The Score Magazine April 2016 issue!

ISSN 0974 – 9128

Vol 09 Issue 03 April 2016

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India's National Pan-Genre Music MagazinE

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STAR OF THE MONTH

MASALA COFFEE COVER STORY

SMITA

THE BAND TALKS TO US ABOUT HOW THEY CAME UP WITH THEIR SUPER AMAZING NAME, THEIR LIFE BEFORE MASALA COFFEE AND A LOT MORE.

VALLURUPALLI WITH OVER A DOZEN HUGELY SUCCESSFUL ALBUMS IN MORE THAN 6 LANGUAGES, SMITA IS TRULY A MULTI LINGUAL SOUTH INDIAN POP STAR !

MUSIKMESSE 2016 A GLANCE INTO WHAT TO EXPECT THIS YEAR AT MUSIKMESSE & PROLIGHT + SOUND FRANKFURT: 5TH TO 10TH APRIL 2016

ALSO INSIDE : JUSTIN BEIBER’S ALBUM’S EFFECT ON INDIA AND MUCH MORE.

the edit PAD The cultural impact of Michael Jackson, Madonna and The Beatles from the 60’s to the late 90’s cannot be overstated and neither can someone underestimate the influence of series like The Friends, Star Trek, and Frasier and the infinite impact they had on the public conscience of the time.

I NSIDE

Closer to home in the 90s, Bollywood movies represented the aspirational middle-class and every kid on the block was grooving to the music of Bombay Vikings. The period was filled with other lofty ideals: Working in journalism was considered courageous, the music of independent musicians resonated deeply with the struggles of every Indian youth who sorely lacked mediums of expressions and many among the junta had star-studded dreams to become film actors.

Fast forward two decades. MTV is no longer the coolest brand to work for, its Apple. People don’t trust their media; they believe Twitter.

One doesn't look at Billboard to know which music is trending but finds out through Spotify. From viewing the world through the lens of artists to viewing the world through the prism of technology, the common man has become more empowered: He/She is now capable of rejecting and critiquing. No one can tell the common man what is ‘cool' anymore; he/she can define his/her identity.

10 SMITA VALLURUPALLI Talks to us about how she entered the music scene, her inspiration, her forms of music, life and much more.

Have artists lost the ability to influence on a large-scale? Without venturing into an answer, I can confidently say that no matter the times, the struggle to stay relevant is never over.

AJAY PRABHAKAR Director - Strategy and Planning

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Director, Strategy and Planning : Ajay Prabhakar Director, Business Development : Pragash VM

24 STAR OF THE MONTH Gingger Shankar talks to us on how she started out as a musician, her inspiration, musical endeavors, and some more exciting stuff.

Director, Marketing & Operations : Sneha Ramesh Editorial Advisor : Nikila Srinivasan Creative Director : George Vedamanickam Lead Designer : Nipun Garodia Content Contributors

32 MUSIC & TECHNOLOGY We give you a list of gadgets that have evolved from back in the day until now.

Nilankur Dutta, Manisha Bhat, Pramita Bose, Amogh Rao subscribe to us at www.thescoremagazine.com

36 MUSIKMESSE 2016 Get a list of new events coming up at this year’s MusikMesse.

Do not miss it!

brand partners 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.

42 MASALA COFFEE The band talks to us about how they came up with their super amazing name, their life before Masala Coffee and a lot more.

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SHUBHAM GOYAL

SMITA VALLURUPALLI Its little over 15 years since Smita released her First album "Hai Rabba" and went on to deliver many super successful albums there on. Smita is truly the first multi lingual south Indian pop star to emerge from Telugu land. She delivered over a dozen hugely successful albums in more than 6 languages. Her versatility has seen her sing from pop to purely devotional songs.

Her rendering of "Ishana", a collection of spiritual Sanskrit hymns mesmerized global audience. Her current release "Baha Kililki" is the first single in Kilikki language, a language created by Madhan Karky and introduced by S.S.Rajamouli in his magnum opus "Bahubali". She has received various accolades for her pop, playback and live performances including a filmfare award in the year 2005 for best female playback singer.

We had a chat with the sensational Star on her life as a musician and other exciting stuff.

How were things looking before 'Hai Rabba' and how did you get there?

I did 'Hai Rabba' when I was in 12th standard. The first time I ever recognized I could sing and even take it professionally was when I got selected for a Telugu TV show called adutha "P Theeyaga". It was one of the first reality shows which started on ETV. My mom, without my knowledge, sent my tape in for selections and I got a call saying I was selected.

My dad always used to say, "Playback singing is great. But why don't you do something that is not just playback singing? People should know the face behind that voice too." He was a big pop/English music lover. He used to travel to all concerts, be it Madonna in the 80s or Michael Jackson. It was Dad's idea, but Mom was the one who took it forward. She said, "Lets work on a music video". A couple of years before that, the Hindi music video scene started. We then said, "Why not!" We didn't think about Telugu at all. We said we'll do a Hindi album. We had Sri composing music and video was shot by Ahmed Khan. I was more a performer than just a singer. SPB ji in Padutha Theyaga used to say to me in all my episodes that there is a lot of energy. "I'll see you more on the screen than off the screen." I kept saying no. But he said, "Wait, and that's where I'll see you." Everyone still remembers that episode.

Ahmed Khan was then a very well known choreographer. He was in the limelight. At one point of time, everything shown on the screen was his work. So my mom said, "Let's go (to him). He will help us make the video." Ahmad heard the song and said, "I would love to do this video." So ended up taking the project. That's how 'Hai Rabba' happened. Then people started saying, "you're a Telugu girl and you've made an album in Hindi. We want to see you in Telugu." That's when we dubbed the whole thing in Telugu. So it was a Hindi Project which slowly, 6 months later, got converted into Telugu.

What were your plans when you started playback and won a Filmfare for the best singer?

'Hai Rabba' certainly got me recognition. That was a very school

girl, very fun kind of an album. 'Masaka Masaka' made me pro. The number of CDs we sold at that point (was huge). They say that the Music label still sells that album today. It went on to become one of the biggest audio hits of the Telugu Industry, when compared even to the top films of those years.

I sang a couple of songs before Hai Rabba but Right after 'Maska Maska', I sang a lot more songs. It was then that 'Anukokunda oka roju' happened. It had my first Filmfare award winning song as a playback singer. I enjoyed doing playback but I loved doing independent music because I had absolute ownership of the music and the idea. I could experiment with anything. I had a choice of producing this or that.

The audio market was great then. The CD sales would recover the cost of production and audio companies were paying and buying rights for my music and videos. The freedom that I had in making my own music was a different experience.

One music director I really enjoyed working with was MM Kreem.

The Filmfare was also for one of his films. People who have known me and who understand my voice culture think that I have gotten into singing fast songs just because of pop music. They believe that my voice would sound a thousand times better and more soulful in melodies because I feel every word that I am saying or singing. So the next music video that I am making is going to be a very soulful one.

Tell us about 'SMITA.' Why is it self足 -titled, is there any particular reason?

There is no particular reason. The album did not have a very particular flavor. There was one romantic melody, one folk melody, one with a very dhol足folk足Rajasthani kind of feel, one was very Pujabi retro and one was very pop. There was a mix of different kind of songs in that album. We couldn't therefore name it on one of the songs.

Also, to retain one name for all the languages, it was easiest to say 'Smita'. This was the first album that was released in Tamil, Telugu and Hindi. The Hindi and Tamil was released by Sony BMG and for the Telugu version, we sold the rights to Aditya Music. Just to retain the name as a common reference, we said, "Lets call it Smita."

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The songs you've sung so far and the projects you've been associated with range from being religious, patriotic, feminist and experimental. How do you choose your themes?

Recently I made a song for Shivratri. It is very close to my heart, if you read the lyrics. To me, that is the essence of life.

If you ask if I'm a spiritual or a religious person, I would straightaway say: spiritual. India, by culture is a very spiritual country. I got into spiritual music after meeting Sadhguru. I went to the Isha foundation in Coimbatore. It was a year after my self足titled album. My energies were pulling me towards doing something more cultural, more traditional.

The first album was chosen by Sri, Ahmed and Mom. They gave it a very school girl image. The second one also had a college vibe. The third, 'Masaka Masaka' became very glamorous due to the demand of the song.It was more like an experiment. After 'Maska Maska', 'Kalakkal' happened. It was the first bilingual project. It also was the first Tamil Remix album. Post that was 'Smita'. Right after that, I said, "we've done so much of school, college, glamour and remixes, we've never touched the aspect of culture and tradition." This was when I wanted to call my album 'Mantram'. The idea was to have an algamation of all the Indian traditional dances with a little contemporary music with a little Vedas and fusion.

