied it for that reason.

For me, it is simply about the music being soothing.

Born in Kolkatta, Bombay Jayshree Ramnath was raised in Mumbai where she had her humble musical beginnings.

When she later shifted to Chennai, she came under the guidance of the great violin maestro, Lalgudi Sri G. Jayaraman.

She began her initial training with Smt. T.R. Balamani whose other famous disciples include the likes of Shankar Mahadevan, Susheela Raman, Lakshmi Rajagopal.

Jayshree also began learning Hindustani Classical Music from Sri Mahavir Jaipurvale and Ajay Pohankar.

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ananya ashok

Although your base is in Carnatic music, your musical history is very diverse. You have studied Hindustani Music for some time, learned the Veena, and have sung for films. Do you feel that all of this has had an influence on the musician you have become today?

Yes, I have been extremely fortunate to have been able to learn different systems, growing in Bombay helped and most of my entire home with avid music aficionados that helped me broaden my search from the beginning and has shaped and influenced what I do.

Your music is soulful and inspiring to many. In your mind, what makes a musician truly successful? What are essential attributes that make a one a great musician in the field of Carnatic Music?

I think music is a spiritual journey its practice, the perfecting the performance are various ends of the spiritual journey. It’s an intense inward journey. The more one can go into the journey the better the music sounds and the more it reaches.

How did the opportunity to compose music for “Life of Pie” come about? What was your experience working in this project?

Ang Lee and Mychael Danna heard my Surdas bhajan on the internet and reached out to me. It’s one of my life’s most fulfilling experience to be the emotive element of the movie hand held by such great directors.

Aside from being an eminent vocalist, Jayshree is an accomplished Veen player (vainika) and learned from Sri. G.N. Dhandapani Iyer. We sat down with the charismatic artist, whose journey has been as magnificent as her music.

She spoke of her guru, her music, interests, and her recent fame from her Oscar Nomination for composing in the film, “Life of Pi”:

Another aspect of her work in the music field has been her exploration of the theraputic and healing value of music.

The film which is critically acclaimed, has also given Indians, specifically Carnatic Musicians and connoisseurs a sense of pride. What is your opinion on the representation of this artform in the global music scene?

I think as an artiste I feel very elated to be able to reach out the wonderful music to international audiences. Indian music touches the soul and that’s why people must hear it more, have it more.

What are your thoughts on the current Carnatic scene today in terms of your colleagues and aspiring musicians?

It’s definitely beautiful and booming. Hope we are and can make the best of it.

Do you have any future projects coming up?

I am currently working on the music of Kalidasa’s play Malavika Agnimitram.

What are the issues that concern you and what do you think can be done by all to make a difference in those respective causes?

Can school education include art? Can we catch them young and inspire them with our art? I think we should ask such questions and make sure they happen soon.

When you look at people in their 20’s, do you see a clash in morals and ideals as compared to the older generation?

Times keep changing and there has always a difference in generations which one must accept as dynamism and growth toward evolution....

She is also the co-initiator of the reputed festival, Svanubhava.

Looking at her life, one can see that she has consistently involved herself in projects that promote social awareness and are of high cultural value.

Over the years Jayshree has performed in numerous venues across the world such as Queen Elizabeth Hall in London, Museum Rietberg in Switzerland, Théâtre de la Ville in France, and Sala de Camera, Spain, to name a few. She has collaborated with eminent artists like Leela Samson, Priyadarshini Govind, and Rashid Khan.

She has co-authored books such as, “Professor Sambamoorthy, the visionary musicologist and “The Voices Within”.

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Musical expressions come from a variety of influences and these threads weave into something magical. Music does not stand alone. It, in fact, seeks to include, making one’s experience of living pleasant. Here we find Bombay Jayashri’s interactions with artists across industries: Lalgudi Jayaraman We should keep in mind this humble being was born into a family that was held in high regard for their dedication to music and keen understanding of pedigree in this field.

Bombay Jayashri Ramnath represents the fourth generation of a musical pinnacle in her family. It was under the guidance of the legend Shri Lalgudi G Jayaraman that she was groomed.

Her abandonment to her art can be linked to the same traits Shri Lalgudi Jayaraman possessed. For him, this art was greater than the need to be rewarded by external affection.

The Thillana that she sings in her “Listening to Life” concert by Sri Lalgudi Jayaraman is a personal favorite because it is easily accessible even to the untrained ear. While death is an eventuality of life, his loss will always be keenly felt.

Ustad Rashid Khan Their collaboration for the song Kaatyaayani in Coke Studio, Mtv. was phenomenal to say the least. Simply taking the classical side of it, the merging of Raga Bhupali by Bombay Jayashri and Charukeshi by Ustadji proved to be simply enchanting. Some people point out how the Raga Vasanthi can be heard brewing up in the sidelines. The whole concept of the song by itself is so powerful and it took the voice of these wonderful artists to anchor it.

timeline

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1992 : Recieves “Yuvakala

Bharati” conferred by Bharat Kalachar, Chennai.

Shubha Mudgal When this two power house women came together, it was for the reason of welfare. The concert was organised in a bid to raise funds for the Sankalp Trust which deals with special children. What made this collaboration special for us was the way the two of them dialogued lyrically. There was no strain in alleged seniority: a quality we’d love to see in many other commercial artists.

Mehdi Hassan “ The silence in between notes is the space where one finds hidden beauties of music. Mehdi saab, it seems, had found them all. That’s why he touches every listener.” said she once about him.

This is an interesting cusp. Her guru Lalgudi Jayaraman would listen to Mehdi Hassan’s music and in turn be inspired to create a Tillana.

We’d like to focus on the essence of Ghazals here.

They are songs about unrequited love which requires a high ability to emote. This is ability binds these musicians together making the richness of their music more potent.

T.M Krishna 2 years back, Bombay Jayashri collaborated with TM Krishna during the Marghazi season to bring Carnatic music to the silver screen.

The soothing nature of her voice at times overshadows the fact that she has always been adventurous in trying new things out.

The collaborative work lead to an album that was readily approachable. The idea itself was to make the art form ethereal with effortless complexity.

1997 :Conferred the title of ‘Isai

n Peroli’ by Dr. P Chidambaram, Unio the Minister of Finance, on behalf of of Karthik Fine Arts, in the presence na.

Music Maestro Balamurali Krish

2001 :Awarded title of

‘Naadabhooshanam’ by Shanmukhananda Sangeetha Sabha, New Delhi.

reasons why

5is different 1 jayashri

2002 : Wins a Filmfare award for the song ‘Vaseegara’ from the movie

2003 : Conferred “Atma Vanishri”

i of from Poojya Shri Shantananda Swam asi, in the the Temple of Fine Arts at Varan raj.

Maha n presence Tabla Maestro, Pt. Kisha

2 3 4 5

2005 : Received the prestigious

from ‘Sangeetha Choodamani Award’ Gana Dr. A C Muthiah from Sri Krishna her of nce prese the Sabha, Chennai in Guru Lalgudi Jayaraman.

The contemplative quality, her expository technique giving space for creativity, her intuitive and melodic approach; all these lend a spiritual tone to Bombay Jayashri’s music- The Hindu

Jayashri not only bears the torch of the Lalgudi tradition, but has also evolved a distinct style of her own that makes her Bombay Jayshri.

Jayashri represents the model emerging new generation musician. A seamless blend of uncompromising adherence to the core tradition of classical carnatic music as well as a ceaseless quest for quality music in any form.

Her contribution and involvement with schools where she has conducted workshops and interactive sessions to kindle interest amongst school children into our rich tradition of music is her way of giving back something of what she has gained.

She is a great Musician with a great heart. She has been working closely with institutions caring for autistic children to help open up their senses through the medium of music.

2006 : Awarded the “M.S.

ka Subbulakshmi Puraskar” from Visha

by Shri Music Academy, Vishakapatnam Nedunuri Krishnamurthy.

Minnale.

2007 : “Sangeetha Kalasarathy”

award from the Vanamamalai Mutt on pontiff Kalian Ramanuja Swamigal i Sabha, behalf of Sri Parthasarathy Swam Chennai.

2009 : Becomes an Honorary

Doctorate - Degree of Doctor of by Letters (Honoris Causa), awarded rsity, Mother Theresa Women’s Unive Kodaikkanal

2009 : Nominated for Academy

Award for Best Original Song (Oscar) for Pi’s Lullaby from Life Of Pi

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Blind Image

Nothing subtle about this band. With a new album in works, we talk to the guitarist Sricharan and drummer Krish Natesan about their inspirations, aspirations and execution.

Sricharan When did the strumming start for you and what made you take up the guitar?

“

It started when I heard Limp Bizkit and Metallica; I actually fell in love with the sound of a guitar. But it was during my junior college times when I was introduced to Metallica’s Kill ‘em all that a real urge to pick the instrument came up. I hadn’t heard anything that heavy before. I guess more than anything else, the angst best expressed with a heavily distorted guitar really had me.

Who are the guitarists who inspire you?

Even for a metal track that largely centres on speed, heaviness, intensity and precision, dynamics plays the most important role.

Definitely the Mustaine’s and Hetfield’s and Dimebag’s of the world. Which metal guitarist does not hold these guys in at least some capacity as influences? Apart from these guys, definitely Waclaw Vogg, Fredrik Thordendahl, Martin Hagstrom and Jerry Cantrell remain huge influences.

How do you approach writing lines for Blind Image’s song?

Song-writing is one of the key aspects that can make or break a band, yet so few pay attention. Even for a metal track that largely centres on speed, heaviness, intensity and precision, dynamics plays the most important role. All said and done, this process should always be spontaneous as compared to a very methodical construction, in my view.

