Listen Up!

Doctors of Spin

  I've often looked up in awe (eyes wide open, complete adoration... you get the idea!) to a good deejay who can mix well. I've heard my fair share of these doctors of spin and sometimes I just wonder, where does the inspiration come from? Is spinning a good track the same as writing a story with a plot? Or is it just random inspiration? Or do you start with a basic theme and improvise as you go along? What gets the best mix going?

  Through a highly methodical and thorough research method (read as talking to my club-hopping friends), I came to form a divide in my mind - the kind of DJs that spin tracks with tricks to wow the crowd, and the kind that are almost invisible in their booth but can get the crowd dancing all night long. There are times where I've heard the coolest guys and gals blow me away with some wickedly creative mixing and then there are times where I've been thankful for a DJ who can just keep me dancing, song after song, all night long.

  There are clubs a dime a dozen in our fair city and there are a bazillion DJs who claim to have the perfect mix. But at the end of it all, what differentiates a great DJ from an average one? In my humble opinion, I think it's the ability to feed off the vibes that the crowd gives out at any given night. I've seen Dj's play on oblivious to the thinning crowd on the floor. For some unknown reason, they are on their own trip and fail to see that they just can't get it on that night. Then there is the other kind that eggs the crowd on towards some kind of bliss with pulsating mixes, a divine beat and some sweet music. That's my kind of DJ, who can read his or her crowd and get them groovin'. 

  When it comes to desi Djs, I think the biggest challenge is to find a balance between playing just Bollywood tracks all night and other non-film music. It's a toughie all right. Track after track of just Himesh Reshammiya's latest doesn't work for me. Asking for too much? I don't think so! In any case, it's time to LISTEN UP to those doctors of spin...

The new faces of Bollywood

  The last few years has seen tremendous talent emerge from the Hindi music industry. One of my personal favourites are music director duo of Vishal and Shekhar. Name ring a bell? If not, then perhaps going through the names of their tracks might jog your memory. Do you remember Tu Hai Aasma from Jhankaar Beats? Or Dus bahane from Dus? Or maybe the title track from BluffMaster? Or the blockbuster hit, Salaam Namaste???

  These talented guys has given many soundtracks a very hip, urban feel. And you shouldn't be surprised. Vishal has been associated with heavy metal band Pentagram for a long time now as their lead vocal singer. And his western influence is very evident in all their tracks. Shekhar on the other hand has a classical Indian background. Put them two together and a smokin' hot sound is created.

  While I've always associated them with a cool sound that's young and mixing different styles, I found out they were responsible for the Kailesh Kher chartbuster, Allah ke bandhe (listen to it by checking the link below.)

  In their relatively short career, they've produced a sound that is very global and still within the framework of hindi film music. Hats off to these guys... in the meantime LISTEN UP to the cool boys from Bollywood, Vishal and Shekhar!

Salaam Atif!

  Pakistan has this habit of throwing out a young talent every so often and Atif Aslam is certainly a rising star if his track record is any indication. Already a popular favourite in his homeland, Pakistan, Atif has made a splash into hindi playback singing with tracks like Woh Lamhey, Tere Bin and his immortal Aadat (watch the live acoustic version below).

  Side-stepping a cricketing career, Atif decided to step into the world of music in his college years (which aren't so far behind, considering he was born in 1983). He was also part of the group Jal which was responsible for the huge hit Aadat. In 2004 he released his own album which made waves in Pakistan and found him on tour to places all over the world. When it comes to Bollywood, his defining moment came at the release of Woh Lamhe for a Mahesh Bhatt movie. (You can watch the remixed version below.)

Several other hits have followed since and his own second solo album Doorie was released in 2006. Cricket's loss apparently, is our gain! LISTEN UP to Atif Aslam.

A thumping bass line...

  That's my first thought when I think Bhangra. A good, kickass, addictive bass line. The dhol at its best reverberating with beats that can get even the shiest of dancers to let go of their inhibitions. We've had our fair share of traditional singers like Gurdas Mann and other greats. The current lot have an interesting sound that is reflective of the world we live in.