During that process, a friend of mine said, "you should go and see this place in Coimbatore. It's amazing and there is a 'dhyana linga' there. You should see it before doing anything next." That weekend itself I took a flight and went to Coimbatore. I went around seeing the place. There was so much energy drawing my attention. It was truly magical. I found about the courses they offered and took up the first course. Before getting into this I was a very non足guru and non足 yoga/meditation kind of person. I never thought I would be pulled into something like this. My grandmom was extremely spiritual.

She would go into dhyanam for 42 days without food and water.

She was probably the most educated in the family; she did an MA in economics and went on to be an MP MLA for 30 years. She was a self made woman. She passed away just a year before I went to Isha. I went there and just couldn't control my tears. This was what my grand mom was doing all her life and we didn't recognize it. We weren't with her in the process. I would say that she lives with me even more everyday now than she was when she was alive. She was a part of my first step into spiritual life, even though she is physically no more.

The 'inner engineering' programme turned into a very beautiful experience. I was a very emotional and sensitive person. Every small thing would pain me deeply. This helped me a lot in transforming my inner self. Right after I gave birth to Shivi, I said I want to make one dedication album to my guru, where all the money that comes out of the project goes into the foundation activities. It was a permanent music piece that they owned. I wanted to release it in the Telugu market so that Isha is known more. This was the first time that Sadhguru(Jaggi Vasudev) actually gave permission to shoot a music video in Isha. It was a truly magical experience. That was my first step deep into spirituality. On the other side, whenever I felt there was a need to make music and build awareness on something, I worked on it. That's how 'Wake Up India' happened. This was when I felt that we needed a strong leader. Saw that Modi Ji (Narendra Modi) was the only hope. As I offered 'Ishana' to my guru and the foundation, 'Wake up India' was an offering to Modi Ji. A lot of people asked me if I was contesting or if the party paid me to make this. It was a responsibility and not a personal agenda.

How do you juggle between owning a production house and an art and dance school, being an activist and an artist and managing your personal space?

My first business started in December 2003 was Bubbles Hair & Beauty, a chain of salons in AP and Telangana. My mom always told me "you should have your eggs in different baskets. Don't put your energies just into one thing. Especially in the film industry, life can

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There was a point when people started saying, "why are you getting into social and spiritual and losing all your pop.

That's what you are known for." But again, it has to come from within for me to do it. be short lived. If you want freedom to be able to do what you want to, you should have a business. You should be able to build your career in different aspects". At that time there were not too many salons in Hyderabad. The only good ones were in 5 star hotels. I said, "why not bring a 5 star salon outside a hotel where there is more access to people outside."

That's how Bubbles started. We had a first mover advantage. We grew much more than expected.

After Bubbles, my music足 dance school happened out of passion. While doing all these music videos I learnt a lot. I went on to learn gymnastics, martial arts and different kinds of music. I did a lot of research while I was training; I thought, "why not make this opportunity available to everyone." That's how MAD started.

Another project I am closely associated to is called 'Aalayam', which is a handloom initiative. I do a lot of work with weavers on setting up designs. We work on vintage handloom saree patterns.

I've always liked to be connected with handlooms in some way.

That's how 'Aalayam' happened.

I partnered with Shravan, who is a very popular designer and we started 'Aalayam' together.

I handle all of this because I always had a good team. I always trusted the people I would appoint and delegate a lot of work to where they also grow and learn along with me and the business. My husband, Shashank is also involved in Bubbles. He is more the systems persons.

I'm the one who brings in ideas and he brings in the system. It's a good balance.

Going back to music, how did Kilikki happen?

There was a point when people started saying, "why are you getting into social and spiritual and losing all your pop. That's what you are known for." But again, it has to come from within for me to do it.

I soon felt, "it's time for me to do something very pop, very fun, very stupid, very everything."

Bosco (choreographer) has been a very close

friend to me ever since we made Kalakkal (Club mix). I called him one SONG day and said, "we need to make one video for 'Ondra Renda' from 'Kaakha me." He said, "Smita, Kaakha' just tell me the dates and we'll plan it, but it IDOL has to be kickass." That's Asha Bhosle Ji when I thought why not we make a music IF NOT MUSIC video in a gibberish language. It need not Something artistic and creative, have a meaning. Why which lets me produce and create not make something fun with nice phonetic EATING sounds? We made this Macaroon song then. Just then, Bahubali released. It MUSIC AND LOVE was truly a larger than life experience for those Music can make anybody fall in who made it or was love all over again. watching it. So we said, "why not have a nice tribute in a language that first came out in that movie, which was Kiliki." I didn't know Karky (the writer) at all then. I said let me make contact and maybe he'll help us build the song in that language. One phone call later, he said, "how much time do you have?" I said 2­3 days and he said, "Okay." I sent him the tune in the gibberish language. He wrote the song in 3 days, I went and sang it and we shot the video. For the song, he even created the number system in the language. To my surprise, my 4 year old daughter started singing the song in Kiliki so well, even before it released.

That's how her version also happened.

Artists you’ve loved to work with I have to mention about Sameer Reddy, who has done the cinematography all the way from Ishana to Kiliki to my latest Nirvana Shatakam. He has been such a support system to me and has always believed that whatever I did was coming out of my heart.

He always wanted to be a part of it. He was one great technician I have worked with. Definitely Bosco. He is my friend, philosopher and guide in Bombay ever since 2004.

Madhan Karky the writer of Kiliki is also one person who I think will always stay with me. I connected very well with him and his family.

In fact, when I said to Deva, "Do I really need to make a pop album?"

He was the one who said,"Yes, you have it in you." and he pushed me to do it. These are people who I will always be thankful and grateful to for being in my life and career.

Lastly, do you want to tell anything to your fans through The Score Magazine?

There are a lot of times i felt carrying the label of a celebrity is a burden. There was this one time, in 2004 or 2005 when Richard Gere was in India doing fundraisers for Aids foundation. He travelled to South India and was raising funds for the people who were affected.

Everybody, every single artist went on stage and performed. That was more because he was Richard Gere. I felt having a celebrity tag was what made him do so much more than what he could have done by not being one. That's one thing that made me strongly feel that I need to retain the tag.

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PX-560M WHEN YOUR MUSIC MATTERS

Introducing the Privia Pro PX-560 Digital Piano, a stage piano unlike any other. From the first look at its striking blue case, you’ll know it’s different. It boasts some of Casio’s most impressive sonic technology, in an easy-to-use instrument that sounds every bit as great as it looks.

For the piano player who wants to go deeper, the PX-560 delivers a comprehensive set of features that will take your music further than ever.

TOUCH YOUR MUSIC Front and center is Casio’s new Color Touch Interface. Its bright, 5.3" display is clear and easy to read, and the interface is inspiring yet simple. You’ll see familiar graphics to help you select instruments and functions, making exploring the PX-560 fun and easy. You’ll find yourself experimenting with new ideas, new sounds, and new ways of creating music.

THE KEYS TO SUCCESS The PX-560 features Casio's renowned Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action II keyboard, which accurately reproduces the touch and response of a concert grand piano, despite the PX-560’s light overall weight. As on a real concert grand, the keys are heavier in the lower register, and lighter up top. Your fingertips will immediately feel the ebony and ivory textured keys, which not only feel more realistic, but also give your hands a positive grip to keep your playing on point.

THE PIANO In an instrument like the PX-560, the all-important piano sound must be as rewarding as the keys themselves. Casio’s Multi-Dimensional AiR (Acoustic and Intelligent Resonator) Sound Source delivers some of the best piano sounds you’ve ever heard. Its Linear Morphing

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technology creates smooth transitions between the softer and louder sounds. Damper Resonance gives you the deep feeling of the piano’s soundboard interacting with the strings. String Resonance models the harmonic relationships between vibrating strings. Hammer Response mimics the time between pressing the key and the hammer striking the strings. Key Off Simulation gives you control of a note’s decay by how quickly the key is released. And with a massive 256 notes of polyphony, you won’t have to worry about dropped notes, even while all of these incredible details are being recreated. These specifications are impressive, certainly, but what’s most important is that they combine to form the perfect and complete experience of playing a 9-foot concert grand piano.

A SOUND DESIGN FOR SOUND DESIGNERS Under the hood, the PX-560 is not just a highly capable stage piano, but a full-fledged synthesizer. Unlike most other synths, going deep into sound design is as easy as touching the display. The PX-560 features Casio’s Hex Layer technology, borrowed from the flagship Privia Pro PX-5S. This means you can create massive splits and layers, with four zones and a total of 14 layers at once. What’s more, you can edit these Tones to sculpt them into something new and all your own. There are three realtime control knobs, as well as a modulation wheel, all of which can be controlling up to two assignable parameters at once.