You’ve recently got signed on to Orange – Feeling pink about it? Tell us how it happened.

Official talks on the Orange endorsement began after a blue frog gig in Bombay. We met up with Sunny from Bhargava’s about it. It was also my first opportunity to try out different kinds of rigs that Orange had to offer at Bhargava’s store which they were extremely kind to allow me to do so. I decided to go with the Orange TH-30 coupled with a 4x12 cabinet that miraculously completes my sound.

Your new album is almost being wrapped up we hear. How this is going to be different from your previous album More Than Human and when is it coming out?

This will be lot heavier than More Than Human. We have all evolved as musicians since the last album and I think we have written some really interesting songs. We are looking to release it by mid 2013.

Orange Amps imported by Bhargava’s Musik.

Available in all leading stores across the country.

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Krish Natesan

“

After having played all the cymbals that’s out there in the market , I can safely say that its meinl which gave me all the kind of peculiar sounds that I was looking for from a cymbal with all the sturdiness. Bottom line- Meinl is innovation at its best.

How did your musical journey start and what made you pick up the drums?

I started drumming towards the end of my university - that’s around 2006. But that’s not where it all began. I come from an orthodox Brahmin Iyer family. A family that takes pride in hosting Indian classic music festival every year in the southern part of India and I play heavy metal – how is that for an irony? My journey as a musician started at the age of 6, when I started learning the Indian classical percussion – Mridhangam. I was trained for 7 years by some great teachers. This is where I picked my first rhythm and timing sense. This instrument made the idea of playing drums possible for me. It is also the reason I could pick up drums and learn it myself. It’s so much fun if you are drummer/percussionist - you can actually play a lot of other instruments. Including bass guitar! (You can verify with my bass player hahaha) .

Of the many drummers who have changed the scene, who inspires you?

The reason I fell in love with drums, was because of Larz Ulrich from Metallica.

His work on Metallica’s first four records was phenomenal. Also, Nick Menza from Megadeth (Rust in peace – what an album! ). After this phase a lot of non metal drummer influenced my playing – drummers like Carter Beauford, Dave Weckl, Omar Hakkim and Steve Gadd. As on date, the drummer who I look up to are - Martin Lopez, Marco Minnimen, Thomas Lang, Jojo Mayer, Steff brooks, Chris Adler, Tomas Hakke, Matt Halpern and Thomas Pridgen.

How do you approach writing drum lines for Blind Image’s song?

One of the things I do is - If my guitarist comes up with a riff, I try to write a riff over that with my drum lines. I interpret the song in a different way than my guitarist. I ensure that I hold the root accents right and play around with my interpretation in between.

How do you feel about being signed on to Meinl ?

Got to give it to Bhargava’s Musik! The level of customer service is outstanding. The guys from Meinl were so helpful with my requirement. Picking my cymbals was easy as Meinl almost has all sorts of sound that a drummer can expect out of a cymbal.

From your experience, what suggestion would you offer to the upcoming drummers?

Always play complimenting drum lines. It’s okay if you don’t play much. But ensure the song sounds good. Don’t get stuck in the whirlpool of speed, technique, time signatures and forget the idea of expressing yourself on your kit. A good drummer is not someone who can play 400 fast and clumsy notes. A good drummer is someone who can play 4 notes and play them clean with expression.

You guys have already toured Australia, Middle East, Part of South East Asia like Malaysia, Thailand and more! What’s in store for 2013?

With the new album, we’d love to tour India and more of South East Asia too. We will be covering few more countries in this region and we have some wicked plans for 2013 fall / early 2014 – cant say much about it right now. <sly smile ensues>

www.bhargavasmusik.com MEINL cymbals imported by Bhargava’s Musik.

Available in all leading stores across the country. http://www.facebook.com/meinlcymbalsfanpage The

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AS SEEN ON Listening and seeing used to be different things, before they became the same. The dreams and nightmares associated with songs were real, we realized, and came clad in all things cool. We didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to cuddle with our stereos in a corner to conjure them up anymore, but go to town with them.

If music was our religion, music videos were the appropriately debauched, exaggerated holy texts.

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The Indian Way

mihir sinha

The Indian orientation towards song-and-dance visualizations has always been more progressive, albeit without subtler aesthetics.

It’s the concept of rasa underpinning Indian theatrics that emphasizes the need to offer an all-encompassing sensory experience to the viewer. There can be no song without a story, no story without a mime and no mime without a dance. Even when Indian producers began making sound films in 1931, they were little more than a succession of song-and-dance tableaux, loosely weaving a story. It all reached an early, yet-unsurpassed, ear-cringing head, when a certain Jamshedji Madan included 69 sequences in his production, Indra Sabha.

Since then, elucidation of plot developments has been a remit shared equally by the music composer and director in Bollywood.

Carefully choreographed movements, set against elaborate scenes are just how we involve ourselves and imbue the emotions of the storyline. They are the root of all clichés about our culture and art, even our worldview. Though that was always an ever-present danger, coming through an ancient culture like ours, which had documented all its philosophies on the human condition into an almost irrefutable code of ethics and understanding. Courtship rituals, with all the attendant love and hope, were given full expression rolling in the greens, while drunken self-loathing was best suited to the dim cover of the night.

Pop Went The Bubble IndiPop tried to break the shackles. The themes were repetitive, but the scene of action was now streets and homes the rising middle class trod and lived in. This was the beginning, in a very surreptitious way, of Indian pop culture’s shedding of folksy values. The Green Revolution had given way to one in concrete grey, as cheap plastic tapes found their way on urban store shelves, along with an ever increasing list of availabilities. The aspiration value had to be upped, and music videos became bywords in sensuality and fashion. It led to the rise of numerous symbols of body-cool, like Malaika Arora and Milind Soman, who made an entire career out of silent pouting.

By then, song videos had attained the status of par-for-the-course embellishment for pop artists in the West too, though Hollywood never went back to musicals as a concept. The movie industry’s initial flirtation with the concept in its post-war modernity was the only antecedent of music videos there existed. However, even Marilyn Monroe gallivanting seductively in ‘Diamonds Are A Girl’s Best Friend’ from 1953’s Gentlemen Prefer Blondes couldn’t construct enough of a cultural context for music videos to become a habit - not yet. In the meanwhile, musicians with enough artistic and commercial heft experimented with the knowhow, producing videos to offer their fans an extension of their own iconoclastic thoughts.

The the

Show And Tell

Beatles’ Help!, released in 1965, was probably the first serious effort. A Hard Day’s Night had preceded it, but it was a merely meant to bring the simmering Beatlemania to boil. This one did more to Help, for once letting the music take lead and become the central peg. Richard Lester allowed the eternal poetry in The Beatles’ composition to guide his hand, conjuring up spacey visual innovations, like superimposed images – something that hadn’t been seen before. It was more than what came of Jean-Luc Godard’s collaboration with The Rolling Stones to shoot a film for ‘Sympathy For The Devil’. Upended by Godard’s au naturel ethos and extreme politics, it wound up just a footnote in otherwise brilliant careers.

Play It Again, Sam

Others got in on the act too; The Who and Pink Floyd converting their operatic concepts into impressionist cinema at the hands of seasoned filmmakers like Franc Roddam and Anthony Stern. They weren’t meant to be commercial TV friendly, but Quadrophenia and Arnold Layne were, for respective fans, an ideal ode to the music. Connoisseurs still have these movies stashed away for ready reckoning.

Continental Europeans, in contrast, were more practical in their video productions, sticking to the standard four minute concept right from the outset to be able to fit it into Scopitones, a kind of video jukebox that was all the rage in French bars and cafes when it was introduced at the end of the ‘60s. It was adapted in Britain, patented as Color-Sonic in the US and Cinebox in Italy, but the moody ambience of shorts by luminaries like Jacques Druel and Serge Gainsbourg didn’t exactly precipitate the music video revolution.

Reelin’ In The Years

The awakening happened along the rim of global consciousness (quite literally), as the first music video shows went on air in Australia and New Zealand in the ‘70s, soon to be appropriated by savvier marketers across the Pacific. And then there was MTV. Between then and 2011, when MTV formally dropped the Music Television moniker, music videos rose up as a collective fantasia; crystallized suburban day dreaming in the comfort of your own home. It matched digitization step for step, gradually becoming distilled reflections of the young adults in the crowd, and in all of us. It even raised the moral stick-waivers’ pitch and gave anthropologists a new reason to be. When the revolution was televised, everybody got involved.

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farida sou n ds

shresht poddar

by abhijeet

Abhijeet Sawant became an overnight star after becoming India’s first Indian Idol. After having released 2 highly successful independent albums, the man is back after 6 years with his latest offering - Farida!

Farida - My 3rd studio album!

I have been working on this album for over 2-3 years now. It is a Sufi album with a contemporary twist. I have consciously tried to stick to modern sounds since the youth would be able to connect with it. It is inspired by Baba Farid who was a Sufi preacher and a saint of the Chishti Order of South Asia.

This album is very different from what I have done in the past since I have not stuck to commercial stereotypes.

Sufi is as Sufi sounds Over the years, Independent music in India has been becoming very monotonous and repetitive. People prefer to stick either romantic songs or dance numbers. Sufi, as a genre, has slowly been coming to the forefront thanks to people like Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash Kher and more. Earlier, there were a couple of qawwalis but no had actually experimented with Sufi. That’s when I thought - why can’t I try this? There are so many avenues yet to be discovered in the Indian Sufi genre. The major challenge for me was the need to match up to the previous artists who have taken this genre to a whole new level.

