Music Mania

motherjane unplugged at Kyra - Oct 15th

2010-10-18T03:40:00.000-07:00

After a very very long wait, HEADBangalore had finally been blessed by the presence of motherjane. This was the first ever unplugged gig I was going to see live and the excitement started pumping in me from about a week before the gig itself.

October 15th took its own sweet time to come and when it did arrive, it came with a bang. The day started with a birthday party for me and soon, I met up with a couple of janiacs from school(Balaji and Dhruva) and our journey to Kyra began.

We reached the venue at about 6.30 and I ran inside to the toilet to paint my face. There was a lot of painting to be done. 15 minutes down, I had painted myself and though, many people had questions about my bowel movements due to my extended session in the toilet, I was pretty pleased with the outcome. (It was the first time I painted myself)

In another half an hour or so, I had finished painting Balajis and Dhruvas faces and we were waiting for the other janiacs to arrive. Soon, the hugest janiacs in Bangalore, Raja and Praveen arrived and in a while, we were all painted and ready for motherjane to hit the stage. We went in and took our seats (read temporary chairs to be sat on till the show began).

A few people came to us and asked us whether we were motherjane and I must admit, it felt great to be in the spotlight :P - sadly, good things last for a very short time and the spotlight was soon removed of us.

At about 9, the show began with the Gods taking their seats on stage. I ran down from the top floor right to the front. At the start of the show, we all sat on the floor and were left with our mouths wide open at the insane feel and aura around each song. It felt extremely different from a plugged gig and it threw us off our feet. Though we had seen videos of the unplugged gigs previously, the songs when played live right in front of you gave rise to a billion emotions all at the same time within us.

They started the gig with Disillusion and Suraj explained the philosophy behind the song and the reason it came about. Soon, they had all of us enthralled and played just about every song from their two albums except for "Ode to Life II" and as Suraj said, they still hadn't come up with the acoustic versions of "Tribes of Babel" and "Jihad" and hence, we couldn't catch them play their newest two singles but none the less, it was a brilliant set.

The acoustic versions of all their songs sound brilliant and they have been able to maintain the emotions, energy and sentiment of each song. What I liked best of the entire set was the verse riff on "Mindstreet". It was simply "WOW!".

Baiju played a brilliant solo filled with Carnatic Ragas. I never had the chance to ask him exactly what he played but it was a piece that was heavily influenced by Prasanna and had a touch of Western shredding to it. The solo had all of us with our mouths wide open and we were unable to do anything but bow down to the man, nay GOD after that piece. They, as usual, slipped into "Fields of Sound" after his solo.

As soon as this solo came to an end, all of us were on our feet, jumping, headbanging and basically having a ball. The solo took the gig one notch higher, if that was ever possible.

Another spectacular thing that we discovered over the course of the concert was that Clyde was actually on stage even though he had a splitting migraine. Suraj said that Clyde was the only person who could ever smile even with a migraine and he was spot on, as always. He dedicated "Walk On" to Clyde.

Another first in motherjanes profile came on this day. For the first time ever on stage, John Thomas played a drum solo. And I can proudly say that I was one of the loudest voices in the crowd when we chanted his name out really loud to play a solo.

After the intended setlist, motherjane took a break with a promise to come back and play a couple more. A wait of 15 minutes followed, with some frantic photography taking place on the sides with the band.

The band came back on stage and were taking requests. They had played their entire list and were about to play a couple of encores. Everyone voiced their favourite songs. After a few seconds, there was a slight pause in the noise and as everyone was thinking of which song they wanted their favourite band to play, I had a slightly different idea in my head. I screamed as loud as I could, "SILSILA".

Poor Suraj was drinking water and had to try very very hard not to spit it out, but the band obliged. Well, partly. Baiju played the melody and John gave the beats. We, malus, in the crowd, who knew the song and who knew the legacy that was Silsila sang our hearts out and we had a blast.

They then played an encore of Mindstreet. THAT RIFF!! :O -- and unfortunately that was the end of one hell of a night. It was a brilliant night and my first ever unplugged gig was KICK ASS! I hope someone soon brings motherjane back in town because I cant wait to see them again.