With great-sounding filters, responsive envelopes, and extensive modulation, the PX-560 can be a sonic playground as well as a performance instrument.

TAKE THE STAGE The PX-560 is designed to perform, and to make you sound your best.

You’ll be delighted at how lightweight it is (just over 26 pounds), and how easily you can integrate it into your live setup. Its 1/4" outputs

The PX-560 is the latest edition to Casio’s Privia Pro line. Featuring many of the sound design elements of the award winning PX-5S, the PX-560 adds new tones, user-programmable rhythms, built-in speakers, all centered around an amazing, easy-to-use 5.3” Color Touch Interface.

and inputs give you great connectivity for PA systems and multikeyboard rigs, and its dual pedal inputs can be configured to accept an expression pedal, damper pedal, or footswitches.

HOMEWARD BOUND In addition to fitting just about any commercially-available keyboard stand, the PX-560 fits neatly in Casio’s optional CS-67P wooden stand, making a stylish musical statement in any home. Add the optional SP-33 3-pedal unit to experience realistic soft, sostenuto, and damper pedals, fixed in place for an accurate piano performance. The built-in speaker system has more than enough power to entertain at home. If you connect your favorite music player to its 1/8" stereo audio input, it even becomes a high-quality music dock.

5.3" COLOR TOUCH INTERFACE

your playing, creating a backing band that plays in the style of your choice. In addition to exploring the built-in Rhythms, you can even assemble 30 customized User Rhythms by combining basslines, drum beats, and other elements. You can also create 100 of your own Music Presets, which encompass a Rhythm, Tones, effects, and built-in chord progressions.

A BUILT-IN STUDIO When the muse speaks, you owe it to yourself to capture your idea.

You don’t want to miss the chance to record your creation. The PX560 gives you two ways to make sure your work is preserved. There is a 17-track MIDI recorder with editing features, and a USB audio recorder that creates an audio file directly onto a USB stick. You can create the sounds you want to play, record and edit MIDI songs with them, then add external instruments via the audio inputs, and capture the whole mix to share with the world.

TOOLS FOR SCHOOL

BRING THE BAND Going beyond the traditional definition of a stage piano, the PX-560 includes 550 Tones, covering a huge variety of musical instruments and genres. There are dynamic and expressive guitars, basses, strings, drums, and much more, enhanced by powerful onboard DSP effects.

The 220 onboard Rhythms allow multiple instruments to follow

The PX-560 includes features that are especially beneficial for private lessons and music labs. Duet mode splits the keyboard into two equal pitch ranges, letting two people (i.e. teacher and student) play side by side on a single instrument. Classroom mode adds the ability to send each side to an individual audio output, making it compatible with the most popular third party piano lab systems. Two front panel-mounted headphone jacks also make the PX-560 great for lessons or practice.

PLAYS NICE WITH OTHERS Like all Privias, the PX-560 has a class-compliant USB port which connects to a PC, Mac, or iOS device with no drivers needed. Easily control your favorite music software, without any extra setup.

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SRH1440 PROFESSIONAL OPEN BACK HEADPHONES SRH1440 Professional Open Back Headphones provide full-range audio with detailed highs and rich bass. The headphones have 40mm neodymium drivers to provide clear, realistic audio with rich, controlled bass. The open-back ear cup design promotes proper airflow, which results in natural audio with a wide stereo image and excellent depth.

The headphones have a fully-adjustable padded steel frame headband with an ergonomic design to provide a snug and secure fit. The replaceable around-ear cushions are made from high-density, slow recovery foam with a velour covering for terrific comfort.

Neodymium Drivers The headphones have 40mm neodymium drivers to provide clear, realistic audio with rich, controlled bass and detailed highs

Padded Headband The fully-adjustable padded steel frame headband has an ergonomic design to provide a snug and secure fit

Around-Ear Cushions The replaceable around-ear cushions are made from a high-density slow recovery foam with a velour covering for terrific comfort

Detachable OFC Cable The detachable cable is made from oxygen free copper with a Kevlar reinforced jacket for top-notch performance and durability. The cable has a standard Y-style dual-exit design with gold-plated MMXC connectors to provide a secure connection while remaining easy to detach for storage or replacement

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Optimized for Portable Devices The headphone impedance is optimized for direct connection to a range of portable audio devices, such as MP3 players, CD players, laptops, or tablets without the need for a separate amplifier

Accessories In addition to the threaded 1/4" adapter, the headphones come with a replacement cable, replacement ear cushions, and a zippered storage case

H4NSP

Portable 4-track Recording for Music, Media, and More

A true multitrack studio-to-go, the Zoom H4nSP handheld recorder gives you exactly the tools you need to record whatever and wherever you want. Use the H4nSP's amazing pair of stereo condenser microphones to capture your latest idea, or plug right in and take advantage of incredible built-in effects. When it's time for the show, set your H4nSP to 4-track mode and use the onboard microphones and inputs to capture both a stereo feed from the board and the sound of the room. No matter what you need to record, the Zoom H4nSP is ready for the job.

Zoom H4nSP Handheld Multitrack Recorder at a Glance: •

Multiple inputs provide infinite possibilities

•

Studio-quality sound in the palm of your hand

•

Loaded with killer extras and practice tools

Multiple inputs provide infinite possibilities Most handheld recorders today feature a built-in stereo pair of condenser microphones, but few provide the additional inputs or flexible I/O configuration that you get with the Zoom H4nSP. XLR combo jacks let you plug in a huge selection of gear, including guitars.

But more importantly, the H4nsp lets you choose exactly the inputs you want, so you can mix and match external microphones, instruments, and line-level gear with the built-in microphones. You can even use both external inputs and both onboard mics at once! The advanced multitrack recording mode lets you record studio-style overdubs - perfect for laying down new songs, without dragging the band into your studio.

Studio-quality sound in the palm of your hand Flexible I/O is only one thing that's made the H4nsp so popular. What's really impressive is its phenomenal sound quality. due to its exceptional inbuilt microphones and the special digitally controlled preamplifier. In fact, quality and convenience of the H4nsp have made it a real mainstay in the independent film world.

Loaded with killer extras and practice tools In addition to straightforward recording options, the H4nSP gives you great onboard practice tools, including a phrase trainer, a karaoke-style center cancel function, and a flexible pitch-change option. The H4nSP also includes plenty of amazing effects that you can play with, including guitar amp models. The integrated tuner and metronome are perfect tools for singers and musicians. A unique Stamina mode lets you double your battery life, whereas auto-record and pre-record functions ensure that you never miss an important moment.

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Star of the month

GINGGER SHANKAR She is a singer, virtuoso violinist, composer, model and songwriter, and was born into one of the world’s most acclaimed and influential musical families. Her accomplishments include working with top producers and film composers including Mel Gibson, The Smashing Pumpkins, Trent Reznor, Mike Nichols, Mike Myers, and James Newton Howard. In addition to her film projects, she has also has lent her voice and violin to several diverse projects ranging from soundtracks to pop and electronic hip­-hop.

Gingger talks to us about how she got into the music industry, about her work, life as a composer, singer and instrumentalist and much more.

Tell us about how you decided to get into the Music Industry.

Is it simply because you hail from a musical family?

In some ways, I don't think I had a choice to be anything but a musician! I was around it from the time I was born because of the family I came from. I was sent to Kalakshetra, a music and dance boarding school. I grew up around music, going to shows, learning music, having musicians around all the time. By the time I was a teenager, I couldn't really imagine doing anything else. I think there was a point in life my dad wanted me to be a doctor, but after spending years in the hospital with my mom who was sick, I never wanted to be anywhere near one again. At that point I wanted to be a musician not only for myself, but for my mother as well. I wanted to make her proud. I wanted to do the things she was never able to do. That led me to touring as an Indian classical artist, playing in rock bands, composing for films. I couldn't get enough of being a musician. I wanted to try anything and everything. Now that I have tried a lot of different things in the industry, I feel like I've found my own voice in it.

Has being the grand daughter of the renowned Pandit Ravi Shankar Ji made a difference in your career path?

It's funny, because earlier in my career I stayed away from anything in the family. It was important for me to make my own name, find my own way. Now, as an adult, being a part of this family and this legacy is so important to me. I'm so proud to have come from this amazing family of artists and that I've had the chance to find my own path and voice within it.

You're a composer, singer and an instrumentalist. Which do you enjoy the most and why?