One Word for My Songs

Aao Morey Piya : Superb composition! (My wife, Shilpa, loves Aao Morey Piya.

She listens to it after waking up every day.)

Jhalleya : Completely psychotic!

Bawari : A soft-romantic Radha Krishna feel!

Kuch Kar Maula : Need 2 days to fall in love with!

Firaak Mein : Indescribable - simply love it!

Four Music Directors in One Album For this album, I got my friends - Harpreet Singh, Nakash Aziz, Rajiv Bhalla - and my brother, Amit Sawant together to compose the music. I have known them since ages and I could not think of anyone better to do the needful. Originally, Rajiv wasn’t a part of this troupe. His song Firaak Mein was supposed to be included in some movie but it never materialized so I requested him to add this track in my album.

Singles v/s an entire album The western trend of releasing singles hasn’t really caught up in India as yet. When I started working on this album, many people tried to dissuade me from compiling 7 songs. They urged me to release singles online and not to waste money but I believe in giving my fans a variety of music in one go. I want them to listen to all my tracks and choose their favorite ones.

This career of mine I am not at all happy with the way my career has shaped up. People generally start from scratch and work towards the top. In my case, I started from mid-way (after winning Indian Idol 1), went back to starting from scratch and I am trying to work my way up. I have a hell lot left to achieve. I have been unable to achieve the goals that I had set for myself post Indian Idol. My biggest drawback is that I am a very reserved person and I cannot chase established personalities for work. My albums & my live shows support my living.

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Qyuki is a social platform that nurtures and celebrates creativity. Bandstand on Qyuki is a channel that exclusively features independent artists and bands.

Like All The Fat Children’s latest video which you can view right here on: www. qyuki.com/premiere/bandstand. Check out our interview with Eben Johnson of the Fats.

The classic question: What music makes you fat?

I’m quite shallow with my taste in music. I listen to anything that catches my ear. If the song doesn’t appeal to me in the first 20 seconds, I’ll probably get bored and move on. This is just a personal opinion. No patience of any sort. As for the band, they’re more forgiving. In terms of influences, I’ve grown up with the likes of Metallica, POD, Paparoach etc. Nowadays I listen to a lot of Pop, RnB, Electronica, Dubstep etc. What really makes me fat these days?

SKRILLEX!!!!

As for the band, our music has a lot to do with our name. We are called All The Fat Children not just because we are fat. Our music has that fat element. That would be heavy catchy riffs. We are three people playing our music trying to make the sound as fat as possible.

What do you seek to promote with your music?

We started this band as a bunch of attention seekers, trying to get popular with all the kids and the pretty women. Over the years We’ve realized that we can influence people with our music. Our content has drastically changed due to this. Even our performances have gone up another level where we tend to effect and relate more than anything else. We live for that connect we establish with the crowd; that moment which is so God like and can’t really be explained in words.

There was an article recently that spoke about how some event organizers in Bangalore charge the musicians to come and play. What’s your take on the Bangalore music scene?

Lot of people out there are trying to make money off artists. Artists need to be smart .The music scene needs to grow. Bands need to evangelize their music just like a religion. Get people to like our music and convert them to it. Start a music Jihad!!

What’s on the cards for All The Fat Children?

We’re planning on working on an album. It won’t really be a full length album but something more like a mini album. Apart from this we are really keen on doing more music videos. Get famous and rich basically! If that doesn’t happen, we will probably end up driving auto rickshaws. We’re also looking at getting some wacko merchandise out soon.

Is there is one thing you could change about your bandmates, what would it be?

It would be nice if they were blonde, blue eyes and had nice … tomatoes.

You guys came out with your latest music video. Tell us about some instances while making it.

We were just trying to look pretty the whole time. Ah yes, we were also trying to hit on one of the women photographers during the shoot. <sly smile ensues>. The song is called ‘I can fly’. It says “Why should I run when I can fly”. That line says it all. It was a lot of fun working with the guys at Qyuki. It was very easy communicating with them - the song and the concept. No stress of any sort and damn good fun these guys were.

We are hoping to work with them again sometime in the future. The end result was simply awesome. If you get the time make sure you check out the video on www.qyuki.com

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with

Akriti Kakkar

The vivacious Akriti Kakkar has been on our to-interview list for quite some time and finally, we got to grill her!

A Himesh Reshammiya favorite, she has sung some of Bollywoodâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest hits like Marjaani, Thaa Kar Ke & the Hindi Jailhouse Rock!

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I think I have been lucky enough to always be at the right place at the right time. There has never been an angle of desperation.

My family has been my rock through my ups and downs.

I did a brief stint as a TV anchor on a show called SMS 7575.

Being a musical show, I got to meet a lot of established singers like Asha Bhosle ji which helped me build my network.

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shresht poddar When I came to Mumbai, I had a crappy audio demo with me. Since I had a set budget, I took up random jobs like the song Rangeela Re in the album Baby Doll Chapter 2 and decided to use those tracks as my demo. I did this with the thought that no one really turns the CD and looks at the singer’s name so it is alright.

I don’t know to withdraw money from the ATM nor have I ever had the need to. My finances are taken care by my father. A part of me loves to be daddy’s little girl who asks him for money.

At the age of 10, I set off on a 45-day world tour with Kalyanji-Anandji’s Little Wonders troupe. We used to perform on the weekends and during the weekdays, we used to be “adopted” by NRI Marwadi & Gujarati families who used to become extremely nostalgic after listening to our performances.

I love to travel. I am dying to go to Venice. I loved Bali but I stayed there briefly.

When we came to Mumbai, we knew no one in this industry. Dad & I used to make exhaustive lists of people to call from film directories. From the ad world to Bollywood, we did not spare anyone.

I had a major screw up recently where I was supposed to board a flight at 1.30 p.m. and I missed it! The funny part is I had checked in and was waiting to board near the boarding gate which was 5 meters away from me and I never realized when the flight had taken off.

As a teenager, I topped the Arts stream of CBSE. My teachers used to coax me into getting into something “more worthwhile” like History or Literature. I did a B.A. course via correspondence since I wanted to be a degree holder.

Queries

Shankar Mahadevan ji has been one of the most supportive people I have ever met. He has always been patient with me and has pushed me to try newer stuff. In 2005, he told me “At this age, do not dream of driving a Ferrari - be happy with your moped. Just work hard and do grab any and every opportunity that might come your way. One day, you will get your reward.” This has always been at the back of my mind.

Since childhood, I have been very absentminded. Once, I had gone to buy eggs from the grocery store. While walking back home, I was singing to myself and I kept swinging the bag in all directions without realizing it. As you must have guessed, all the eggs had cracked!

Singing the title song of Johnny Gaddaar helped me discover new facets of voice. When Shankar ji called me to the studio and told me to sing this grungy track, I was really scared. I requested him to do a rough cut first which would be followed by the final take the next day. He told me it was just how he had wanted it and he would not be doing another recording!

I met Himesh Reshammiya by accident. I knew his close friend but never approached him through her. One day, I was visiting her at her residence when Himesh ji walked in. Believe me, that was one of the filmiest moments of my life. I asked him if I could sing for him but he told me to not bother since he had already heard my voice and he would be calling me soon. Normally, people just say such stuff for the heck of it but within a week, I was recording a song for him.

I have always believed in referring to my seniors as sir or ji. Sadly, this did not go down well with Vishal (Dadlani).

When I first met him during the recording of Chham Se from Dus, I called him Vishal ji. He threatened to replace me with another singer if I did not call him Vishal.

Being a Delhi girl, it was very difficult for me in Mumbai. My dad allowed me to come here ONLY after I lived up to my promise of getting a certain percentage in my exams.

Even though the song Abhi Abhi in Jism 2 was initially sung by Shreya Ghoshal, the final CD had my version YET Shreya’s name was listed. All I ask for is to be credited (even if I am not paid!). If it is my voice, my name should be there. No one buys CDs today so rectifying the issue in the second batch of CDs would have been pointless. Her name is still listed alongside that song all over the Internet.

You will soon hear me in the Bollywood adaptation of Chetan Bhagat’s 2 States - The Story Of My Marriage. I have sung a wedding song called Iski Uski for the movie. I will also be collaborating with Rishi Rich at some point.

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delhi metal project

Moving from isolated units to moments of brilliance, that’s Where did your musical journey start from? what we think the Delhi Metal Project Kshitish (Artillerie) has achieved. We This was back in 2000/01, when I was awestruck at Vikas’s (Acrid Semblance) catch up with guitar playing. Before that, I Rahul Mehelwal Noble Luke didn’t even know such sounds the artists and (1833 AD) (Artillerie) were possible with a guitar!

I started doing vocals when I was The real journey started off when I replied So, fast forward to 2013, the organizer to Artillerie is where I and that’s to an ad by Nishant (1833 AD - Vocalist) in second year of college, but I for a guitarist who would be interested in where I’m bringing all the past think I started taking it really 12 years of my experience understand the seriously about 5 years ago during playing Black Metal. We had a common good or bad. vision which helped us define and shape Artillerie’s re-birthing phase. our music. phenomena better.

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Being part of a super group of such renowned musicians- how does it help you?

N: Well, besides being a lot of fun, it does a lot in building unity and solidarity within

the scene, which I personally feel is imperative for the success of any scene.

Solidarity strengthens the scene; a strong scene means better support for bands.

Considering my personal selfish intentions to see metal propagated into culture, oh yes, that helps a lot.

R: Being part of the Delhi Metal project really challenges you especially when you What is the one thing you see missing in the Indian music scene and how do you reckon it can be changed?