Here is the set list for the night :-

Disillusion
Mindstreet
Blood in the Apple
Maya
Chasing the Sun
Ode to Life I
Walk On
Questions
Maktub
Shh.. Listen
Broken
Prison Chains
Before One Million Comes One
GUITAR SOLO followed by Fields of Sound
Soul Corporations
Karmic Steps
DRUM SOLO
Mindstreet Encore

p.s. Special Thanks to Balaji and Praveen for pictures

Cheers

a\m/ajaniac

Movie -- Single Released by Ameeth Thomas of JYG Fame

2010-10-08T03:34:00.001-07:00

Oct 5th saw the release of the much awaited single "Movie" from JYG frontmans Ameeth Thomas' new single venture.

Starting off with a pretty neat tune, Ameeth really shines on the track with his vocals. I remember a previous review of JYGs where the author of the article called JYG very similar to Pearl Jam and found a stark similarity between Ameeth and Eddie Vedder. I would say on this track he sounds like a different version of John Mayer, not Eddie Vedder. The Sequencing, Synths and Keyboards done by Prithvi Chandrashekar give a lot of depth to the song and make it all the more fun to listen to. There is a slight funky feel to the song and a bit of a dancable beat to it.

The lyrics itself aren't too bad and are pretty impressive but then again, Ameeth is a pretty good songwriter and always has been. Here are the lyrics to the song :-

I'm standing on the other side

I'm looking on the inside

As I watch you walk away

Into a distant picture frame

There is a voice inside my head

Screaming out but it never said

Please dont go please dont go away

It feels like a movie

With a tragic ending

And nothing I can do

Can change it

Is it to late to apologize

Because I did not realize

All the things that I never did

And all the things that i never said

There is a voice inside my head

Screaming out but it never said

Please dont go please dont go away

It feels like a movie

With a tragic ending

And nothing I can do

Can change it

Could you hold me one more time

Even if its just a lie

Could you kiss me one more time

Even if its just a lie

Because I need you baby

Only slight negative point i felt with respect to the song was the transition into the slower part right at the end, though the transition out of it was pretty ok. The transition into it felt pretty shabby and a wee bit sudden.

Nonetheless, it was still a pretty good track and cant wait to hear more from this drunkard :D

Do listen to the song here : http://ameeththomas.com

Buy this song, its worth it!

p.s : motherjane released video for their single Jihad on the same day, catch the video here : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lb3UuhmwLjU&playnext=1&videos=WrwJUysfZZk&feature=mfu_in_order

Cheers

a\m/ajaniac

I TOO BELIEVE IN JIHAD -- thanx to motherjane

2010-08-20T09:10:00.000-07:00

August 20th, 2010 -- history repeats itself. motherjane releases yet another mindblowing song for the malayalam movie ANWAR, titled JIHAD.

Jihad took me by storm the first time I heard it. I shouldnt say Jihad took me by storm actually. I guess the right way to put it would be to say that Suraj ripped me apart from head to toe. I expected a song with a possible Arabic edge to the riffs and a heavily Arab inspired solo but the vocals would be ordinary is what I thought. OK maybe ordinary is an understatement for a man who has best rock vocalist at AVIMA. So I guess, I expected something less awesome but I guess I should have known better. Suraj caught me from the moment he said "I" from "I believe in Jihad" and I got goosebumps when he sang "Thus my faith speaks to me.. No innocent shall be slain".

The first time I heard the song, I heard nothing but the vocals to be frank but then I heard the song again. And again. And again. And over and over again. [:)]

The progression from heavy/hard rock to acoustic is smooth and the transition seems so effortless. I change back from acoustic to the heavier riffs and everything too is ever so easy on the listener with Suraj again blowing my mind with his line "Whats alien to heaven.. Is practiced in vain" (I'm sorry if I cant stop talking about how awesome Suraj is on this track. Sincere apologies. But its just way to hard to stop talking about him)

The beats are fantastic and yet again my guru, John Thomas proves to us that he is definitely one of the best if not THE best drummer in India. Deepu and Clyde provide just the platform that Baiju needs to set the song ablaze. And like all great Gods, Baiju doesnt fail his followers, he sets the song and our hearts on fire.

Suraj never fails to amaze me with his lyrics. I asked him once about how he thinks up of such stuff. And all he said was that they are "simple thoughts". But, every person has simple thoughts in this world, but one man can write like Suraj. The positiveness that flows out of the direst circumstances is just something to applaud. And Jihad, is no less. There is a heavenly touch to the entire song, lyric-wise.

Here are the lyrics :

I believe in Jihad

I die to "Him" return

And I know in my heart

"His" will is the sermon

Thus my faith speaks to me

No innocent shall be slain

Louder than most thing

This world shouts out in "His" name

All hate is poison

Distilled from pain

And whats alien to heaven

Is practiced in vain

Whats alien to heaven

Is practiced in vain

Thus my faith speaks to me

No innocent shall be slain

Louder than most thing

This world shouts out in "His" name

I believe in Jihad

If love is the weapon...