I would probably say singing, because it's the most human thing in the world- to sing along to the radio, to hum to yourself, to sing when I'm in a silly mood, or sing to my little nieces or nephews, to sing out a melody when you're stuck on the piano or another instrument. It is where I find a lot of my ideas, it's how I write. Composing is quite satisfying as well, though. To be able to hear something and turn it into a full piece of music- whether it's a film score or a song, is so much fun. I never know what the next melody in my head will become. I can write a melody and then years later find that it fits perfectly in a movie scene, or in a song I'm working on. So in that way, I enjoy all of it!

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What is your success mantra?

Honestly, it is simply giving thanks every day. Even in the darkest moments, I find giving thanks for what I have helps and inspires me like nothing else. Being in this business is extremely hard.

You get a lot of rejection, you struggle a lot. If you don't love what you do and you're not thankful for what you have, you'll never survive it. In order to deal with all the ups and downs, you have to remember that it's a marathon and as long as you're making even the tiniest progress forward every single day, you're moving in the right direction. There are many days I have to remind myself of that. And of the fact that even on the worst day, someone is having a tougher time than you. So being thankful really helps with motivation and success.

Tell us about 'Heartbeats' & 'Monsoon Shoutout' I loved working on Monsoon Shootout with Amit Kumar. The movie stars the always amazing Nawazzudin Siddiqui and it's a really dark thriller. I met Amit in Bombay a few years ago, and I think he is one of the most talented directors as well as one of the kindest people I have ever met. It was quite fun working on the film since I was in Los Angeles and New York while he was in Bombay! I only saw the whole thing when it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival.

I am so excited to be working with Duane Adler on the upcoming film Heartbeats. I love the script and I LOVE the fact that it was filmed in Bombay. For me Bombay is such a special place- it’s where my mom grew up, it’s where I love spending time. The story is really lovely and I look forward to coming back to India in the next few months to record the music. I’m also thrilled that I’m working on a film with Jay-Z and RocNation!

Could you tell everyone how your documentary went?

Also about the album NARI. I'm still working on the documentary! Every day we get a new photo of my mother or grandmother, or some never before seen video of them performing. The good thing

Being a part of this family and this legacy (of Pandit Ravi Shankar Ji) is so important to me. I'm so proud to have come from this amazing family of artists and that I've had the chance to find my own path and voice within it.

So thirlled to be making music and songs for @duaneadler film #Heartbeats with #JayZ and @RocNation!

Feb 9, 2016

I get inspired from wherever I am at that moment. It can be from an instrument I pick up in another country, it can be from music I hear on the street, it can be from sounds of auto rickshaws in Bombay to absolute silence in the desert.

Leaving @sundancefest is like the end of summer camp. I'm already missing all my friends- old and new!! Until next year, Park City!!! #Nari Jan 29, 2016

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about the multimedia performance and film is that it is constantly evolving and I'm getting to collaborate with artists I love working with along the way- everyone from Pirashanna Thevarajah a mind blowing Indian percussionist who Ravi-ji discovered in London to Shilo Siv Suleman whose art and work on women's voices has inspired me for years.

The album will be released in the fall. I'm excited to share it in India when it releases!

How was this received at the Toronto International Film Festival?

Premiering Nari at the Toronto Film Festival was a dream come true. It is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world, and to be able to tell the story of my Mother Viji and Grandmother Lakshmi there was really quite emotional. Not only did we tell their story, we performed their music live on stage. These women are the reason I stand here today, and I am so glad we were able to share their incredible lives and talent with so many people! It was the first festival we did as well, so it was really quite special.

Where do you get inspired from?

I get inspired from wherever I am at that moment. It can be from an instrument I pick up in another country, it can be from music I hear on the street, it can be from sounds of auto rickshaws in Bombay to absolute silence in the desert. I never know when or where the next idea is going to come from, but I make sure my eyes and ears are always open and in the moment. That being said, silence also brings me loads of inspiration. After I finish a long day in the studio, I love silence. If I watch TV, it will be with the sound off and the subtitles on. In the quiet moments is where I hear my own thoughts and ideas. I also get inspired from my own family. Seeing what all these amazing people have done and the beautiful music/dance/art they've created inspires me every single day. It reminds me to work hard and to break every boundary possible.

Best performances so far.

Wow, this is a difficult one! I would say one of the best performances was actually two in one day- it was when I was touring with the Smashing Pumpkins. We had to reschedule a show in Chicago, and it was rebooked onto a day that I was debuting at Carnegie Hall in an opera in NY. Luckily that first show was a matinee, so I knew I could fly out right after. Of course, the flight was delayed, the pick up was late. It was a huge snow storm. I was literally changing my formal outfit from Carnegie to the rock outfit and crazy heels I had in Chicago in the car to the venue. Let's just say the make up looked a little clown like! They were in the middle of a song when I popped on stage, and Billy made some funny comment about how I left Carnegie to be with the Pumpkins. It was quite a day and both performances were unforgettable!

Any message for the readers of Score?

My message to readers of The Score Magazine is, don't let anyone tell you what you can or can't be.

I have spent my life hearing people's ideas of what I should be, how I should act, what I should do. It took me a long time to find my own voice and realize that the only person that can stop me is me. People project what they want on you. You have only one life. Live it to the fullest. Don't have regrets about what you could have done and always reach higher than you think you can go

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AMOGH RAO

BIEBER’S GROWTH GAME

PURPOSE ALBUM REVIEW

With all the rumors about shows in India this year and the kind of hype that his new album has created, we thought we’d give Justin Bieber’s ‘Purpose’ a closer listen to actually see for ourselves.

Self-realisation and repositioning seem to be a favourite amongst many iconic pop stars in the past year, right from Selena Gomez’s Revival to Nick Jonas’s self-titled album. Taking it to another level, however, is our not-so-teen pop icon Justin Bieber.

issues. He does make an honest attempt with Children as he addresses his generation and the much-needed good influence that he genuinely wants to provide. Life Is Worth Living, albeit more sullen, still makes for a decent acknowledgement of his serious lack of past judgment.

Gone are the days of egging, DUI arrests and brothel visits. This album has shown an acknowledgement of his actions, and some credible effort with respect to change in musical direction, lyrical themes and most of all, a brand new sound to fit a brand new Justin. Despite having to relinquish a major chunk of his pre-pubescent fan base, there’s a noticeable maturity in the overall feel and musicality of each track, without sounding completely unoriginal.

Mark My Words and I’ll Show You are pretty much wholesomely comprehensible by their titles alone. He’s managed to give it a human touch, though mostly due to his ever so buttery vocals that are unique to this album. Nothing brilliant going on musically with the EDM work, although the point of the songs’ messages was pretty clear to start with.

Taking a look at his 3 singles that made it to the chart top, What Do You Mean and Sorry seem to have a major tropical-house influence, with vocals in the foreground and a simplistic up-tempo dance groove, while Love Yourself is much more on the down-low, with an Ed Sheeran collaboration that’s reminiscent of Outlandish’s Aicha.

The lyrical style and implications are a lot less about a vocabulary restricted to ‘baby’ and ‘oh’, and more about your far more important teen breakups and comebacks.

Where Are Ü Now makes for a pleasant listen with the tasteful Skrillex collaboration, gripping attention with ridiculously processed sounds and samples while Bieber manages to be simplistically vocal of his

Big Sean’s feature on No Pressure is a calculated expansion of “I’ve made a few mistakes”, with some RnB thrown in to make the song digestible. The Feeling is probably a lot catchier, though that’s got a lot to do with up-and-coming alternative-pop singer Hasley’s contribution to emphasizing what Bieber has to offer.

Looking at the album as a whole, it was a glorified attempt at righting some loud wrongs in the 21 year-old’s journey. That being said, in this Spotify-age where people majorly dig EDM, hip-hop, party house and their respective permutations and combinations, this album finds its niche. As mention by The Billboard, Purpose is a party record, even though the party’s inside Justin’s head.

Songs to check out: Where Are U Now, The Feeling, Sorry

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Smart Practice

by Takar Nabam, Foundation in Music Program Faculty (Guitar) at GMI

The first question that I would like you to ask yourself is why do you need to practice ? Some of you may say that you've got a gig coming up and you need to practice for that, while others may say that they need to practice so that they stay prepared at all times. I believe that sincere and regular practice is something that needs to be done in order to progress each day. This would instill a sense of confidence and satisfaction, which would help you play, sing with consistency and ease. You need not spend several hours on your daily practice. Smarten up, make a list of things that you'd like to work on, and allot a specific amount of time to each item on the list. Always practice with a clock! Do not exceed the time that you've allotted.