  With their roots intact, they bring about a more modern take adding touches of R 'n B, hip-hop even rap - stuff that we listen to on a daily basis and still somehow  have created an unique sound. Whether it's The Rishi Rich Project, or artists like Jay Sean or even Signia, each one of them adds a deft touch to our world of sounds.

  UK-based Rishi Rich has been producing and remixing songs for years and his own solo album received stupendous success. His last album The Project, released in 2006, peaked to No.1 on the BBC Asian Network Chart.

  Closer to home, the boys from Vancouver Signia have released their second album Signiatures, which they believe is closer to their identities. "Distinctly Bhangra, entirely Canadian" is how they describe their effors. No glossy terms like 'fusion' for these lads. And it's this very direct, straightforward approach I like. Their sound is a mix of everything we listen to and is still something that has its own appeal. I also think the tracks could be popular picks at clubs and parties all year through because they offer exactly what's needed to get a party going - energy, vivacity and still something very modern and hip! LISTEN UP to Signia...

Kabhi kabhi... by Nelly Furtado?

  When work gets me down and my mind needs a breather, I hop across to the wonderfully resourceful people at Youtube. Today I just felt like hearing Bally Sagoo's remix of "Kabhi Kabhi", replete with Bachchan Senior's baritone voice. And during my sojourn there, I found myself staring at a link that said "Nelly Furtado - Kabhi Kabhi." I rubbed my eyes in shock and thought this can't be true! There must be some mistake. Maybe it's the signature couple of lines foreign artists scream out every time they visit India. You know the drill - "Namaste!" followed by some screams and screeches that vaguely translate to "I love you India/ Dubai/ Pakistan, etc! Make some noise...," so on, so forth. Going back to my story, curiosity got the better of me and I clicked the link. Lo and behold!! Nelly Furtado does sing in Hindi!!! If you're as curious as I was, then watch the clip below since seeing is believing! And incidentally, she does a mean version of Kabhi Kabhi! I have to admit I am terribly impressed with her vocal range and her ability to sing in a style that uses a completely different scale!

  Apart from singing in Hindi, turns out that Nelly's has a distinct Asian connection. Her daughter is a quarter Indian. Then, there's the popular remix of "Powerless" with  Canadian band Josh. She's performed on New Year's eve in Mumbai, India last year. Her list of musical influences includes the legendary Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. She's even collaborated with the Grand Dame of Indian playback singing, Asha Bhosle. And she cooks a mean desi meal...OK OK so I made that last one up... but you get the idea! Whether it's testament to her upbringing in multi-cultural Canada or just pure Karma, I'll never know. In the meantime, summer belongs to her with her latest album "Loose" that's already gone four times platinum in Canada already! LISTEN UP to Nelly Furtado...

 

 

A modern twist...with Abhijit Pohankar

  If you've been tuning into the Asian music scene, you'd notice that many off-beat and unconventional musicians and composers are finding a niche of their own. Earlier divisions in musical genres such as classical, popular, western, traditional, no longer hold true as many artists are effortlessly blending cultures and sounds from the world over. World music is now creating a following of its own and names like Karunesh are not alien to listeners. I'd define his sound as very soothing, very mellow.. well, Lounge seems the best genre to slot his sound in. His track "Punjab" has found itself on various international lounge and world music albums including the infamous Buddha Bar series.

  In the same league as Karunesh is the young, talented composer Abhijit Pohankar. His first World Music album "Piya Bavari" (check the youtube.com link below) received rave reviews from listeners and critics although many classical purists disapprove of such a blending of the Indian classical sound with a more Western set up and sound. His music has a strong Asian feel with Western undertones in structure. Added to this is his father, Pandit Ajay Pohankar's vocals in a very raag-based style. The result is a very unique sound that is mesmerising.

  After the first album, Pohankar released a follow-up album titled "Piya Bavari Again" (Not the most creative title, wouldn't you agree?) It didn't quite match the success received by the previous album. But he has certainly left his mark on the music industry. Since then, he has collaborated with UK underground music guru Talvin Singh and also is working on the soundtrack of the film "Boom" featuring Amitabh Bachchan.

Even if you don't really listen to Indian classical as much, I'd highly recommend taking a listen to  Pohankar's own modern take, based on some traditional classics. It's the perfect kind of mellow music to detox with...So, LISTEN UP to Abhijit Pohankar.