All in all, Jihad is one hell of a song. I'm hoping to see the song aired on Asianet or Surya or any channel of that sort back home in Kerala. I would love to see the response that the song would get from the non-rock Malayalam masses. I'm sure it'll be positive and I'm sure this song will do much good in this world. [:)]

Do check out the song here : http://www.reverbnation.com/motherjane

then leave a comment here : http://www.motherjane.in

after that visit this site too : http://www.facebook.com/motherjane

and maybe visit this one too : http://www.anwarthemovie.com

a\m/ajaniac

motherjane at INCIDENT '10 NITK

2010-03-08T07:16:00.000-08:00

27th Feb was a day I marked on my calendar a long while back. It was a day I had been looking for a long long long time. motherjane at NITK, Suratkal! It was like 350 kms away but hell, it was MOTHERJANE! My mom was wary of sending me because it fell right in the middle of my exams, two days before my Comp Exam and a day after my Math Exam. What a time for a concert innit? :P

Its actually quite awesome to note that I went for a motherjane concert during my exams during the previous semester too. And I must say, there is nothing that relieves stress and tension like a motherjane concert and a chat with the band. Anyway, on with the show and less of my rants.

I reached NITK at about 2 or so, just in time for a solid lunch on the house. :P And soon, the drum techs, band manager and lights technician moved onto the venue to set up John Sirs kit and check out other stuff, so we headed over and got started and I must say, another guy was setting up the international act, Led Zepplica's drum kit, and John Sirs kit was so much bigger compared to the one he was using. It was abnormally funny how people came around saying "Wow Led Zepplica uses a bit kit", while pointing at John Sirs kit and I would say "Nope, thats motherjanes man" :D :D :D - cool isn't it?

Anyway after a much delayed soundcheck the show actually got under way. I was told by few students of the college that people had been waiting in queues to get inside for over 4 hours. Now those are real janiacs! SALUTE! And the students there had a stall at the entrance where people could get half of their faces painted just like motherjane. I told Suraj Sir when I was driving back to our guest rooms and he was super touched by the gesture. Backstage or something he told me that my friends and I had started a movement, at Hard Rock Cafe when we came with t-shirts that had pictures of us and I felt so proud of myself at that moment and all I could say was "Before 1 Million comes 4" (there were 4 of us who had such t-shirts). But standing in the midst of all of those students who had painted faces and who knew how every song went, I was overtly happy because finally I was with my real brothers and sisters. I was with people who I related to because we all loved motherjane.

motherjanes show was power packed from the start. Their entrance was with their usual Kerala music which never fails to give me goosebumps for a reason I'm yet to find. They started their set with Disillusioned, and everyone around me went into a fit. Me? I was already in a fit. :P I was having the time of my life, I was singing my heart out and though my throat was out completely I still sang out with what little remained. I was shocked when people around me joined me while singing. Wow! What a moment. I had never been with such people before. I was used to standing in the middle of a crowd, me and my friends singing while everyone else headbanged due to lack of knowledge of the lyrics but they still had the love for the music. But these guys around me, they had the love for the music and they knew the lyrics. Simply amazing. motherjane played Mindstreet and Blood in the Apple and then came the song I had been dying to hear live. TRIBES OF BABEL!

Tribes of Babel is a song that motherjane had written for Amnesty International. Its a song about peace and how music can bring about peace. motherjane took the concept of the people of Babel. The story says that the people decided to build a tower so high that it can touch the heavens and thus they would challenge God and prove that nothing is beyond humanity. God decided that if it progressed as it were then there would be no end to their greed and decided to cast a spell on the people. He decided that the people would all speak different languages. Our wars and our fights are all because we say that "He respects a different religion!" or "She speaks a different language" and in our quest for peace we look for similarities and we loathe differences but motherjane looks at peace different. Imagine a world were everyone spoke the same word or every musician sung the same note and no one was different. Boring? Now imagine the beauty of the differences how, the 1st note and the 5th note in a song are similar yet they are different in their own ways. How you and me are different yet we both share something in common. Peace is when we, and all of humanity learn to embrace our differences and appreciate them. We must respect our differences and not shun them away. This is precisely what Tribes of Babel talk about. Catch live streaming of the song on : www.buffetlibredjs.net/peace.html - it is worth it. Trust Me!

