Listen Up!

Music Review – Sanam Teri Kasam

Contributed by TK Jallim

Himesh Reshammiya returns with a bang and delivers a melodious musical album with Sanam Teri Kasam

Reshammiya returns with a bang and delivers a melodious musical album with Sanam Teri Kasam. - See more at: http://www.mybindi.com/sanam-teri-kasam-music-review/#sthash.ne6lMTNW.dpuf

After winning BIG Star Entertainment Awards 2015 for ‘Prem Ratan Dhan Payo’, Himesh Reshammiya returns with a bang and delivers a melodious musical album with Sanam Teri Kasam. Composer Himesh Reshammiya and lyricist Sameer Anjaan, Shabbir Ahmed and Subrat Sinha come together for the soundtrack of the romantic musical Sanam Teri Kasam.

SANAM TERI KASAM – Ankit Tiwari and Palak Muchhal pair up for the title song, in quintessential Himesh Reshammiya style. A very mesmerizing track filled with romance. Ankit offered something different though Mohammed Irfan version is more romantic. Palak Munchal‘s one line repetition during entire song is perfect (like cream with cherry on top). Master piece composition (nice lyrics) except BAD DUA word (Tera jana jaise koi bad-dua), which is a misfit.

KHEECH MERI PHOTO - It's a well-paced playful song sung by Neeti Mohan, Akasa Singh and Darshan Raval. Right after listening first time, you start loving this number automatically without any second thought. Although lyrics are below average but music made it a sizzling and rhythmic lollipop song. Camera click sound at regular intervals is a beautiful add on.

HAAL-E-DIL – An Awesome and beautiful heart touching number sung by singer Sreeram Chandra (male version). Fabulous music by Himesh, mesmerizing lyrics by Sameer (Khwaabon ke kaafile Baaton ke silsile Saath mere chale, Jaane kaha se, tum paas aaye Huwe paraye, mujhse sabhi). The female version has been sung by the effervescent Neeti Mohan, which is not up to the mark. The music arrangements are different in both songs. Haal-E-Dil is definitely a song that pulls at one’s heart strings.

BEWAJAH - Himesh Reshammiya takes on the mike in Bewajah. Fabulous music, nice voice modulations, well composed lyrics (Yaadon ki qaid mein Giraftaar ho gaya dil Darbadar ishq mein Taar taar ho gaya dil). Himesh Reshammiya rocks!

TERA CHEHRA - Beautiful song of different genre by legend Arijit (amazing voice). Nice Lyrics by Shabir Ahmad (Zikr tumhaara jab jab hota hai Dekho na aankho se bhiga-bhiga pyar Beh jaata hai )

MAIN TERI YAADON MEIN - An average but another beautiful track by Arijit. Kudos to lyricist Subrat Sinha (Itni zara si to haan tujhe kehne Kehde nazar se oh o.. Kya itni hai majbooriyan Kyu itni na manzooriyan Ik mukhtasar si baat hai Phir zindagi bhar ka sath hai)

EK NUMBER – Himesh sing like Ek nummer Ek number (missing B), below average lyrics, an average music by Himesh, far from excellent level of this musical album

Overall the soundtrack of Sanam Teri Kasam pretty much meets the good expectations one had from it.

Reshammiya returns with a bang and delivers a melodious musical album with Sanam Teri Kasam. - See more at: http://www.mybindi.com/sanam-teri-kasam-music-review/#sthash.ne6lMTNW.dpuf

Himesh Reshammiya returns with a bang and delivers a melodious musical album with Sanam Teri Kasam. - See more at: http://www.mybindi.com/sanam-teri-kasam-music-review/#sthash.ne6lMTNW.dpuf

Himesh Reshammiya returns with a bang and delivers a melodious musical album with Sanam Teri Kasam. - See more at: http://www.mybindi.com/sanam-teri-kasam-music-review/#sthash.ne6lMTNW.dpuf

PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO - Sensational Songs Sparkle!

The entire family is invited this Diwali season to enjoy the classic glamour of Bollywood with director Sooraj Barjatya’s long-awaited reteaming with Salman Khan in the epic love story PREM RATAN DHAN PAYO which releases in North American theaters on Thursday, November 12. Himesh Reshammiya’s melodious new songs have enchanted movie fans around the world and their videos give an exclusive first look at the lavish scale that this highly-anticipated new motion picture will offer.

Take a look at the 3 music videos below:

For more information, please click HERE. 

 

 

Vandana Vishwas Nominated for Toronto Independent Music Awards 2015!

South Asian World Music artist Vandana Vishwas has been nominated for 'Best World' music award at the 2015 Toronto Independent Music Awards (TIMA). 