N: Thankfully a lot of change has begun

happening already. Bands have already been getting more and more original, creative, competitive and organised.

Some have even started taking their music abroad. More music publications are sprouting up online, and a few people are taking things forward by establishing businesses around this scene.

R: I feel the one thing missing from the

Indian Music scene is the support from the authorities and the government.

They have a body created especially to preserve Indian culture and classical music but no support to any other form of music or musician. I feel it is purely due to the fact that music as an industry is very disorganised in India.

K: All said and done, there is a clear lack of structure and a business model. Bands complain about not making money, venues complain about metal not being ‘lucrative’ enough, organisers complain about not getting sponsors. There is tremendous opportunity but none has been tapped in a goal-oriented way yet!

have such excellent musicians surrounding you who like to test the threshold of musical prowess. It does help by pushing you out of your comfort level and trying out new. On top of that, being with the best brains in the music business does help you in understanding and discussing ideas about how the metal scene can be improved at par with the International fraternity.

K: All these guys are killer musicians, have a distinct sense of music and are brilliant

guys to hang out with - I’ll say as much as DMP jams really give out vibes that are usually found within bands, you know what I mean You get to see different musical outlooks, different attitudes, different energies - all of which just contribute to an immense learning experience!

How well received is metal in Delhi?

N: I guess after the Metallica fiasco, there was a subtle yet sudden withdrawal by

potential sponsors and venues to do metal gigs. Not that they’ve always been very stoked about doing metal gigs; they now just had an argument saying it was too “dangerous” or “unpredictable”. We know better that they’re only looking for some sound logic to invest. It’s up to the fans to start doing what they do best – “turn up and support”. The entire fate of the scene singularly lies in their hands.

R: Metal as a genre has always been the dark horse and it appeals to its audience

because of its underground status. However, over the years it has outgrown this and been recognised as mainstream all over the world. The story is no different for Delhi.

K: I see multiple tiers to this. The first is, of course, an international band coming to

India. Now this is a life-and-death situation for most people so that’s always going to get a huge-ass reception in terms of sales and turnout. However, when a local band is playing (including non-Delhi bands as well), it really saddens me to see that the turnouts have gone down as compared to, say, 2005. The third tier is tribute gigs, which is a completely different story. To me, metal is a really personal thing something that you just feel within. So while there’s definitely a good ear for metal in Delhi, what’s lacking is the heart!

Ashutosh Bhattacharya,

the CEO & Director, Sound Tree Media Pvt. Ltd. With what hope did you bring such an event together?

Sound Tree Media has been founded with a clear objective to promote Indian Independent Music. The indie music too operates in silos and there is a lot of discovery that needs to be done. Delhi Metal Project is an example of solidarity amongst the various stakeholders in the scene with musicians coming from various bands collaborating for the cause of metal, this only needs to be applauded and promoted.

What are the common mistakes organizers make while arranging for such shows?

Given the environment and pressure, most organisers forget that in order to derive mileage there has to be a thought through strategic input, rather the focus is only on making more money. In this process the Artists are ill-treated, disrespected on the other hand venue problems and challenges are not addressed.

I believe a solution can’t be sold without understanding the problem and challenges. We may have a very good solution but it should address the problem at hand? I appeal to all organisers to introspect.

Tell us about your connection with Attitude Alive.

Attitude Alive is one of the leading Live Music Venues in Delhi NCR. It is amazing how in-spite of ups and downs the place and stood firmly with the cause of Independent music and has given many artists a platform to showcase their talent and has also been a launchpad for many.

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Band of the Month

soulmate

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soulmate Soulmate, a Blues rock band from Shillong. We’re secretly tempted to add “the” instead. Rudy Wallang on Guitar/ Vocals and the Songwriter with Tipriti TIPS Kharbangar Vocals/ Guitar gave us a mesmerizing and a very fun interview- punctuaded with lots of smiley’s and “!”. Enjoy the read while your minds have found your blues mate.

Photocredits : Om Prakash

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zo hass

What do you think makes Soulmate special?

This question should be asked to our fans, don’t you think? But honestly, Soulmate is Tips and Rudy; we have had the honour of playing with so many talented musicians through the years.

It’s also about the drummers and bass players but it’s been our voice and personality backed by our guitar style.

Like we said, soulmate is about Tips and Rudy. And yes...please do ask the fans as well.

You’ve played with the likes of Carlos Santana, Buddy Guy, John Mayall.

Who’s next?

Who’s not next?! We would love to share the stage with Derek Trucks, Susan Tedeschi , Gary Clark Jr. and maybe even Eric Clapton. But who knows what God has in store for us.

North East is a music hub of the country. How does it respond to Soulmate and where does Soulmate feels home playing to?

Frankly, Soulmate feels at home anywhere we play. The stage is our home ☺. We have a lot of fans from all the states in the NE, a majority of them being from Manipur and Assam.

How was playing at the recent Du World Music festival? Tell us something more about this new place Indian blues has gone to?

This was our second time playing at the Du Festival and it was special because we got to share the stage with The Ranjit Barot Band, Frank Gambale and Natalie Cole. I must say that we have a lot of fans in Dubai as well. The gig was good and we have made new friends and introduced our music to them as well.

All in all, it was a great time we had.

Soulmate initially was Sam, Ferdy on sessions. Now Leon and Raveen are also on board. Will it always be a two piece centric band?

Yes it will. There are times when it’s just the two of us playing gigs without any backing band. We have had about 7-8 drummers whom we have played with through the years. Each one of them bring in their own styles to the music. It’s not so easy to find drummers/bass players who can hold down a simple blues groove and play for the song. Right now, Lee is doing a great job of handling bass duties.

Your new album is in the process of being made. How do you plan to spread this new music? How is it different from the two earlier albums?

We are looking to release it around June/July and it is going to be different for sure. We feel it has a new sound to itself. Shantanu Hudlikar is co producing it with us as well. It’s also a fact that it’s been recorded at YSR studios. So, expect great drums, bass/ guitar and overall great sounds! Tips has contributed to 3-4 songs to the album this time as well so. As you can imagine, we are so excited!!

Who are your influences and what about these musicians style do you incorporate in your own music?

The Quick Chops The boys rhyme phrases with anything else that can be limed(eek!)

Zero tolerance : Too much of botherance!

Proactive : Thats attractive?

Powerful Poison : From Tony Royston

Edit Profile : Mile after mile

Deadlines :

There have been a whole lot of musicians and bands that have influenced me and my music. Starting with my late dad, The Beatles, Elvis Presley, Tom Jones, Chuck Berry, Chet Atkins, The Platters (to name a few in the early years) then Carlos Santana, Steely Dan, The Great Society, BB King, Freddie King, Albert King, Albert Collins, Roy Buchanan, Jimmy Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Ella Fitzgerald, Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Manfred Mann and so on.

And Coal mines

What are the good things about the current Independent music scene?

You guys are a fashionable band.

What sort of clothes will you wear for occasions like :

I think its the number of festivals that are happening in India as well as the number of new venues opening up around the country for bands to play!The more bands get to play ‘Live’ the better they become. Also, i must say that the Indian audience has made a BIG contribution to all this. Bands can play and perform their own music without having to be booed off stage for not playing covers!!

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Easy Design : Just like mine

Bands Galore : Give me more!

Gigs : Tips : depends on the type of gig and venue as well as my mood.

Rudy : Shirts/Tee’s & Jeans.

Buzz Are you guys the Blues Preacher in India? (no pun intended).

We don’t preach the Blues. (LOL!) We sing, play and feel the Blues...

What do you want Soulmate to be remembered for, say like 30 years from now on?

Hanging out : Tips : Anything comfortable.

Rudy : Tee’s and Jeans.

Travel : Tips : Again, comfort is the word!!

Rudy : Jeans and whatever!

For our contribution in Keeping the Blues Alive in India.

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PISTAH SUMMA KIRA SOMAARI JAMA KIRAA! An inspiration from a song composed impromptu by veteran actor Mr.Jagathy Sreekumar in the 1983 movie Kinnaram is the base for this viral hit of the season. We unearth the secrets with AAT.

lights to be switched off during the recording of With over 6 lakh hits The History of Pistah the song because he was so conscious of people around him. The shooting of the movie was also Pistah song is a happy coincidence, say the on youtube, the RUN team. The group of friends who met during fun as most of the actors were all a big gang of their college at AAT-SAE in Chennai decided ANTHEM from the yet to team up for NERAM. Music director Rajesh friends. composed the song as a separate Reaction of audience to be released bi-lingual Murugesan track and singer Shabareesh Varma tried In Kerala, the audience could relate to the song movie NERAM is today matching the lyrics to it and gave it life. and there have been instances where people As previously mentioned, this song is a tribute come and thank the team for giving them an on the lips of people to Mr.Jagathy Sreekumar. He is currently anthem for the malayalee crowd. What Kolaveri recovering from a bad accident that left him of all ages. The Team immobile over the last one year. The director of is for Tamil Nadu, Pistah is for Kerala…

Kinnaram, Mr.Sathyan Anthikad was more behind the Pistah song, than happy to give his permission to remake the song.

Alphonse Putharen About AAT-SAE the director of Formula for success The formula for success according to Alphonse the movie, Rajesh is to enjoy work and have fun. Positive energy & College Life is the base on which confidence is built. This The Team of Pistah got together during their Murugesan – the was time and again proved by the NERAM college at AAT – SAE. They attribute their growth team: case in point, this one particular instance individually & as a team to the support music director and when the original track of Pistah got lost due to both provided by the faculty and the management. a system crash. Still the team didn’t lose hope.