Festival of India - Raising temperatures this Summer

  It's summertime and that to me is a time for music, patios and late evenings without a jacket (and for that, I'm thankful!). But along with music blaring from the radio and the popular iPod, we have plenty of live music, thanks to several talented musicians visiting Toronto this summer. This weekend Caribana showcased Reggae-Dancehall's wickedly talented Sean Paul and R' n B award-winning artist Ne-yo, apart from Soca performer, Destra. Earlier in July, we had The Police visit the Air Canada Centre for their Reunion Tour. Music is definitely in the air this summer...

  The "Festival of India" concert later this month will give a desi flavour to August, boasting of performances by legendary names like Zakir Hussain, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, amongst others. Giving this concert a dash of Bollywood glamour is Sunidhi Chauhan, one of my favourite singers. Sunidhi presents an interesting combination of youth, spunk and confidence. I am personally very fond of her voice since it's so atypical of conventional playback voices of Hindi cinema. Talking about her distinct voice at an interview with me earlier this year, she shared, "I am so happy that I have a voice that is unique. If I was to be born again, I'd want the same voice because not many female singers have this kind of power. Shubha Mudgal, Usha Uthup - these fantastic women have power. I am proud to be part of that group."

  At 23 years of age, she has several accomplishments to her credit. For example, she represented India at the Asian Games in Doha last year. Check out the video below of her performance at the ceremony singing the song "Reach out." Apart from this, she was part of a large Asian contingent comprising other performers like Sonu Nigam, Priyanka Chopra, Shiamak Davar at the Commonwealth Games held in Melbourne last year. 

  Despite these achievements in her relatively short life, she is more known for her rabble-rousing blockbuster tracks. Whether it's the thumping Ruki Ruki from the Ram Gopal Varma film Mast, or the booming Deedar de from Dus, Sunidhi gets my vote all the way. You can listen to her singing Crazy Kiya re from the movie Dhoom 2 below... Just so there's added bonus to check the video, the song features Aishwarya Rai!

   Moving past a controversial marriage and divorce, she continues to maintain a low profile in the media and believes in her work speaking out for itself. On a parting note, she mentioned that "nothing compares to the feeling of being on-stage." Amen to that, I certainly will be keeping an eye out on this talented lady in the years to come. In the meanwhile, LISTEN UP to Sunidhi in Toronto!

Let the music play...

I've been captivated by music for as long as I can remember. Looking back, every memory I have is associated with music in some form or the other. Whether it was the first tune I strummed on my guitar or the first time I heard tabla maestro Zakir Hussain perform live at a youth festival. Or the time I bobbed my head in appreciation listening to Coldplay, last Sunday afternoon. Or when I felt immense pride listening to A R Rahman's "Vande Mataram." Or... Well, this could go on. But suffice to say, music interests me and intrigues me and makes me happy - all at once. So when I was given the opportunity to write about music, I couldn't resist. My blog will talk about music week after week - what's playing the world over, what's closer to home, everything and anything - the works.

My conversations with friends and family often revolve around music too. For examply, my buddy could not contain his delight as he saw two divas doing their thing. The song in question is Beautiful Liar by Beyonce and featuring Shakira.

If you’ve missed out on the sizzling video of “Beautiful liar,”  here it is:

Take a quick look on launchcast or youtube. I’m told temperatures soared all around the world after that particular hip-shaking, bootylicious video.

What is it about Shakira and her hips? Or Beyonce and her much envied booty? I really don’t know. What I do know is that this song brings together two of the sexiest women around right now. I don’t want to go into the lyrics but the music has a catchy, Mediterranean beat to it and special note to the Men, you’re in for a treat. There’s lots of décolletage and derriere for your viewing pleasure. You have some of Shakira’s staple belly dancing moves and then you’ve got some of Beyonce’s gravity-defying booty shaking. Bring that together and you have one smoking hot video, entirely in sultry black and some visual magic of the special effects kind. Whether you like it or hate it, you have to admit it’s a smart marketing move and an interesting collaboration. A song of the year award seems far less likely!

So LISTEN UP and like the group Shamur said Let the Music play...