The Toronto Independent Music Awards were founded in 2004 by Dani Oliva. The concept evolved out of a desire to truly support independent musicians and to provide songwriting and music exposure to individuals in the community. The TIMAs serve as a platform to award up-and-coming independent artists from the province of Ontario and to expose them to international opportunities. On October 23, 2015 the Toronto Independent Music Awards will be announced in a grand Award Gala celebrating 11 years of supporting Canadian independent music with nominees and winners in 17 categories at Revival in Toronto, Ontario.

This is Vandana's third nomination at TIMA, having already been nominated in 2010 and 2014.

Known for her flawless voice, specially her pure notes and crisp diction of south Asian languages which is rare outside of the subcontinent, and also one of the few original south Asian music composers and producers in Canada, Vandana Vishwas is an Architect by profession but last year she decided to quit it and devote her full time and attention to her passion - music. In the short time that Vandana has entered the music scene in Canada, she has already won US Indies Vox-Pop for best World song, Mississauga Arts Council's Marty award for Performing Arts, Toronto Exclusive Magazine's Toronto Best World CD award, Woman Hero award by Indo-Canadian Arts & Culture Initiative and has been nominated for Canadian Indies, OAC's KM Hunter award apart from the TIMA awards noted above.

Vandana has two critically acclaimed self composed and produced original music albums 'Meera The Lover' and 'Monologues', and a single 'Samarasiddha' to her credit. Currently Vandana is working on her two new albums, due to be released next year.

For more information on her music, please click HERE. 

Composer Anuj Rastogi releases “While You Were Sleeping” for Father’s Day!

Toronto based film composer, music producer and writer, Anuj Rastogi has released a new spoken-word single and video for Father’s Day 2015. 

“While You Were Sleeping” is a father’s heartfelt poetic tribute to his baby boy, and hopeful wish for a better tomorrow for our future generations. An avid spoken word artist and writer, “While You Were Sleeping” marks a milestone in Anuj’s musical storytelling, as well as reflecting the realizations about the world around us through the eyes of a father. 

Anuj’s music has always featured a worldly sensitivity, and a sense of both epic and intimate narrative. Now, as a proud father of a 4 year old daughter, and 8 month old son, Anuj has found an even more profound inspiration in creating music and stories that raise awareness and provoke thought. In Anuj’s words, “While You Were Sleeping was written one morning in Toronto, after watching my son sleeping in his crib.

Anuj’s music has always featured a worldly sensitivity, and a sense of both epic and intimate narrative. Now, as a proud father of a 4 year old daughter, and 8 month old son, Anuj has found an even more profound inspiration in creating music and stories that raise awareness and provoke thought. In Anuj’s words, “While You Were Sleeping was written one morning in Toronto, after watching my son sleeping in his crib. "I thought about him, and my daughter, and all the things I wish this world would be, and could be, for them. It’s really the simple dream of any father to have their child wake up to a world that is better than the one before them”.

Please Watch the video below: 

“While You Were Sleeping” is available for download at bandcamp.omnesia.com, iTunes, and other digital retailers.

Sing your way to a second language with “Punj Nikkay Bandar!"

Preet Sandhu Dhillon and her team of producers and musicians are pleased to announce the release of their first children’s album “Punj Nikkay Bandar”. 

Punj Nikkay Bandar, which translated into English means five little monkeys, is a compilation of popular English nursery rhymes that have been reinterpreted into Punjabi allowing families to sing their way to a second language.

These catchy and easy to sing-along tunes expose children to Punjabi numbers, colors, animals, body parts and more in an easy and fun way.

Preet Sandhu Dhillon, a Pediatrician and mom of 3,  has created a simple way to expose the second  generation of Punjabi speaking kids to the language,  “Singing to babies and children comes naturally. We all  do it. Children also love music and it’s a very powerful  tool for language exposure.  While none of my  Canadian born children were comfortable speaking  Punjabi they would happily sing along to these tunes!”   She tried searching for Punjabi songs that were sung by  professional singers in addition to being put to a good  beat, but couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for, “Anything I did find in Punjabi was poor quality, too religiously based or not developmentally appropriate for preschool and early childhood.  This inspired me to create my own songs and a proper album that all kids and even parents could sing along to and enjoy. This is going to be a very powerful tool in helping to preserve the Punjabi language”.

Preet’s team consists of three other talented people: Coach Sandhu, a music producer, teacher and musician whose background is in western music, Vijay Saini, a translator/copywriter/voiceover artist and Parmjot Singh, an established singer.