The College encouraged them to explore their Shabareesh Varma – They recorved what they could (The director talents and imparted knowledge through practical told the music director that he could take all oriented courses that helped them to improve the voice of the song the time he wanted in two days) and went on to on their creative skills thereby excelling in their make the hit song. respective careers. get candid with us and Quiz them on the genre of the film and the director signs off saying that its for the audience share their fun loving Happy Moments to decide on which genre they can classify the film Every moment together working on the song after watching the movie which hits the theatre journey so far… and the movie were memorable, say the team. on the 10th of May. Rajesh recalled how Shabareesh wanted the

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The support given to us by our family is huge.

They have stood by us and encouraged us at every stage.

-Shabareesh Varma

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T he way people of all ages have accepted the song is tremendous. The credit for making us famous in all houses must go to all kids who are hooked on to pistah!

- Rajesh Murugesan

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Pistah is one of the most imitated songs from youtube. There are lots of home videos inspired from this song. For a team like us with no big star, it’s a huge honor.

- Alphonse Putharen

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Alaa Waardi

This month’s Youtube segment brings to you the viral highlight called Alaa Waardi. Or better known for making the A Cappella version of Pehla Nesha from Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar.

While people maybe very appreciative of his skills, we applaud his perseverance of making a living from Youtube.

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Don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you. Keep doing it and opportunities will come your way!

The best advice I’ve got is Stay humble!

supriya talupuru Was music always a part of the grand scheme? Tell us where it all started from for you.

I started playing music in high school mostly by myself. I wasn’t good at it at all then but I had a passion for learning more so I went to college after school to study music In Jordan (which is another country, I live and have been living in Saudi). This is was the place where my serious music journey began and have been doing it ever since.

What genre of music do you feel at home with?

All kinds and genres, I can’t really stick with one. I listen to all kind and styles. I keep jumping from something to something else very remote from what I was listening to previously. Rock, jazz, pop, metal, Indian, Arabic, Iranian, Turkish, African: just whatever that comes my way.

You’re being addressed as a one man show who knows no boundaries to your internet fame. How does that make you feel?

How can one learn to sing in a cappella? Can anyone do it?

Well, I can’t answer that generally but I can tell you how I came to it. I studied both music and sound engineering, so I know how to arrange music in a cappella and I know how to record, edit mix and all that. So anyone with a musical background, some vocal abilities and experience with recording/ producing music tools can do it, I guess! Which we have millions of them everywhere. (big smile ensues)

Since when have you been making a capella music?

I started making such videos on youtube about 2 years ago, I don’t have a specific training in a cappella alone except that I studied music for 4 years in Jordan where I received my Bachelor of arts degree, after that I studied sound engineering for one year.

Both these studies gave me the ability to make the stuff I make on youtube..

What’s the next thing for you?

I’m releasing an album in a few weeks with my band “Hayajan” hoping that people will like the music.

The Pehla Nasha craze

I’ve been wanting to do a Hindi cover so badly but choosing just one song from so many millions was so difficult! I thought of picking something classic but that’s still alive! I remembered this song by chance, really. It sounded like a good idea so I went for it without thinking too much! Thankfully, it’s a good choice I hope!

Any loves, other than music?

Nothing really. Everything I do is related to music somehow! I love film making and animation to but I haven’t really gotten into them yet.

I feel blessed and honored. It’s a dream come true for me, I guess.

It motivates me to make more and more music and videos. I personally don’t think I’ve anything worthy of any titles because honestly I’m not doing anything any other musician can’t do. I just got lucky to be first one who has done it in Arabic and Hindi; hopefully in other languages in the future.

What’s the best advice ever given to you about music and what advice will you give to upcoming musicians?

Stay humble, that the best advice! The advice I’d give is to start working and do your best with whatever you have. Don’t wait for the opportunity to come to you. You just do what you have to do ; keep doing it and opportunities will come your way!

Tell us about your adoration towards Bolloywood music.

Who are your favorite artists?

I’ve been watching Bollywood movies since I was a kid with my mother and sister and I guess I picked it up from there. Of course, the Indian cinema has grow so much and so fast in since then.. My favorites are Aamir Khan, Aishwarya Rai, Hrithik Roshan, Sonu Nigam, Nusrat & Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Ravi Shankar, and so many more.

How are your experiences with childhood and family?

I was born and raised in Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, into an Iranian family. As I earlier on mentioned, I started playing music by myself and eventually got serious about it in college (I studied music for 4 years then sound engineering for one year). After that, I did a couple of jobs before I discovered Youtube by chance and decided to do it as a job! Now I make youtube videos for a profession! I’m not necessarily making any living right now ($ wise) but hoping it would pay off in the near future.

Your videos have now become extremely viral on the internet. Do tell us more about how you create them and what it takes to make them digitally.

I start by arranging the music and imagining how I want it to sound like when it’s done. I record all the part that I’ve arranged and I edit and mix all the tracks that I’ve recorded and modify them to sound their best, then start shooting the videos for each part and put them together in a video software and I’m done.

This process might take me a month sometimes depending on the complexity of the song and how lazy I might be then!

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carnatic

FESTIVAL Carnatic Musicians and Rasikas these days work around the clock.

With concert series and festivals always around the corner, musicians keep singing and rasikas keep getting opportunities to listen. Here are some of the upcoming concert series and festivals to watch out for so you can join in on the fun!

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ananya ashok

SV Krishnan Birthday Series

Charsur Monthly Series

Gayana Samaj Youth Series

Venue: Raga Sudha Hall, Mylapore, Chennai When: April to May

Venue: Narada Gana Sabha Mini Hall, Alwarpet, Chennai When: Every month (

Venue: Gayana Samaj, Bangalore When: July

SV Krishnan started Ragasudha, as a small sabha in 1974 in Coimbatore.

However within a short time it was obvious that unless Krishnan came to Madras it was difficult to make a mark in the music world. He came to Chennai started Naada Inbam in 1982 mainly due to the fac that he found that certain talented artistes like vainika Sangeetha Kalanidhi K. S. Narayanaswami, were totally ignored by major sabhas.

“Sabhas tend to present artistes who approach them and those who are economically and socially prominent and influential. Influence need not be through music only. It may be that they are able to mix socially, are well-to-do or well-known or children of well-known artistes!”, he once stated. The series, which is taking place in the founders memory is held at Raga Sudha Hall in Mylapore all throughout the month of April and into May.

View http://www.charsurartsfoundation. org for exact date and time of monthly concert)

Ramanavami Festival Venue: All over India When: Late April-May In January, you have Mazhgazhi maasam. In March, you have Maha Shivarathri. The next major festival in line is Ramanavami. This is the festival which celebrates the birth of Lord Rama; Ramanavami is not to be missed for any reason whatsoever! Sri Rama Bhakta Seva Mandali in Bangalore celebrates this festival in a big way.

Some of the artists featured this year include Sri. N Ravikiran, U. Shrinivas, Smt. Jayanthi Kumaresh, and much more. In Chennai, Sri Rama Bhaktha Jana Saamaj will be featuring artists such as Kadri Gopalnath and S. Mahati.

Hamsadhwani.

Charsur Arts Foundation, which was formed primarily to promote, preserve and support the art and the artistes of Carnatic Music has over the years provided a unique platform for upcoming artists and established/ senior artists to come together. It has greatly aided in renewing old concert recordings by digitizing archival music for listening as well as for sale using the modern technology and making it available to listeners in the latest audio formats. Their monthly series as well as their mid-year festival, taking place in June are great opportunities to check out some of the best of today’s younger generation of Carnatic Musicians.

Fine Arts Society Venue: Chembur When: Late April The Fine Arts Society, which is one of the most recognized sabhas in Mumbai, hosts thematic performances from time to time. In late April and early May, three such performances will be given.

These concerts will feature artists Sikkhil Gurucharan, Saketharaman, and Rohini Venkatachalam. In Chennai, the Sabha Mudhra (run by mridangist Mudhra Bhaskar and his violinist wife, Dr. Radha Bhaskar), does a similar series during the December season allowing artists to explore different themes within the Carnatic Music genre, such as composer specific compositions, one raga-one kriti, etc.

Every year, the Gayana Samaj holds a youth festival to again, promote the upcoming youth in Carnatic Music.

Artists from various parts of India between 18 and 30 perform for the festival to showcase their talent. If they perform well, they will most likely be called back for a concert performance during the sabha’s general series which happens on a monthly basis, much like Charsur monthly series. Gayana Samaj being Bangalore’s most renowned and prestigious sabhas in the Carnatic circle. In general, it is a great platform for upcoming artists. It is also a great way for rasikas in Bangalore to learn of the latest talent.

Spirit of Youth Series Venue: Music Academy, Chennai When: July/August Like the Gayana Samaj youth festival, the Spirit of Youth festival at the Music Academy features performances by upcoming young artists. The series although a stream of concerts, is also a competition. This concert competition is what many look forward to as the winner is awarded. It is also a great opportunity to hear some really good music as the contestants are selected among a large pool of applicants. The Music Academy of Madras is the most prestigious Carnatic Sabha of today and so naturally preparation and perfection are on the minds of all artists.

This is just some of the many upcoming Carnatic festivals in India. If you’re an artist, a rasika, or just plain curious about Carnatic Music, I suggest you catch a show near you!

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THOMSUN MUSIC HOUSE

Star of the month

Sahej Bakshi The Dualist Inquiry

Duality Inquiry. Sahej Bakshi. Who fabricated whom? His music comes close to Victor Hugo’s famous quote- “Music expresses that which cannot be put into words & that which cannot remain silent” We beckon you to take this ride with DI; an interview sans the gimcrack.