1) Warm up (3-5 mins) You've probably never seen an athlete go for a sprint without doing some warm up and gradually increasing their pace. Well, the same applies to our instrument; we need to warm up our fingers before we even try to execute anything. i) Stretch your arms ii) Curl your fingers to make a fist, roll them(clockwise, anti clockwise) iii) With your arms stretched try and curl your fingers as if to make a fist, albeit not completely. Try and stress the joints of each finger as they approach to make a fist. iv) Finger pattern exercises : 1234, 4321, 1243, 3421, 1324‌there are many combinations possible. Choose any 4 frets on the neck, but preferably the higher frets (eg 9-12), and play each string with any of the above mentioned finger patterns. Keep moving backwards to the lower frets. You may alternate pick, or play it as legato.

2) Scales and Pitches (5 - 10 mins) i) Set a drone to any desired pitch ii) Pick a scale iii) Practice playing each interval of the scale in 2 octaves, hear it with respect to the drone. iv) Play the scales in groups of 4 (1234, 2345, 3456...)

iii) The arpeggios may be all ascending, all descending, ascending and descending, descending and ascending, etc. iv) Try this is another position.

4) Time (5 - 10 mins) The best melodic ideas may lose its sheen, if the timing of the execution is sloppy. Scales, arpeggios, tunes, etc, should be practiced with a metronome. For scales and arpeggios, set the metronome at around 20-30bpm; try playing them in different sub divisions : i) 16th note ii) 16th note triplet iii) 32nd note iv) 32nd note triplet v) 64th note The above mentioned sub divisions are the most common ones.

It is also worth mentioning that one should explore other different styles of music like Brazilian, Afro Cuban, African, New Orleans, Swing, etc.

5) Triads (5 - 10 mins) i) Learn a triad and all its inversions over a different set of strings : EBG, BGD, GDA, DAE

v) Try the same in different positions

ii) Learn another triad and connect the two all over the neck. Eg C going to F, C going to G, C going to Amin, C going to B dim.

3) Arpeggios (5 - 10 mins)

iii) Do the same in all different keys.

i) Arpeggiate the scale you've practiced. If the scale is represented as 12345678, then arpeggiate as 1357, 2468, 3572, 4683‌and so the reverse of that. Use sweep picking.

6) Transcribing :

ii) Do ensure that the arpeggios are sounding clear and that the previous note is not ringing.

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Try learning something by ear. It could be a melody, lick, bass line, form of the song. Always sing the ideas to internalize them. Transcribing usually takes a lot of time, and if time permits then it should be done more often.

HEAR IT RIGHT A COMPLETE CHECKLIST TO MARKETING YOUR MUSIC.

This is Bill.

Bill is a musician.

No one but his friends has heard Bill’s music.

Don’t be like Bill.

Every six year old strumming his first chords on the six string gives birth to hopes and dreams. The Jimi Hendrix or Joe Satriani staring back from his poster filled wall means a lot to him. They promise him his own shot at fame. And it is this extremely dear and tempting vision that drives him to slog through all those boring finger exercises and arpeggios and borderline psychotic scales. At the end of it all, it is simply not fair to be let down.

Today’s music industry is filled with a clutter of pirated music, YouTube videos and commercially oriented labels. To differentiate one’s sound from the cacophony and make a place in the listeners’ hearts requires much more than simply great music. An artist today also requires great presentation, great reach and great flexibility. In short, marketing your music is the need of the hour.

How you go about it depends on a lot of factors: the music, the market, the resources, etc. But here is a little bit of what you could do as a musician, picked and sorted from how the best musicians of today have done it.

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Planning it out.

The first and foremost thing one needs is a well thought out plan. A good few weeks or months could provide a decent build up to an album or EP release. Every artist tours, but one has to slog through the planning process. Contact cafes and venues at various places. Prepare a short itinerary (even if it is in the same city) and put out the posters.

The more you play, the more you are heard. Sometimes, doing it for free attracts more people. Adele clocked in a record selling album after throwing in a free concert in New York two days before the release of ‘25’.

A few teasers of the upcoming songs thrown in at regular gigs can do wonders to grab attention. You can also look at performing informal street shows within a few days’ notice as a promotional for the release.

Prateek Kuhad, for his release of ‘In Tokens and Charms’ went around various colleges, setting up dates and performing solo at their popular hangouts to promote his album.

Getting On Line.

In a world already flooded with some amazing, some mediocre (yet popular) YouTube artists, simply putting your song up does not do the trick. Even the best musicians have to sometimes force feed their music to be first heard. Creating a Facebook and Twitter presence is necessary, but making sure it engages users is as important. Your online presence builds your brand. Supplement your music with

SHUBHAM GOYAL

artwork, comics, write ups, videos, interactions and merchandise. A survey reports that about 85% of the Internet users in India surf the web (read social network) several times a day. That, in itself is a huge potential market for the musician. Instead of them watching the cute cat video, you have to get them listening to your music!

Get creative and get personal. The next best thing we like or hate about musicians (after their music) is their life choices. Keep up an active Instagram account, keep posting social opinions, and reply to feedback as much as you can. Keep posting to keep being on the news feed. It is worth noting that organically reaching out through social media is times more effective than paid advertisement. A little virtual legwork and you not only save a lot of money but also reach out in a much more efficient way.

Newsletters are something bands in India rarely get at, but it is a great way to promote music. Your timely newsletter keeps you connected with your fans, even during those low periods when you’re not touring or writing. Also, it serves as a great way to get to know your fans and get feedback.

Sometimes, being mainstream also helps. Do covers once in a while. It shows your inspirations, hugely increases your market and reflects the kind of music you like to listen to. YouTube has some great artists who started off with playing covers.

Radios, newspapers, magazines: The All India Radio is the only channel that reaches out to the maximum number of people. Play a radio show, and you never know who might be listening to it. When releasing any single, or album, make sure to arrange for a radio show, with live snippets from the song.

A feature in a good magazine goes a long way to not only make your release official, but also provide it with substantial credibility.

Being Creative It is second nature to artists, but it is worth stressing upon. You don’t want your new music to be sounding like someone else’s. Similarly, every new release needs a unique strategy. It is like promoting a brand where you have to outline your USPs. You need to strive to be and do different. Colossal Figures, a Delhi based band used drives instead of CDs to sell their music. Kelis, an American artist actually put her culinary talents to use and started a food truck to promote her album ‘Food’.

Better being no musician at all, than one who is unappreciated. But that need not be the case. With the right marketing at the right time, your music can easily reach the audience it deserves.

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GAURAV SHAH

5 revolutionary tech advancements that changed how Humans listen to MUSIC! With every passing day we hear new technological inventions that make our life easier than what it already is! May it be creating a brilliant piece of artwork or exploring other parts of our universe and viewing those exploratory evidences in the palm of your hands on your smartphone! Today everything is about being small and one of the most important parts of our everyday life is the way we listen to our music. Ever wondered what the predecessors of earphones/ headphones looked like? This listicle covers the milestones through the years towards music streaming apps today!

BoomBox – Late 1960s and early 1970s The BoomBox was an absolute work of brilliance in the 1970s with the western countries’ streets being filled with people listening to hip hop while on the move. It was like one big party everywhere you would go.

Only able to play music via recorded Cassettes and radio stations, the Boombox back then had a very limited choice for music but that’s exactly what the of the our was considering the rise in the Hip hop culture. It was also nicknamed as ‘Ghetto Blaster’ right before it started turning into a nuisance on the streets and becoming lesser and lesser acceptable, choking to its death. Until recently when it rose from ashes with a host of capabilities to play music from like USB, AUX, Bluetooth connections via your smart phone. Unlike its ancestral BoomBox the new gen BoomBox today is much lighter, smaller and louder!

Walkman/Discman – Late 1980s to late 1990s Walkman refers to a portable pocket sized cassette player connected to earphones/ headphones using Alkaline batteries to play music was another game changer to how people listened to music in the late ‘90s along with Discman which had the same purpose but music was played via recorded CDs only. The kids of mid to late 80s will definitely be familiar with this and have a lot of memories attached with it too. This technological advancement took the musical journey through an irreversible turn changing how people would listen to music for decades to come! The idea of using a headphone/earphone, keeping the size of the music player handy, using rechargeable AAA sized batteries and most of all creating zero nuisance made this a one of its kind revolution! The core idea of using earphones/headphones is still prevalent and seems irreplaceable with brands like Bose, JBL, Beats, etc. constantly improvising on the quality of these earphones/ headphones today!