Coach Sandhu says, “The concept was to take Punjabi lyrics and get them to mix with western music to appeal to a lot of South Asians.  I think about my background – I’m a perfect example of someone that understands Punjabi but speaking it is a little broken.” 

Vijay, added lines and riffs here and there to give the songs more of a Punjabi flavour, and Parmjot Singh sings each track with a gentle and happy voice, making them easy to listen to.

Punj Nikkay Bandar is the perfect addition to any children’s music playlist as the tunes are familiar and catchy, and will introduce the Punjabi language to all listeners.  Tracks include: Baabay Budday Da Si Khait (Old Macdonald Had a Farm), Angootha Kithay Ah? (Where is Thumbkin?), Jay Kushi Hundi Ah Gidha Pao (If You’re Happy and You Know It) and many more.

Punj Nikkay Bandar can be purchased on iTunes and on Amazon.  

 

2015 Canadian Music Week!

On now till Sunday, 10 May 2015! 

Featuring Canada’s Biggest New Music Festival

Now in its 33rd year, Canadian Music Week is recognized as one of the premier entertainment events in North America focusing on the business of music. CMW combines informative, intensive conferences, cutting edge trade exhibition, award shows, film festival and Canada’s biggest New Music Festival. Canadian Music Fest spans 5 nights of performances, with 1,000 showcasing bands at more than 60 live music venues in downtown Toronto.

Canadian Music Fest

Over 1000 artists – 60 venues – 5 nights – one wristband. Check it out and start your planning. Make it a goal to discover 100 great bands you’ve never heard of… and don’t miss out on the ones you love. Buy Your Tickets. Buy Your Wristbands. There’s a little something for everyone.

Canadian Comedy Fest

Six days of the best stand-up sure to make you laugh – and cry. With performances and appearances from some of Canada’s emerging funny men and women and headline talent from comedy hot spots worldwide.

Canadian Music Week Film Fest

An eclectic mix of retro rarities & movie premieres, spotlighting some of the industry’s hottest new directors & composers. Featuring music-oriented films & documentaries plus special appearances & Q&As with some of the films’ stars & directors.

 

For more information, please click HERE. 

 

 

Aakash Gandhi and Shweta Subram team up!

Renowned Indian-American composer, Aakash Gandhi, has teamed up with the popular Indo-Canadian vocalist, Shweta Subram, in their first ever collaboration for Atif Aslam’s Jeena Jeena! 

Along with Aakash and Shweta, the cover of Jeena Jeena features the talented Sahil Khan on flute, accomplished Sandeep Thakur on violin and the gifted Rupak Dhamankar on percussion.

The composition of Aakash eloquently blends Shweta’s vocals with the flute and violin to mesmerize us from the first note onwards. Shweta, who is classically trained, adds in pleasant nuances to vocally differentiate the song from the original. Final mixing and mastering was performed by Francisco Nicholson. The video for this release has been shot tastefully and, harmoniously sets the mood of the song.

Aakash Gandhi is the founder of 88KeysToEuphoria who quickly became noticed for his signature covers of popular Bollywood songs. This ultimately landed him as YouTube’s most subscribed Indian musician, with tens of millions of views. Aakash is an inspiration to many young musicians. Shweta Subram has brought Indian music to the mainstream North American audience through her collaboration with The Piano Guys (which has crossed 10 million views and Shweta is currently touring with The Piano Guys including a performance at the esteemed Carnegie Hall). In addition, she has lent her voice for Dil-e-Nadaan with Ayushmann Khurrana for Hawaizaada, performed at the IIFA Awards with Salim-Sulaiman, featured with Shankar Tucker for Mere Saajan Sun Sun, and has recently released a tribute to evolution of Bollywood music with a phenomenal response. It’s great to see Aakash and Shweta team up to bring forward this masterpiece.

Check out Jeena Jeena – Badlapur (Acoustic Cover) by Aakash Gandhi featuring Shweta Subram

 

Narendra Datar’s Hindustani Classical Vocal Concert!

Harmonium Accompaniment: Raya Bidaye / Tabla Accompaniment: Kishore Kulkarni

The concert taking place on  Saturday,  28 February  at 7:00 pm at the MiST  theatre will start with a brief description  on the model and rhythmic structures  of  North Indian classical music, followed by  a performance of classical, semi-classical,  and devotional  pieces.

Narendra Datar began his formal musical  training at the age of sixteen under Agra  gharana vocalist Pandit  Vasantrao  Kulkarni. Since 1986, he has been active  in  Toronto as a teacher, performer, and composer. He is a  recipient of the Shastri  Indo-Canadian Institute Senior  Performing Arts Fellowship.