Doppelganger It’s been a long time coming. Since I released EP in 2011, an album has been on my mind. The reason it took so long is because I’ve been caught up with playing gigs which took away a lot of my studio time.

Only in the last ten months, I have gotten into the zone. I had already written about 40 new songs after the EP and picked 9 or 10 good ones according to me and that’s how the album came into the picture.

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vishal shah

I really think it’s better to have 30 really enthusiastic people who are into the music rather than having 1000 people who don’t give a shit. I would prefer playing to a shorter, interested batch any day.

Electronic music has evolved from DJs who only mixed popular tunes to people creating entire tracks from scratch. What are your thoughts on this?

Personally speaking, I came from the angle of a rock musician and started playing instruments like the guitar, drums & the piano. The first time I heard electronic music, I was very disinterested and bored by it, because there were hardly any live instruments. Only when I got to making it, did I realize that it’s way more challenging that what I’d thought it would be. Electronic music is very open-ended; it does not have to be repetitive or synthetic, it can still be a song rather than a track.

What kind of instruments do you play?

On making a killer electrodubstep remix of the Kannada track Naane Daari

by Bengaluru-based band Swarathma It was easy crossing genres with them. Their musical elements and chord structures are excellent and they do lots of interesting stuff on stage. I thought I could work with – Naane Daari. I kept the tempo and the chords unchanged and replaced the guitars and bass with wild electronic synths and effects. The song was still the same; I don’t like remixes where you take one tiny part of the song and change the face of it completely.

I like remixes which are a derivative of the original, that way you retain what was good about the song in the first place.

Word association Pussyriot : stand up for your rights, revolutionary, ballsy, much needed, full support Creepy : buying girls drinks, asking for my home address, slick back hair Destination : journey, progress, distance, dedication, effort, lifelong goal Sonic landscape : emotion, exploration, curiosity, layering, dreaminess Skeletons : skeleton tracks, skulls, imagery, in the closet, eating deficiency I’m listening to: The new Digitalism album, new Justice EPs, Chromatic and Two fingers. Apart fom that, a lot of different stuff.

Obscure bands that are not massive. Acoustic, techno, trance and even simple drum-and-bass beats at times.

I listen to Bach sometimes, Ludovico Einaudi. Make it a point to listen to every genre.

Main instrument is the guitar. I play the acoustic guitar, bass guitar, the piano and a bit of mandolin. I like the xylophone as well. Another thing I use as an instrument is the sampler pads. On stage however, I have only used the guitar coupled with MIDI because well, there are only a limited things you can do alone up there.

The 100 kilo Doppelganger rig goes along with you wherever you go. Tell us about it.

Well, it’s a big setup. There’s a powerful projector in front of it which projects the same shapes and animations onto the setup as the original physical shapes. It makes use of projection mapping and is all synchronized to the music.

All the content is custom made; the shapes are determined by the music so that it’s a synchronized show.

What are the things you’re looking for when you listen to someone in your scale of genre?

The biggest thing I look for in another musician is originality. Also, the music should work personally for me.

It can appear simple to the face, but there should be layers to it. I like music that pulls out specific emotions out of you.

Making musical mash-ups seem to be a desirable variable in DJ’s these days as it indicates a good musical standing.

Comment?

It is important, yes. I think Djing has been extremely over simplified. You just hit a sync button and it’s all there and ready. It then becomes important to focus on other things about the music. Mash-ups are very interesting, not necessary, but if done well, are great to listen to.

How important is visuals to what you do?

With the stuff I do, it’s really important. As a viewer you can relate really well to the music if you have images projected in this manner. We have been working on it for a long time, so I am pretty excited about how it turns out.

What is the relevance of Music theory today?

Especially for electronic music.

I think an intermediate level of knowledge can go a long way definitely. But I don’t believe in using advanced music theory in life. When I’m composing, I’m never thinking of numbers, intervals and charts. Theory might tell you what should follow a chord for a better sound, but I prefer to sit with a guitar and explore myself what could sound better.

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Furtados

Drum

Festival Furtados proudly presents the Drum Festival, a 3 month long festival with attractive offers on Drumkits, Drum accessories and Percussion. This is to promote the Drums and Percussion category along with the brands.

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Every month a certain brand will be running an offer with discounts up to 15% on a drumkit. In the month of April, we have started with Mapex. We have Flat 10% on entry level kits, flat 15% off high end kits. Flat 5 % on all accessories, hardware and double bass pedals. We are planning to look at Pearl and then Zildjian for the next 2 months. We will also have workshops & jam sessions by some of the best musicians in the country and endorsers of the brands at the end of each month.

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s see what these brands are all about:

MAPEX

PEARL

ZILDJIAN

Mapex drums are a drum brand manufactured by KHS Musical Instruments Company of Taiwan. Mapex has been in the drum making industry for over 18 years.

Founded in 1952, the Pearl Musical Instrument Company is a multinational corporation based in Japan with a wide range of products, predominantly percussion instruments.

Mapex produces seven different lines of drums: the introductory Voyager and Horizon series, the intermediate Meridian Birch and Meridian Maple, and the professional level Saturn and Orion. For a short time Mapex also offered the “Deep Forest” line of drums, built entirely out of Walnut or Cherry plies, as well as the Aquiles Priester signature drum kit.[1]

Pearl has created several drum products, such as shells in the 1970s that were made of wood with a fiber-glass lining. There was also a shell made of a composite called “Phenolic.” Additionally, Pearl combined roto-toms and these Phenolic shells to create the Vari-Pitch line of drums. Other early innovations included shells that were slightly undersized, so that the drum head would extend over the edges, much like a gong drum. Pearl manufactured seamless, extruded acrylic shells that were different to the tabbed-and-seamed Vistalite shells used

by Ludwig. Pearl also developed the hinged tube tom-arm, a design widely copied by many other drum manufacturers

The Avedis Zildjian Company is a cymbal manufacturer founded in Istanbul by Armenian Avedis Zildjian in the 17th century during the Ottoman Empire. At nearly 400 years old, Zildjian is one of the oldest companies in the world. It also sells drum-related accessories, such as drum sticks and cymbal carriers.

Mapex is also associated with Falcon pedals, Black Panther snare drums and kits, and Tornado starter kits.

Come & be a part of exclusive workshops this season!

Their construction technique is known as SST or “Superior Shell Technology”. All Pearl drums feature this construction. Each ply is placed into a cylinder, and pressure is applied from both sides. While in the press, the shell is heated to bring the glue to a boil, thus forcing it through the wood grain and fusing the shells very tightly. The individual plies are scarf jointed, and all the seams are offset, resulting in a “seamless” drum (Pearl demonstrates the strength by parking a Humvee with its tire on a tom shell). This creates a drum shell of incredible strength.

The beginner drum kits are Rhythm Traveller,Forum & Target while the professional drum kits include Vision, Session Studio Classic, Masters Custom, Masters Premium, Masters Premium Legend,Reference Pure, Reference RF.

On December 20, 2010, it was announced that Avedis Zildjian Company had merged with Vic Firth, Inc. The first Zildjian cymbals were created in 1618 by Avedis Zildjian, an alchemist who was looking for a way to turn base metal into gold; he created an alloy combining tin, copper, and silver into a sheet of metal that could make musical sounds without shattering. Avedis was given the name of Zildjian by the Sultan Osman II and began an industry in 1623, the details of whose main product remained secret for generations. It became family tradition that only the company’s heirs would know the manufacturing process.

The Zildjian Company moved from manufacturing noisemakers that frighten the enemies of the Ottoman Empire to manufacturing its cymbals as musical instruments in the 19th century.

Zildjian’s sheet bronze cymbals are made out of identical bronze discs, which are shaped, hammered, and lathed to their direct specifications. These cymbals have a higher pitch than their cast bronze counterparts and produce a more consistent sound. These are ZBT, ZXT & ZHT. All of Zildjian’s cast bronze cymbals contain 80% copper and 20% tin with traces of silver in its alloy. They are FX, Z3, Avedis Zildjian, Armand Zildjian, A Custom, K Zildjian, K Custom & K Custom Hybrid.

*This offer is valid at the following stores:

ahmedabad: AlphaOne T:079-40067704, 40067705 BENGALURU: Koramangala T:080-41104304/05/06 Hypercity T:08028525110/11 CHANDIGARH: DLF City Center T:0172-4371622, 4371675/76 DELHI: Lajpat Nagar II T:011-29814585,46105145 DLF Place T:011-46170900/1/2 MUMBAI: Subedar House, JVPD Scheme T:022-26211801/03 Hypercity Malad T:022-66990009 Powai: Galleria Shopping Mall T:022-40155892 PUNE: ABC Farms Pvt Ltd T:020-64010702,65000126.

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ScoreNight EVERY FRIDAY!

only at BAK BAK BAR (Bangalore) Star Rock (Chennai)

EVENTS Galore

For more gig reviews & pictures, hawk www.highonscore.com!

We gather all the audio-visual evidence of the local scene in Bangalore and Chennai.

ScoreNights have gotten bigger, brighter and better.

Chai On the Rocks Shake it, stir it, play it...Chai On the Rocks is in the house!

Indi Grafitti This talented Hindi band inspires the rock scene in us while. Not to forget, the lead singer’s energy!

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Got the Space Behind The Yellow Room yet? This strangely named band put us on quite a trip.

Armour of God Armour of God are a Melodic Death Metal Band. Just a few guys, breaking their necks and busting your ears.

Hungry!