Now back to the show, motherjane were soon ripping the place apart with Fields of Sound, Maya, Broken, Walk On, Karmic Steps, Before a Million comes One, Maktub and Soul Corporations. A beautiful mix of Insane Biography and Maktub and all plastered out and laid out well beautified for all of us, their fans. A special mention must go out to that solo that Baiju Sir played. I stood in the middle of the crowd speechless for about 10 minutes and then he switched to Fields of Sound and I was thrown of my feet. That guitarist is nothing short of a GOD! He had the entire 5000 or so students sing out "Saare Jahan Se Ache". India was displayed to the world right there. We didnt need a President or a Prime Minister salute the national flag on national television to fill us with a sense of patriotism all we needed was a guitarist like this playing a tune on his guitar and people all around would join hands and sing. Sing for the love of our Nation! Never seen anyone instill a sense of pride in me like he can. Hats off Baiju Sir! :D

And before I forget, March 7th was Baiju Sirs birthday. Rush to his profile if you didnt wish him yet. :D

Soon after motherjane were an international band called Led Zepplica, a bootleg band of Led Zepplin. I didnt wait to check them out, so you will not be seeing a review on them here. Apologies.

So till the next concert! Adios

amajaniac n so r u

AN ODE TO MY IDOLS - TO MOTHERJANE

2010-01-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

14 years ago, on Jan 24th, yet another college band went up on stage as a cover up for a band that failed to keep its promise of playing in their college. No expectations whatsoever were around. Their drummer was the club secretary and they had to this show to get the crowd going. They had had just a week or so of practice and were on stage. Their sound check was at 12 at midnight. It went on till about 5 AM. Soon their drummer crashes at his home and leaves home in 2 hours. Everyone is sleep deprived. Yet they are all nervous as its their first show. I have no clue how that show went, but I have to say this band, in just 14 years, has done miracles that most other bands can only dream of. They’ve touched a billion hearts the world over and will always do so. They’re celebrities in their own right yet remain firmly rooted to the ground and have no air around them whatsoever. A band that has done everything from rocking the most unruly crowd to opening for major international acts like Megadeth to Opeth to rocking HIV positive kids. This band is one like no other. This band is MOTHERJANE!!!

Many people have asked me why on earth I’m so addicted to motherjane. My reply to them has always been “It is written” or “MAKTUB”. I don’t know why that is my reply and I will always keep wondering and never figure out an answer. But come to think of it I don’t think there can ever be a better reply. I’ve never pressurized anyone to listen to motherjane; I’ve only expressed my love out in public. But many a times, I’ve had many people come to me and asked for their music. They’ve come to me and said “Wow! This band is brilliant”. I’ve bonded with men from Java over motherjane, more notable people like Thoriq Arridlwan Aria and Ben Prasetyo. I’ve known these men only from facebook. But Thoriq is one man who was so touched by the music since they played the first note at Java Rockinland. Thoriq is one proud janiac, his display picture right now on facebook is that of him and his friend standing with John, the drummer and Suraj, the vocalist/lyricist. I’ve bonded with men and women and even kids my age, just a tad bit older, even a few younger and the only thing we have in common is our love for motherjane.

motherjane, motherjane, motherjane! It’s the only word that I chant all night and day. If I’m writing an exam, I’m superstitious enough to wear a motherjane t-shirt inside. I play the drums. I’ve learnt for just about a year or so. I dream of making a band and blah blah. And if I said that I don’t dream of becoming a band like motherjane I would be lying. BIG TIME! But I swear to God, everytime I play on a stage I’ll pray to God, yes, but I will definitely pray to JOHN THOMAS, my guru, to watch over me, in spirit, as I play my set. I’ll pray to SURAJ MANI, to be by my side, as I recall every word of his advice that I have been blessed to have. I’ll pray to CLYDE ROZARIO, pray so that I can get his temperament and loyalty to the music that flows through our bodies. I’ll pray to BAIJU DHARMAJAN, pray that I can be truthful to what I play and never forget the path that I have followed to reach the destinations that I hope to reach. I’ll pray to DEEPU SASIDHARAN, pray that not only do I play my instrument with as much love as he does but also that I can carry off an attitude like his on stage.