About Centre for South Asian Civilizations

The Centre for South Asian Civilizations (CSAC) at the University of Toronto promotes greater understanding of South Asia through vibrant and informed conversations and explorations of the region’s cultures, histories, languages, religions, and peoples. With faculty expertise in the fields of archaeology, art history, languages, history, and the history of religions, CSAC provides resources for the study of South Asian pasts and their contemporary relevance. With the rise of the political, economic, and cultural influence of South Asia, knowledge of this region and its history is of increasing global relevance, and the Centre supports a wide range of activities related to the countries of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Iran, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, including colloquia, public lectures, creative performances, research affiliations, and study abroad opportunities.

 For  more information, please visit HERE.

 

Shweta Subram Bollywood Debut with Ayushmann Khurrana

Shweta Subram made her entry into Bollywood with the song Dil-e-Nadaan for the upcoming movie Hawaizaada, which she sings alongside the handsomly talented Ayushmann Khurrana.

Dil-e-Nadaan is a modern adaptation of the popular ghazal by iconic poet Mirza Ghalib.

The song is mellifluously rendered and seamlessly incorporates itself in Hawaizaada’s storyline amongst breathtaking cinematography. The film brings forth the inspiring story of Shivkar Talpade, a man who is believed to have flown the first unmanned aircraft eight years before the Wright Brothers. This is directed byVibhu Puri and celebrates the spirit of ‘Make in India’. Produced by Vishal Gurnani, Rajesh Banga and Reliance Entertainment.

The film is scheduled to hit the theatres on January 30, 2015.

Watch the official video for Dil-e-Nadaan

This track is beautifully programmed and arranged by Bharat Goel who is an immensely talented producer. Shweta says ‘It is always so much fun working with him and I look forward to many more.’ 

8 South Asian Canadian Artists to Watch Out For!

Here are 8 South Asian Canadian artists who should be on your listening list.

Abbas Hassan

Originally from Ottawa, Hasan is an R&B star in his current hometown of Paris, France. An average day for Hasan includes acting with Bollywood legend Shah Rukh Khan in the afternoon, then recording with producer Rishi Rich (who first discovered and produced Jay Sean) in the evening.

Blitzkrieg

From Mississauga, Ont., this MC’s sophomore album Get Blitz featured Choclair and Saukrates, among many other celebrated British-Indian artists and producers. Fitting, considering one of Blitzkrieg’s claims to fame is having three top 10 hits on the BBC Asian Network charts. Blitzkrieg is recording his next album in Canada with an eight-piece band, getting ready to give the Roots a run for their money.

Culture Shock

Led by famed Toronto DJ Baba Kahn, Culture Shock also includes R&B singer Lomaticc from Toronto and Punjabi vocalist Sunny Brown from Montreal. The group has worked with everyone from Britney Spears to Rihanna, doing Indian remixes of their hit pop songs, along with releasing their own original music collaborations with the likes of Kardinal Offishall and Twista.

Farahri

From Ottawa, Farahri saw a quick rise to fame in the Canadian pop/dancehall scenes when she enlisted the likes of Choclair and Gyptian on her first two music videos. Farahri's Kenyan-born parents raised her on a mix of African and Bollywood music, and adding a pinch of reggae/dancehall that Farahri heard on her friends’ mixtapes gave her the perfect mash-up recipe for music success.

Humble the Poet

Americans thought they were being progressive, embracing a white rapper from Detroit, but come up north for a real taste of diversity in hip-hop, with Etobicoke’s Humble the Poet.

Prita Chhabra

It may be hard to explain this Montreal singer being based in its polar opposite of Orlando, but then again not every Montrealer picks "character performer at Disney World" as her high school job. Chhabra continued on the path less travelled when she became the first South Asian recording artist to sing the anthems for the NBA and NHL leagues, along with adding HIV/AIDS advocacy to her causes.

Shweta Subram

From Ottawa, this South Indian singer paid her dues with 10 years of singing Bollywood cover songs, eventually paying off with a performance at the 2011 IIFA Awards in Toronto that put her on the map. A call last year from American band the Piano Guys, enlisting Subram for a cover of Swedish House Mafia’s “Don’t You Worry Child,” gave the artist her first taste of what two million YouTube views feels like.

The Bilz & Kashif 

From Montreal, think of a group that has been the equivalent of the Backstreet Boys, 'N Sync and even One Direction for millions of teenage girls from the South Asian diaspora for the past 10 years. Panjabi MC and Jay Z brought bhangra music to the American mainstream back in 2003, and we had our own homegrown version called “2 Step Bhangra” by the Bilz & Kashif in 2006, breaking barriers by receiving airplay on several Top 40 Canadian radio stations.

 

To view more South Asian Artists, please visit HERE.