A curry pot of sounds: we’re talking about Hungry! This 5 piece band dished out music of the Alternative/ Hard Rock/ Funk kind.

Not to mention, the feel good vibe.

Indus valley project These guys are as clean as it gets: what with their take on Bangalore Rock. Not to mention, their stellar 50 Shows in 6 months with 10 of them outside Bangalore.

Defraction

White Lady

Still wet behind the ears, this DJ group is made up of three widely interested musicians. This outfit consists of Caleb Sager, Kethan Reddy, and Akash Sabharwal. These guys strive to show diversity as each as their own different genres up in the music tree.

5 Indian men make one White Lady. Aurally, at least.

They did some amazing covers from Aerosmith and Dream T heater.

TWKC Groove Chutney This is a classic love story, if we may.

Love for live jam sessions, classic rock, blues and the vibrant natured street food brought these three musicians together to form Groove chutney.

This rock band has a knack of pulling up interesting signatures and their sound is funky. his is the thing about putting scene: you do it in style.

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AUDIOPHILIC If one man’s magic is another man’s engineering, then Sound Engineering is delicate science with real time effects.

This month, we revisit history with From acclaimed Sound Engineer Siva Kumar the of the renowned Panchathan studio.

Desk He has been with A.R. Rahman from the very start. From Roja to Enthiran. From India to L.A. He has also had the opportunity to work with H. Sridhar, an exceptionally talented Sound Engineer himself. Over to the humble engineer himself.

Mr Ranjith Menon General Manager, Muzik Lounge

“

Rahman sir is a fantastic person to work with and I have enjoyed every minute of that journey which has brought me to where I am today. He is always open to suggestions especially if it is new and innovative.

- Sivakumar

What made you take up sound engineering and when was this?

I have been passionate about sound ever since childhood. My father owned a company which provided P. A. systems to a lot of events. I was a part of that during my childhood helping my father set up and carrying out necessary things. This invoked a passion which i wanted to take to the next level and joined the film and television institute in Chennai in 89. I graduated in 92 and the rest as they say is history.

Do share some experiences of working with Mr. A. R. Rahman.

First of all, he is a fantastic person to work with and I have enjoyed every minute of that journey which has brought me to where I am today. During this journey I have seen a lot of things and experienced it. Once I was at the stage mixer for Mr. A. R. Rahman’s concert in Hollywood bowl at L. A. During that concert, the L. A philharmonic orchestra played Veera Paandi Kottayilae from the tamil film Thiruda Thiruda. It was such a fantastic rendition of the tamil song.

Would he like to do things in a particular way or does he let you decide what has to be done in respect to your role?

Working with him is like standing on fire. One has to be alert at all times. It is a high pressure environment. But it is also fun and I enjoy it to this day. Normally he doesn’t limit my creative

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freedom. He lets me do my thing and he uses his wisdom to change things to his style. He is very approachable and always open to suggestions especially if it is new and innovative.

Which project that you worked on is the most challenging and why?

My next project. It will always be like that. I cherish challenges and when I complete it, it makes me feel good. If you have completed a challenge its not a challenge any more. Then you are ready for the next one. That’s how I look at it.

You have worked with Mr. H. Sridhar. Tell us about that association.

Mr. Sridhar had an innovative audio engineering mind. A lot of the things that he did was very different from the generic audio engineering methods at the time like for instance making the track louder than the rest of the material that came out at the time, equalisation techniques etc. But those methods worked for us. It became a new trend in Indian music industry and now I see a lot of music mixed that way. That association with him was very insightful for me. We would have technical discussions in the middle of the night trying to figure out new ways to improve our standards. Those were the days. I miss him.

Tell us about your achievements and awards I don’t work for awards but appreciation makes one feel good.

I won two Tamil nadu State awards in the best music Mixer

category for the films Duet and Rhythm respectively. I also won a Vijay music award for best music mix of Enthiran. The most recent award was GIMA for the 7.1 music mix of the Hindi film Rockstar.

What are your upcoming projects and recent projects?

Recently I worked as a film mixer on director Aamir’s Aadhibhagavan. We mixed this film in Auro 3d, a new 3 dimensional sound format. I, along with the sound designer Vijay Rathinam went to galaxy Studios Belgium to mix this film. We were personally trained in this format by the inventor Mr. Wilfried Van Baelen. It was a great experience. Promising upcoming projects include Barath Bala’s Mariyaan, Balaji Kumar’s Vidiyum Mun, Director Cheran In JK Enum Oru Nanbanin Kathai and more.

These days you are working as film post production mixer and also as a music mixer for new generation music composers. How do you feel about this?

Testimonial Student : Nikhil THOMAS Course :

Diploma in MUSIC TECHNOLOGY

ML offered me an opportunity to pursue my interest and passion as a music producer in par with industry standards. ML provided me that extra boost and support in my music knowledge.

Now, I’m assisting and working as a programmer of well known music director Ratheesh Vega in the Malayalam Music Industry.I had a lifetime enriching experience from the group of ML- Stephen devassy, Sam devassy,Venkat sir, Satya sir, Harsha sir, Jithu sir, Christo sir, Prakash alex, Renjith rajan and Ranjith Menon.

Film post production mix is a completely different game when you compare it to music mixing. You would have to understand the story, the style of narrative and you would have to imagine what you would want to hear in that movie to understand the story better and go about mixing it. A lot of new music composers these days have fresh ideas especially the younger ones. So it is really refreshing to work new talents. All this helps me to constantly evolve as a sonic artist.

What’s your advice for upcoming audio professionals?

I would say commit yourself. There are no rules. Always be open to new ideas and methods. Keep yourself updated with the ever developing technology. Don’t forget to have fun. That’s what it is all about.

Testimonial

Testimonial

Student : lIJESH KUMAR

Student : David isaac

Course :

Diploma in AUDIO ENGINEERING

My greatest desire ever was to work in the music industry. With a systematic way of teaching, Muzik Lounge has not only enhanced my knowledge, but also my personality. I started my career by doing melodyne for leading music directors in the industry. I’ve also got the chance to assist music director Sri.C.Rajamani Sir. At present I am working in Mr.Aalaap Raju’s studio named Voice & Vision. My humble thanks to our principal Mr.Iyer Venkat sir, Mr.Renjith Rajan(Chief sound engineer, Muzik Lounge Studios) & all our teachers.

Admissions OPEN Batch for Diploma in Music Technology(18 month & Diploma in Audio Engineering (18 months).

You can download the application form from www.muzikloungeindia.com.

s)

Course :

Diploma in audio engineering

I realized my passion for music at a very young age. It was then I told myself that I have to do something related in that field.

When I first heard about Muzik Lounge, I was unsure about how it would be, as it was still setting up. Muzik Lounge has helped me to learn and understand Sound in a WHOLE new perspective. The efficiency of the lecturers and freedom to contact them at any hour to clarify doubts really made me understand that there’s much more to the music we hear.Best decision ever made, No regrets.

/MLSAT /muziklounge /muzikloungeindia

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tiesto After Swedish House Mafia, the world’s most hyped EDM artiste Tiësto came to three cities in India.

Was this global EDM icon as enthralling as everyone makes him out to be? Well, read on to know more.

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a i d n i in

e v i l

“

To me, electronic brings the music community and world community together.

supriya talupuru We caught up with Nirupama of BLaNK who opened for Tiesto in Bangalore

How did you guys land the gig?

We got a phone call Submerge - a label we’ve had a long time association with. We were just fresh out of playing at the Sunburn Festival, opening main stage for Dirty Vegas, and most recently had opened for DJ Sasha at the Barefoot Festival, Goa - so this was like a sonic hatrick!

The big question: how did it feel opening for a DJ like Tiesto?

There’s definitely a lot of expectation that goes hand in hand with opening for such a big name - but very strangely, none of us actually felt the nerves!

We were just excited, because we saw it as an interesting challenge - listeners of Tiesto’s music aren’t necessarily the same guys listening to our style of electronica, so we really had to work hard to tailor make an opening set that would compliment a DJ like Tiesto, while staying true to our music, and our sound.

It was an interesting balance - but it’s also important for artists to push themselves out of their comfort zones. It’s also a benchmark in any band’s career - to open for someone who has been called one of the world’s greatest DJs.

What do you think is the highlight of the event?

The crowd’s energy - for sure. It was electric. As a performer you literally feed off that energy, and it’s magical, that energy exchange between the crowd and a performer! Bangalore was definitely alive that night, and it totally made our night.

Tiësto has transcended musical genres by creating a global brand that has a huge fan following. That is one way to asses it. This Grammy nominee and winner of numerous awards, over the years, has collaborated with several renowned artistes including Kanye West, Katy Perry and Nelly Furtado. and to For that, we reckon his standing in the world of DJ’s with respect.

Tiesto-nication • A deejay at a young age, he was Tijs Verwest before he adopted the name DJ Tiesto.

• He was voted The Greatest DJ of All Time by Mixmag in 2011.

• Ranked in the Top 3 DJs since 2002.

• Is said to be the only DJ in the world to have a wax statue at Madame Tussauds.

• Has performed at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games (Athens, 2004).

• He’s ranked second in DJ Mag’s list of top 100 DJs. • Not to mention, he is ranked the richest DJ in the world by Forbes Magazine in 2012.

2008

Tiesto, for the first time, performed in Hyderabad at the Gachibowli Stadium while touring with his 2007 Grammy nominated album, Elements Of Life, which featured the hit “In The Dark”.