This band has produced some of the best sounding songs that has ever been made in India. And the most admirable quality about them is the fact that not only are they extremely patriotic, they are extremely proud to be patriotic. They end their set at every show with the words “Jaya He! Jaya He! Jaya Jaya Jaya Jaya He!” from our national anthem. Baiju plays his rendition of Vande Mataram, admirably named Metal Mataram by few, during every gig. And each time (I have no clue about the notes mind you) it sounds so different in a way very motherjane. I hope that makes sense but its very true.

motherjane has brought out two albums and one EP in these 14 years. The EP got lost in the wilderness of Indian rock but there albums have been received with so much love and affection from people from all walks of life and their upcoming albums too shall be extremely well received. They brought out Insane Biography in 2003 with their ex-guitarist Rex, he currently plays for Avial which is also a super awesome band. They brought out Maktub in 2008. They released in a way no other band had. They had a web release! Their idea behind it was that they would be close to their fans on this very special day. They believed that this was the album that would give them the break that they deserve and my goodness, has it given them a super huge break or what? They’ve won the AVIMA and they’ve rubbed shoulders with Mr.BIG. They’ve extended their fan base from a few hundreds to many thousands or is it millions. They’ve grown from strength to strength and they shall always do so.

Their contract with Aum-I Artistes states that they must produce 5 albums in 5 years and they’ve produced 1 in 2 years. So we’ve got three years and four albums coming out! JANIACS I SWEAR TO YOU WE ARE IN FOR A HUGE TREAT!

Nelson Mandela once said that he dreamt of a while guy walking hand-in-hand with a black girl and vice versa. I don’t have such huge dreams. But I have one dream that many janiacs that I know will proudly support and stand up and say “Yes! I’ve dreamt of this too”. I dream that one day 5 men going by the names Suraj, John, Deepu, Baiju and Clyde will walk with head held high onto a stage and thousands of men stand up and clap in awe. They’ve just won the GRAMMY!!! They lift up their newest addition to their trophy case and then suddenly boys and girls in black t-shirts with motherjane written on them storm the hall and they sing out proud :-

YOU ARE THE BEAUTIFUL NOTE IN A SYMPHONY OF SPIRITS

A THREAD IN A TAPESTRY OF DREAMS

WHERE EVERY COLOUR BLENDS TOGETHER

LIKE THE DROPLETS, THE OCEANS, THE RIVERS AND STREAMS!!

motherjane is not just the first but the only band I know off that has composed haikus. They’re called the Odes to Life. And they seriously are! What John Keates did in Ode to Autumn in 3 stanzas, Suraj Mani did in the four lines on both tracks. The two odes to life talk about two faces of the same coin, LIFE and DEATH and yet both have a positive ending. I feel that one of the best things about motherjane, which other bands lack, is the fact that each one of their songs ends on a positive note. Take Broken, it switches from such a dire topic to a supremely positive note on the ability of humans to be courageous. I personally love that a lot about them.

No post on motherjane is complete these days without mentioning Eva Dowd, their online promoter. She has helped this band reached out to so many more people than motherjane personally ever dreamed off. Any post that involves me has the words “motherjanes no.1 fan”. I’ve thought of this tag. I’ve been called motherjanes biggest fan by so many people. But come to think of it honestly, I’m just one of them. There are so many out there who are as crazy about motherjane as I am maybe even crazier than me. I’ve had the honor of getting to know a few. Infact I actually want to take up this space to thank my cousin, Raja. He was the one who made me listen to my first motherjane song. Without him, who knows, maybe motherjane might have just sounded like a joke to me. There is one fan. RAJA! Then there is JABRI! There is NIKHIL! There is DAMIEN MARWEIN! (Very few named. Pardon me for omission of any names) There are ever so many and I have blessed with the company of only few of them but I am sure there are tons more out there who will give their life in support of this band. So to all the janiacs out there, here is yet another one of you, raising a toast to all of us who have proudly stood by our one true love – MOTHERJANE! And I’m sure I speak for all the janiacs out there when I say that we will always proudly stand by your side when all of us together CHASE THE SUN!

Here is wishing you a happy "anniversary" / "birthday" once again motherjane! May your songs dominate our souls in all the years that we may live.

AMAJANIAC!!!

motherjane @ Hard Rock Cafe - 24.09.09

2009-09-30T08:38:00.000-07:00

motherjane had performed at Bangalore 12 days ago as part of Times of India International Arts Festival. That was in between my exams but this time around, it was after those irritating hours in a small room, similar to a prison chamber, with endless droning hours in front of sheets of paper that you barely understand head or tail of. And this time around, i vowed to enjoy this day like I've never enjoyed any day of my life. The day started with me jumping out of bed with butterflies in my stomach. Because today was the day that I was going to give something in return for all those brilliant notes of music that those 5 fine gentlemen have supplied to me. Today was the day when I was going to give them just as great a feeling as they had given me when they all sang happy birthday to me at Opus.