Ipod/Zune/Mp3 players – Early to late 2000s This by far is the most revolutionizing change and the one that has acquired only the pros of all of its predecessors and upped the game of music portability to a whole new level.

This has been an irreversible progress and the things have only become more beautiful around the concepts of ipods and MP3 players since its inception towards the end of first decade in 2000. The ipods/Mp3 players have enjoyed so much royalty owing to the boom in the digitization of music tracks and usage of computers! The option of getting music

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on to the ipod/Mp3 player was a little difficult due to a fresh concept of digitizing tracks but as years passed on this seemed a minor pot hole in its journey from being push buttons to completely touch based ipod/Mp3 devices. The ipods/Mp3 players had everything that a user would want- pocket sized, holds more than 100 tracks (owing to lesser memory), earphones/headphones of their choice for getting the best output, rechargeable built in battery, easy transfer of songs from computer to the device! It seemed like this was it and we would hardly see any revolutionary change for decades to come apart from improvisation in design but as it turns out we were wrong!

Smart phones: Early 2000s to present Smart phones are the one single destroyer of all the technological advancements so far!

Today the smart phone is what it is only in a short span of about 10-15 years! It has given the ipods/Mp3 players a serious run for its money!

It is simply like a computer you own where you can do everything a computer does but as small as 1/10th the size of it. Key advantages of using a smart phone were Bluetooth connections to transfer songs between two devices, downloading songs and videos directly via internet, sharing songs via special applications through the internet. As it has turned out smart phones have beaten the ipods/ Mp3 players and buried it deep under the ground!

Music streaming apps: 2010 to present This is the latest and the most internet dependent turn that has come about in this musical journey! Smart phones used internet to the extent of downloading and sharing songs amongst devices but music apps have become 100% internet dependent. The most important advantage of music streaming apps is that you can listen to any song at any point in time without having the need to download, you can create playlists of your own with the same playlist being accessible worldwide to yourself and if you want, others can listen to it too! Each of the apps is like a humongous music library accessible to anyone and everyone across the world with a simple internet connection.

Extinction of the BoomBox was inevitable considering its size and the nuisance it created but it led to one of the key discoveries of all times, the earphones/headphones! We are listening to music using those same earphones/headphones for the past many decades and maybe will do so for many more decades to come7, until something smaller comes around and puts it to extinction! What are your thoughts on this? share it with us and let us know how will our future change taking into consideration how our past has seen so many changes so quick!

CVP-700 series pianos Yamaha's CVP Clavinova range offer the best in authentic Piano sounds, natural keyboard action and a range of advanced features for performing or composing, such as dynamic accompaniment and recording. Experience a purely Digital Piano with the heart of a true Grand.

You can enjoy 2 of the world’s finest grand pianos CVP offers 2 types of piano. CFX and Boesendorfer Imperial.

Option to select favorite Piano sound depending on your preference.

Natural resonance that perfectly reflects your performance (VRM) In a Grand Piano, sound resonates throughout the body of the instrument, producing a rich reverberation that envelops the listener in sound.

CVP perfectly reproduces this phenomenon through Virtual Resonance Modeling (VRM).

CVP-701

CVP-705

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GH3X keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops

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CFX & Boesendorfer sampling

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NWX keyboard with synthetic ivory keytops : Counter weight, Linear graded hammer

Mic input

Mic input: Vocal Harmony 2

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Audio song centrol (WAV): Pitch shift, time stretch, vocal cancel

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CFX & Boesendorfer sampling Mic input: Vocal Harmony 2 Touch Screen Audio Recording (MP3, WAV) Audio song centrol (MP3, WAV): Pitch shift, time stretch, vocal cancel Audio Style Spruce Cone speaker Twisted flare port

In this month, we talk to the popular percussionist Selva Ganesh & the musician Mihir Joshi about their musical journey and association with HARMAN and their favorite products.

MIHIR JOSHI Tell us about your musical journey

Your message to readers of The Score Magazine!

I started my journey on radio and worked as a radio jockey for about 8 years. In the very first year of my work on radio, I started interviewing bands and met the musicians with whom I formed my first band. Many bands later, I now have a band that is simply called the Mihir Joshi Band and we released our debut album “Mumbai Blues” in May 2014 at the Harman Live Arena in the Palm Expo.

Ehsaan and Loy launched the album for me there and we won the GIMA Award for Best Rock Album last year for it.

Listen to bands and musicians in your area. Support them by going to their gigs and picking up their albums if you like them. And let them know how you feel about them by supporting them on social media. This is the ONLY way we can grow the Indian independent music community. Without YOU there would be no scene!

Apart from this I also host a talk show called The MJ Show on Youtube that features the best artists in the music industry, I have a Bollywood band that does Bollywood music in my way and I’ve released a couple of singles post the album on Times Music. It’s been an interesting journey so far but I’m looking forward to recording more and performing a lot more all over the place.

You've endorsed Harman for the past few years. Tell us a bit more about your association.

I started with Harman in 2010 and I’ve been with them ever since.

I’ve really enjoyed being an endorsee and a brand ambassador for Harman India. Currently the microphone I use on stage is possibly one of the best microphones I’ve ever used and I’m really glad to have it. Apart from that I have several other fantastic products by AKG, Digitech and JBL that I’m using and I’m really happy with their performance.

Which has been your best performance with their products?

I think my album launch at the Harman Live Arena was by far the most special performance for me. Not just because of the occasion but also because of how good everything sounded that day.

What is the USP you think this brand has?

Great quality products that always deliver just the way you’d want them to. I’ve pretty much never had a reason to be disappointed with any of the products I’ve been endorsing. And in the rare occasion that there was a small issue, they've been brilliant in sorting it out.

Which product would you recommend for upcoming musicians?

I truly believe that just like guitar players always carry their own guitars or bass players their own bass guitars, singers MUST invest in a good microphone that suits them and that they can take care of. At the end of the day, it is the microphone that carries your voice to the people and you just can’t take the chance the every sound guy’s microphone will be perfect or will suit you.

For upcoming musicians I would recommend the AKG D7 corded microphone. It’s not very expensive but it is absolutely brilliant. I myself have the corded one and even my current wireless microphone has the D7 head.

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On a personal note, check out Mumbai Blues and let me know what you think. You can find the album on all digital platforms and on www.mihirjoshimusic.com. I’m mihirjoshimusic on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube! Look forward to playing a gig in your city soon!

SELVA GANESH Being born to the legendary Vikku Ji, did that pave a great path in your musical career?

Yes, undoutedbly it has been a great blessing to have been born in that family. Whenever I am on stage with my dad, it is a great learning process. On stage we are never Father and Son, we are musicians, which is even more challenging. I was surrounded by Music and Rhythm since my childhood, which motivated me to look at the nuances and chose Music as my career.

What do you think about the current percussion musicians scene?

It is upfront now. Even when I was a child, I wanted to be a Percussionist. Even if you observe the college students, they mostly prefer Drums or Guitar. Now, the South Indian Percussion is becoming global and every rhythm artiste is astounded by the sheer brilliance of it and are trying to use them in their instruments.

Can you elaborate on your JGTV school? : This school was founded by my grandfather Hari Hara Sharma, who wanted to spread the rhythm knowledge to everyone who wanted to learn. We teach all kinds of South Indian percussion instruments and techniques. Mridangam, Ghatam, Morsing, Konnakkol to name a few. Our school has been an inspiration to a lot of musicians across the globe, and people from across visit our school to take lessons.

How is it different working for Films and Independently?

Both are interesting in their own ways. For Independent Music, you have all the liberty and freedom to explore all types of music and there is no restriction. You just need to know the pulse of the audience and then you take on from there. Working for film music is different, as there is a story line, the region and language for which

you are making the music, there is a director’s expectation, and expectations from the artistes in the movies and then you will have to make your mark as a Music director. In that sense it is even more challenging.

Tell us about your association with HARMAN.I have been following HARMAN for long time and have been using their Professional Audio for a very long time. It’s the sound quality that has always amazed me. Being a musician, I expect the natural sound to be reproduced when I use any Audio device and AKG HARMAN has never disappointed me. I am a huge fan of the Clip On as it allows me to do multi tasking when I play and do the vocal rhythm patterns

What are their products that you love the most?

C-518, C-519 as I said earlier, the clip on is my most favorite, and the sound output I get is amazing.

What do you think is the USP of the products you use?

Easy to use, Comfortable for me, and especially with the clip on it is great. The best part is the sound clarity that it goes along very well with my instrument Kanjeera. I expect the natural sound to be reproduced when I use any Audio, and this has been a great experience for me when am with Harman

Your message to readers of The Score Magazine!