Since both, David Guetta and Armin van Buuren, performed twice in India already, Tiësto’s visit was meant to happen. The place had so many colorful people. So very many. It was so scene we couldn’t even call it that. An interesting event was when someone threw a vodka bottle at Tiesto’s head, barely missing him. Tiesto almost gave the entire show mid way through.

We heard his manager making a lot of noise about it too (obviously). Maybe this is the true sign of professionalism: Tiesto did come back in a couple of minutes and got back to playing. We had only two mins for having an interview with him. During that time, he smiled and shrugged his shoulders and answered in monosyllables.

How to DJ like Tiesto This turntable Dutch has some keen aspects that we reckon has contributed to his success: Apart from DJing, this Dutch artist is also a record producer and has several successful collaborations with some of the biggest artists on the planet. It also has to do with passion for the music. All the traveling and partying may seem nice but, it’s only to a certain limit. Tiesto passion for music is evident from his dedication. It’s also important to explore all realms of EDM like him.

Which leads us to the third point: Learn. That goes for any field. Use your learning period to use every piece of DJ equipment available: you never know what works best for you until you try it.

Find the right mentors when it comes to DJing– Sure, take inspiration and be your own master. But not isolated or cocky (a trait in quite a few musicians).

A very famous one from Tiesto on why Netherland’s has become the cradle of dance music: “With the weather being so bad, instead of going out and playing sports, a lot of kids and young adults head to the studio or the nightclub and are really able to learn the craft of DJing and producing,”

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Indie Reviews

What does it take to bring the sounds of India together?

Different bands playing different music. Call it the evolution of music; this is be our summation for the month of May.

«««««

B.L.O.T - Snafu Basic Love Of Things (Gaurav and Avinash). A two man group that, for the past few years, have toured India to tumultuous acclaim in the electronic field. Psybient is thy name for this record. The electronic doesn’t blare in your face, and is more subtle, especially with the mixing of natural instruments. Vasundhara from Adil & Vasundhara, Suryakant Sawhney from Peter Cat Recording Co. and Mandeep Sethi have all collaborated in phases for this gargantuan album which radically shifts in styles at every turn.

Spacedust, a favourite has some heavy synths playing around over a solid bass, which has been brilliantly dynamised. 9283 is a more pop-ish and danceable number. The title track Snafu has some rumbling guitars behind some heavy bass which just reflects their commitment to sound as well as to visual elements and does justice to the concept of the album as a whole.

Top Picks: 9283, Tatemae, Spacedust

«««««

Duality - The First Born Manoj and Mihir are Duality. Focusing on the dual nature of everything in life, the album opener An Army of Flowers is a melancholic guitar piece that wouldn’t be out of place in a movie score. Recorded at Digi Sound Studio, Chennai and mastered by Baba L. Prasad, the 10-track album has a very soft-tone feel to it. The track Duality is a merry sing along much like some softer The White Stripes. Affirmation, a delightful track with soulful lyrics is an example of the kind of soft- folk sound we could expect to hear from the duo in the future. Let it Rain, which was just released as a video as well, has some classy guitars from both end. The way they keep live crowds occupied with just two acoustic guitars and two voices is crazy!

Top Picks: Duality, An Army of

Flowers

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siddarth v

«««««

Spook - Lyrical Cynic With their second album in the offing, Spook are all set for some heavy touring to promote their newer, more alternative sounds of Rock. Blessed, the album opener, is very reminiscent of some older Thermal And A Quarter tracks and indeed, the entire feel of the record reflects some groovy rock-trippin’ sounds. Musings, another track, is more melancholic, but the dynamic of the band is darker with more soul than their previous stuff. With traces of their old grungyfunk sound, they firmly believe in the DIY method of crowd-funding. With members from Slow Down Clown, Fuzzy Logic, Caesar’s Palace and Groove Deva, it’s not surprising that these guys can sound whacky. Stopstart, my favorite number, initially has a solid old grunge vibe, but then progresses into a more futuristic sound. Now, after 2 years work, the professionally recorded album is out and has received quite a tremendous response.

http://scorem.ag/spook-lyrical-clinic

Top Picks: Musings, Stopstart

«««««

Top Picks: Suppa Matter Da

«««««

Amrit Rao - Nirangal ‘Nirangal’, the debut Tamil music album from Amrit Rao, a singer-songwriter-composer, was launched recently. The Music director of the album is Dheerendra Doss. ‘Nirangal’ means colours and the attempt is to bring the various genres or “colors” of music and Tamil . This album of eight tracks come with inspirations drawn from people, life and social issues. I heard about how 3 tracks in the album were recorded almost three years back while the remaining five tracks were worked upon in August last year. The album features musicinas like Sridhar Varadarajan, Siddhart Kamath, Dhruv Kumar and Srikanth Muthya, flautist Sandeep Vasishta and Ritu Gopal. Coming to the album itself, Suppa Matter Da went viral. It was nice to see the dramatic lyrical focus on the materialistic preoccupations of our generations. Not to mention the tune in itself is super catchy. The other track that’s worth the mention is Jimmy.

This one is written from a dog perspective focusing on pet adoption which is rather interesting.

All in all, worth the while and more.

The Lightyears Explode -

The Revenge of Kalicharan

To be honest, the title literally beckons. Can’t say no to Kalicharan. The observation in this album is how there is a plot to every song. The lyrics to all the songs are by Saurabh Roy while the tracks mixed and mastered by Ayan De. The song Masala Punk which off with a versemelody and has a straight forward arrangement when it comes to instrument is a favorite of the band, if rumors are true. Another song to be noted here is ‘Pretenses And Other Forms Of Fakegiri’ which talks about three characters who (allegedly) no more make a difference on the bandmates. Ahem. The music of the album is a collection of sounds in which is fast paced, yet mildly mocking. Maybe it’s the topic that the songs cover but it’s hard not to miss the mess. A special mention to Kunj Gutka (our top pick) that was included by director Bejoy Nambiar’s in the movie David.

Top Picks: Kunj Gutka

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The PALM™ Expo brings together buyers and sellers of the pro audio, lighting, stage equipment, live sound, install sound, music production and AV integration industry and is scheduled from 30th May to 1st June, 2013, Mumbai.

New Sounds, New Sights The rapidly progressing professional AV segment has become an undeniable force, and in lieu of its ever increasing presence within the entertainment domain, the PALM Expo 2013 proudly introduces its newest feature - “Integration for entertainment demo - INTERACTIVE AUDIO-VIDEO”. Designed by Modern Stage Service and Hi Tech Audio Systems, the feature will see the agglomeration of top brands from the professional audio & professional visual technology. The feature will be designed and mapped

by Los Angeles based Master Projection Designer Bart Kresa who brings a deep understanding and experience in projection design and installation management.

PALM Live Rigging & Trussing experience conducted

by ProLyte is a first of its kind feature that will deliver much needed quality information and emphasis on Rigging & Trussing – through live demonstrations conducted & delivered by highly respected professionals from Prolyte.

PALM Innovation spotlight (powered by Pro Sound Systems magazine), will highlight and showcase 20 of the finest and most innovative products from across application segments like live production, studio & music production, professional AV & systems integration etc, which have graced the Indian market in the past year i.e.

2012 - 2013.

Entertainment and more Into its third year, the spectacular HARMAN PALM Live Arena will be equipped with the latest in stage & live sound technology coupled with high end laser, lighting & visual entertainment gear. With the promise to provide every music lover with exactly what they are looking for, and set up as a platform for emerging & established artists, rock bands & musicians to present their talent, the Live Performance Arena has fortified itself as a premier feature at the PALM. The highly successful and well received PALM Open line Array Demo witnesses an upgrade in terms of expanse and the number of participating brands, as line arrays from twelve top-notch brands will be on active display and demonstration, with the respective brands vying with each other to capture the attention, interest and business from top rental companies who will comprise the majority of the audience at the feature.

The PALM DJ CHAMPIONSHIP will be held on Day 1 & Day 2 of the PALM™ Expo with the workshop which will showcase the current standards in Digital DJing and highlight the evolution of the art of DJing. The top 3 winners will receive attractive prizes from TRACKTOR who is the Grand Prize sponsor while the runners up can brag the headphones sponsored by AERIAL. PALM Sound & Light Awards will celebrate excellence across live event technology, engineering and creativity, as the awards recognize technical expertise & skills in creating world class productions using the most effective & efficient technologies.

Into its 7th glorious year, the IRA Awards (Indian Recording Arts Awards) will recognize and honour the creative and recording talent, as the IRA Awards felicitate technical & creative contributions. Nandu Bhende is chosen as a Director for 2013 IRA Awards.

Passing the Industry Knowledge With a dedicated theme slotted for each of the three days of the schedule in 2013, the PALM™ Conference & Seminar will deliver an unrivalled programme covering key topics on the trends in pro audio, lighting & staging technology, studio & music production, post production & broadcast and key technologies that shape the present & future of the industry. No serious industry Professional can afford to miss this.

For 2013, the PALM™ Conference & Seminar has invited world renowned audio engineer – TOBY ALINGTON to be the ‘Highlight Speaker’, with a 90minute session slotted across all three days of the programme. Steinberg Gmbh is the sponsor for Toby’s session. Find more details about Toby and the sessions he will be conducting, by visiting

www.palmexpo.in The organizers will continuously strive to modernize the show and provide a state-of-the-art experience to one and all. The exhibit space at PALM Expo 2013 will cover 15,000sq.mts showcasing over 1000 products and technologies. With participation from the world’s top manufacturers and distributors, PALM Expo will continue to expand its position as India’s only industry expo on pro sound and light, music production and pro AV.

For further information, visit www.palmexpo.in & www.highonscore.com

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