Enjoy Music..Celebrate Music...Enjoy Life…Music can only bring the world together and I am glad that I am part of it…!!

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Musikmesse is the International Trade Fair for Musical Instruments, Sheet Music, Music Production and Music Business Connections with a range of products covering the entire spectrum of products for musicians, from classical instruments, guitars and basses, wind instruments and percussion to electric equipment.

In 2016, Musikmesse will set course for a successful future with a new concept that not only offers even more services for retailers, distributors and the industry but also underscores significance of the fair as the international business platform for the musical-instrument industry. Moreover, with emotionally charged, themed worlds of music and numerous events, it will be an even more powerful magnet for both international trade visitors and music aficionados. At the last Musikmesse in Frankfurt, 1,310 exhibitors from 51 countries presented their latest products, innovations and services to 65,355 visitors from 120 countries.

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Selected few events to look forward to this year

Sheet Music, Music Production and Music Business Connections (7 to 10 April 2016) by an additional highlight and offer exhibitors, trade visitors and all music aficionados an extensive range of events in the city’s clubs, bars and concert venues – after the exhibition halls have closed for the day, too. The organizers have now announced an initial list of artists who will appear within the framework of the Musikmesse Festival, and numerous venues. The first confirmed acts underscore the great stylistic spectrum covered Festival. The headliners include: • Al Jarreau & the hr-Bigband at Gibson Club on 6th April.

• Cicero Sings Sinatra - Exclusive special concert in Frankfurt.

• Axwell & Sebastian Ingrosso at BigCityBeats Birthday on 8th April.

• Eisbrecher at the ‘Jahrhunderthalle’ concert hall in Frankfurt on 8th April.

• Laith Al-Deen at ‘Unionhalle’ on 7th April.

Drum Camp at MusikMesse Musikmesse 2016 has a special highlight for all drummers and drum aficionados in store: at the new Drum Camp, six top drummers will present their drum sets and demonstrate their skills live in this exclusive setting. Karl Brazil, Mike Terrana, Jost Nickel and other masters of their discipline will appear on stage daily and, after their performance, sign autographs and answer questions about drums and percussion.

• International German Piano Award with Joseph Moog and Andrejs in the ‘Alte Oper’ on the eve of the fair, 6 April.

• The Dead Daisies at ‘Zoom’ on 8th April.

Additionally, drum enthusiasts can find out about the different types of drum kits and materials, test drums with expert advice and find the instruments best suited to their individual style. The Drum Camp is located in the ‘Rock meets Pop’ world of music in Hall 11.0 and is open to visitors on all four days of the fair

Other events and activities of the Musikmesse Festival In addition to the headliners, there will be numerous other concerts in clubs, off-locations, universities and churches. The festival has no single stylistic emphasis. Instead, it aims to present the complete musical spectrum – from rock and pop, via classic and jazz, to dance and electro.

The presentation of young artists and promoting active music making among young people are also important objectives of the Musikmesse Festival.

Business Academy at MusikMesse Workshops and impulse lectures on a variety of subjects including communication, sales, law, compliance and marketing. This year, Musikmesse (7 to 10 April 2016) and the Society of Music Merchants (SOMM), the association of the musical instrument and equipment industry, are offering an extensive personal development program for trade visitors from the musical-instrument sector for the first time.

The seminars, impulse lectures, workshops and keynotes are free of charge and advance registration is not necessary.

Detailed information about the individual workshops and impulse lectures, as well as the expert speakers, will be published successively on the Musikmesse website at www.musikmesse.com/business soon.

MusikMesse Festival 2016 50 concerts planned in over 30 locations throughout Frankfurt The first Musikmesse Festival will be held on the occasion of Musikmesse 2016 and enrich the International Trade Fair for Musical Instruments,

The events of the Musikmesse Festival will take place in over 30 concert halls, clubs, discos and event locations in Frankfurt.

Free Festival Ticket for all Musikmesse visitors There will be a special Festival Ticket giving visitors cheaper or even free admission to the events of the four-day Musikmesse Festival (as long as tickets and capacity are available). The ticket – a Festival wrist band and a voucher booklet – is free of charge for Musikmesse visitors and can be collected from all information counters at the Exhibition Centre. Members of the public buying the Festival Ticket for 15 at the box office of one of the Festival venues will receive an attractive discount on the price of a Musikmesse admission ticket. There will be no advance sales of Festival Tickets or discounted individual tickets.

Further information about the programme of events at Musikmesse and the Musikmesse Festival can be found at www.musikmessefestival.com and www.facebook.com/musikmesse.festival/ For any details on exhibitors, hall layout, events, pricing, arrival and accommodation, please visit www.musikmesse.com.

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TRIPET

GARIELLE Tripet Garielle, in this issue talks to us about her life as a musician, gives us a brief about her releases, her music experiences and plans for the future. Read on to explore more about her.

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Starting with the cliched question : How did your journey in the music industry begin?

I met a producer in UK who loved my voice however he wasn’t convinced with my Hindi accent. So instead of making a song in Hindi which was my desire all along, he produced a song for me in English. However, I didn’t release it because I only wanted to sing in Hindi / Urdu. The experience of recording my first song and not being content, made me hungry to satisfy the desire inside me and although it has taken many years of dedicated training and commitment, I am now proud to be releasing my Debut Solo Album fully in the language I wanted to sing in.

Tell us about your song Palkaan.

I was lucky to have my first break came with the musical genius ‘Jawad Hyder’ aka ‘JKD’ who composed and produced my debut single ‘Palkaan' in 2014. Whilst JKD wasn’t taking on any new artists at the time, I knew when I first met him that this meeting was beyond a coincidence and was determined to do whatever it took to work with him. A year later, I knocked on his door - not knowing that behind this knock awaited a sanctuary leading to a mysterious adventure – ‘Palkaan.’ The song had South American Jazz acoustics infused with a Bollywood vibe - hitting all major Bollywood music channels and was an overnight success.

What has been your best music experience ever?

Recording songs in the studio which I had only heard for the first time hours before the recording itself. This was challenging but very exciting. I had to learn lyrics, melody and the translation of the lyrics whilst also feeling the song before I was sent into the booth to record. This was absolutely the best experience although daunting.

Explain a bit more about your latest debut solo album Woh Pal. The Album takes listeners on a journey, as I hopelessly wander through life experiencing fantasy to heartbreak.

When I stop to ask questions on the path of love, I go on a quest for soul searching. The songs are a collaborative effort of creativity between myself, Atif Ali and his writers and co-producers who came together to tell the story of my heart. When you hear the Album, you hear my heart. Having seen all colors of love, my Album covers 360 degrees of all the emotions in and out of love. An album, that twists and turns melodically from one song to next, flows like a series of mini fairy tales. Whilst the Album strings together a concept based on a collection of moments, it advocates a deeper message ‘everything turns to ash but moments remain in the soul forever… complete or incomplete’.

What or who inspires you the most?

I am most inspired by Lata Mangeshkar as a singer. I can relate to her voice. It’s so natural and so elegant and even though I don’t understand the lyrics fully, I can feel the emotions in her voice. I am a strong believer that music should bring people together from all walks of life. Every tribe, every person has values that can be associated with some aspect of music. Lataji’s voice is so strong that the words don’t matter, her voice mesmerizes you and carries you into her message. That is exactly what I try to achieve with my songs.

If not music, what would you be doing?

I love dancing for pleasure. From a young age I would put on music channels and dance away. I would have loved to have been a professional dancer. But having said that I would definitely be doing something as an artist because I am very creative by nature.

You've worked with some great musicians like Jawad hyder and Atif Ali etc. How was the experience?

Jawad Hyder makes great music. I love his music that’s why I worked with him for my first two singles.

However, when I was introduced to Atif Ali he fast became my producer because as an artist he understood how to ‘Produce’ me and bring out the best in me. Atif Ali is actually the man behind my voice. I am blessed; as I have faced many hurdles in my career but I have also had opportunities to work with the best of talents.

How do you blend in different genres so well?

Primarily, because all the songs are love songs no matter what genre. The songs are deep and meaningful. I connect with the melody of the song first before I get into the words. I understand the emotions of my songs and try to live them as I sing. That is probably why, I have the ability to carry off any genre.

What are the future projects that we can look forward to?

I am working towards the launch of my Debut Solo Album ‘Woh Pal’ which is due for release in mid 2016. And thereafter I would love to try out playback singing for films.

Any message to the readers of The Score Magazine?

The advice I would give to readers is to always follow your heart. Be prepared to suffer the pain and perseverance to get what you want. It might be a tough journey. People might not understand or try to discourage you. But in the end you will triumph because you have been true to yourself. The last thing I would add is, chip at it bit by bit every day for your entire life. One day you will yourself be a masterpiece.

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Violinish & Composer, Sharat Chandra Srivastava spoke to us about his musical journey, his life as a performer, Teacher, Founder of a School & best of all an amazing philanthropist.

Tell us about your musical journey.

I started learning violin from my grandfather / my guru Pt. Join Srivastava at the age of 7. So the journey began at home. From my childhood I've seen students coming home to learn from him. I always love hearing music, so it came very naturally to me.

You have been performing in the circuit for 3 decades, both Hindustani and Rock music. How did you manage to experiment with different genres?

I've always learnt Hindustani music from my childhood until the time when I joined Parikrama at the age of 17. It was the early nineties when Parikrama happened. That was the time when the Indian music scene was taking a huge turn. That was the era of music album being made mainly for pop musicians hence, the music videos. Then Punjabi pop came in. Independent musicians started making a mark. New music channels were introduced, cable TV came in. So a lot happened around that time. Playing in a rock band was a big learning for me which eventually helped me to form my own fusion band Mrigya. There I had the freedom to experiment with our own beautiful Indian Raagas with different genres of music.

Even for us as Mrigya, we were the only ones starting out in 1999 with our own unique sound of Raag based fusion. That experiment became a huge hit in the country.

Collaborating with different forms of music like jazz, Celtic, flamenco , from Africa has always been a great learning experience.

Tell us about your philanthropic initiative recently and being awarded for the same.

It all started in the year 2012, when while working with musicians across the globe, I got inspired to start my own musical. I started ‘Strings of the World’ music festival where musicians from Scotland, Slovenia, Norway, Holland, China and Iran came together to bring different genres of music under one roof.

First year was a huge success. That motivated me to do it in the next year. Then we started taking these international musicians to the slums of India and started performing for children. It was a great experiment for us as these small children were getting exposed to such beautiful classical instruments like the violin, cello, kora from Africa. Also, teaching the art to someone who does not have the resources encouraged us to take initiatives like these. Apart from playing concerts I also teach. The way, I learnt violin under Guru Shishya Parampara, the same way I'm also teaching my students.

They come and stay with me in my house and learn this art form.

I'm not charging them any fees. Also I've been playing concerts for children living in slums so they are exposed to various musical instruments and stores of music. I'm doing this with a hope that maybe someday I'll find these kids to come and learn this art form.

You are also the Founder of Strings of the World. Could you elaborate a little on this festival?

was to feature a whole variety of string instruments under one roof.

Since I'm a string player I always had an inclination towards string instruments. Along with this, I also infuse the Indian music with them. For example, Indium, a kora player, playing with Ravan Hatta from Rajasthan, or a sarangi or sitar playing with harp or oud from the middle -east. I find these combinations very fascinating. The main goal of the festival is collaboration. Musicians come to India, meet new musicians then make new music and perform. Thus, the music that comes out is very fresh. This has now become an annual festival that happens every year in November where musicians from different parts of the world come and collaborate with our Indian musicians. We have had musicians from Scotland, Slovenia, Holland, Norway, Russia, China, Germany. This year I'm planning to bring orchestra from Italy and the USA.

Which has been the best stage you've performed at so far?

Having traveled across the globe.

Every stage is a good stage. But there are a few concerts which I have a very fond memory of. I played Yaman in Aurangabad, Jaijaiwanti in Berlin in 2007. With Mrigya, we had some great concerts in Edinburgh in. 2001.

Apart from all of this, you're also a brilliant teacher yourself.

What is your take on the current music scenario in India.

I guess the current music scenario is mainly about Bollywood. I think I belong to the other side of the fence. Playing with jazz musicians, big bands , more of collaborations with international musicians.

What inspires you the most?

My grandfather my Guru Pt.Joi Srivastava. The way he played the violin was pure magic. In the seventies bands like Shakti , mahavishnu orchestra , pt. Ravi Shankar and his collaboration with the Beatles , L. Shankar, Dr. L. Subramanium, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. These are the musicians I've grown up listening to.

Give your message to upcoming artists.

To learn this art form properly. Find a good Guru and work hard, not to opt for short cuts.

Do you have a role model? If yes, who and why?

A role model acts like a guiding light. Of course, my grandfather had been one of the foundation pillars to what I am today, but I am till date very inspired by Shri Shri Ravishankar, L. Shankar, Dr. L. Subramanium , Ustad Ali Akbar Khan. In the late seventies there was a huge fascination for Shakti.

If not music, what do you think you would have been doing?

Music had been so much into my existence that I never thought of taking any other career. I tried to pursue engineering but left it at the half way and came back to my grandfather to learn this art form.

What do you think about the current music scenario?

Well music industry windsurfing has been changing continuously.

The audience for Indian classical music is very different from the audience for pop music or film music. There was a time when baithaks were organized and the concert would go on for hours. Now people don't have the time to sit through a long concert. Internet indeed has changed everything in our lives. Now we can enjoy any kind of music sitting at home. For me, as a performer there is nothing better than being on stage. Now the scene is totally different. People are doing all kinds of experiments. Sufi rock is mainly what young musicians are working on these days.

I started Strings of the world music festival in 2012. The main idea The

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We had a chat with the trending band Masala Coffee on the story behind their name, how they make music, their success stories and much more interesting stuff.

Read on to find out more about this great band!

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SNEHA RAMESH Out of curiosity, why the name Masala Coffee? Is there an interesting story attached to it?

That's as creative as we could get with the name. The interesting story is that, before we could release the first video on YouTube.

Almost everything except the name of the band was sorted.

You guys formed a band very randomly after a performance at Kappa TV. How did the idea brew?

This happened in Feb 2014 when Varun, our Founder, based out of Mumbai who is also the percussionist of the band decided to do Music Mojo sessions with us. The idea wasn't concrete even then. We just wanted to do this without any plan as such. It just started off as a session. We met a day before the recording and rehearsed and the post production took a while. Everything except band’s name was figured out. We had no intentions in our minds and it was just a random name. The only logic we had was that Masala tea is available but coffee isn't and that's how it started. Right after that we released Munbe Va and within a couple of months, it went viral on YouTube in India. It got 7-8L views in such a short span and we had to take it off Kappa TV due to copyright issues. We had to then put it on our page. AUM-I Artistes! A division of Kappa TV decided to manage the band and get us shows. And that's how it all started.

BEST PERFORMANCE EVER AS A BAND We're yet to have one STAGE YOU'D DIE TO PERFORM IN As long as we don't die on stage, any stage is cool ;) ARTIST/MUSICIAN YOU'D LOVE TO WORK WITH Michael League from Snarky Puppy, In India, ARR we'd love to perform with him.

What would you consider the genre of Masala Coffee to be?

Well we Listen to every genre that there is, from lullabies to death metal and everything in between! We really like to experiment with various genres!

Tell us about each of your musical journey before Masala Coffee?

All of us in the band are still doing sessions in the music industry.

We have worked as individuals with some of the best musicians/ producers in the country. 13AD,Stephen Devassy, Hariharan, Raghu Dixit, Swarathma, Kavitha Seth, DSP, Ustad Fazal Qureshi, Vidwan Vikku Vinayakam, Ravi Chary to name a few.

How do you guys Jam? Any fun/interesting instances to share with us?

Depending on where we play, we jam there. We have performed quite a lot in Kerala. We usually rent out a Jam room in Cochin and rehearse.

Rehearsing together is the fun bit for us! We make sure that we try and make best use of the time considering we are all in different parts of the country and don’t get to jam otherwise. Our 5 minutes break usually extends upto 60 minutes usually. We sort of experiment with songs since we have been playing the same set list for a while now and goof around and try something new.

Which artists/bands inspire you guys the most?

Considering, we have 10 people in band and we all listen to different artists, that's like a lot of artists put together and thus, it is a mix of all. We like Snarky Puppy, ARR, Lalah Hathway, Coldplay, Dream Theater to name a few.

What does the future look like? Any upcoming songs/ album to look forward to?

Music scenario is such that the whole idea of an album doesn’t really work out these days. We are planning to release some singles. We have been fortunate enough to work with some Tamil (Uriyadi) and Malayalam movies(Hello Namaste & Kunjiramayanam, Salsa Song). We released couple of promo songs for Malayalam movies. Mazhavil Manorama featured the band on their cookery show “Dhe Chef” where Masala Coffee was made and band was invited to taste and review!

What would be your message to upcoming bands?

Does that include us too? (Laughs). On a serious note, just be sincere to music otherwise music will correct you! I'm sure people can relate to that better than anything else!

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