So before I get to the concert. Let me tell you what this kickass surprise was. And trust me, if you were a part of the crew that gave this surprise, you would have woken up with butterflies in your stomach too. Well here goes. Me and three other diehard janiacs that I know decided to paint our faces and make a t-shirt of our own. This idea came up when I logged on to pringoo.com and decided it was time to buy the motherjane t-shirt. The hopeless choice of colour ranging from baby pink to bright orange inspired the idea of coming up with our own t-shirt with our own faces painted on them. We could flaunt them and it would be truly ours. The t-shirt says AMAJANIAC. This is, in physical sense, the title of one of the songs that Suraj Sir has written. However, to us, it goes way beyond just a song. It represents the collective sense of belonging that we feel towards the band. It represents that spirit that dwells in us. It represents our true selves. It represents us!

We took an entire day to paint our faces and pose for our photographs and everything. I even made pizza and went on to be complimented as being a kickass cook which drove me to make dinner that night. We didnt really bother going to photo studio to get our faces done. We had a one lakh camera in our midst and we decided we'll do all the photo shooting at home. We had a black lamb of god t-shirt for a background, and thats quite an insignificant thing compared to the fact that we kept pillows on the chair and sat on the pillows to make sure our height was just right for the photo, which was on auto-shoot mode. LOL!

Our day turned out to be an out-right sucess, as you may see for yourselves.

JABRI - a.k.a. PRAVEEN :P

HARI - a.k.a ME :P

RAJA

NIKHIL

Well, those are our painted faces and that was just one half of our adventure. We then shifted the photos onto t-shirts and the front said AMAJANIAC and had our face. The rear had the chorus of the song written.

I WOULD UNDERSTAND IF YOU SAID THAT POSING IS AN UNDERSATEMENT

THATS US - JABRI, RAJA, NIKI n ME - JANIACS FOREVER

Now, for the big day. THE CONCERT! I was as nervous as I was when I went for my very first concert. We went to the venue with this t-shirt well concealed. An hour or so before the gig was to actually start, we decided it was time. FOR PAYBACK(refer to my last post)! :P - we called all the members of the band and made sure they could see us all and we slowly removed the shirts we wore on top of our t-shirts and we revealed our t-shirts and the moment they saw it, they were stunned. They had emotions running from shocked to happiness to crying out in joy to excitement to any emotion you can name. It was all there. I personally was extremely happy that they loved it. Mission Acomplished! This was one of the dreams that motherjane had envisioned when they started off as a band and I was really quite proud of myself to have been a part of this. I was proud that I had done what I wanted to do and that feeling is simply unmatched. We then took snaps with the band.

US AND THEM!

Infact, a cameraman from Deccan Chronicle came up to us and asked us to pose for him. That was my first taste of the celeb life [:P].

MOTHERJANE @ HRC - I'M SURE BANGALORE FELL IN LOVE :P

AND THATS CLYDE ROZARIO ON THE BASS

The concert began soon later and we were once again doing what we truely loved. We were watching our favourite men doing what they do best. Rocking! And rocking real hard at that. They played all their songs, except Prison Chains, Shh.. Listen and the Odes to Life. A couple of my classmates came for the concert. One of them came for his first ever concert. It was such a pleasant sight to see him thoroughly enjoy himself, but it came as no surprise, everyone thoroughly enjoys themselves at a motherjane concert! And so will you, if you go for one! [:D]. And thats a decision you'll never repent. I'll even buy you a ticket. Hehe! Anway, signing off folks! [:D] Sorry for the long read couldn't help. [:)]

ROCKING BANGALORE

SURAJ MANI - PASSION REDEFINED

THE GOD OF SMALL STRINGS - if you ask me he is the GOD OF ALL STRINGS

ME n MY GURU - JOHN THOMAS

ME WITH THE BUDDHA ON BASS - CLYDE ROZARIO

And before I sign off, here is a small song that I wrote about motherjane. Its my first song about them and hopefully the first of many to come. Read and enjoy. [:)]

Child of motherjane

We've all had our share of dreams
Blinded by faith and tested by time
But I've got a new saviour
That'll carry me through just that

A bond that I shared
Since I heard the first note
A bond that lingers
In every move of my soul

Each beat, each note,
Every melody is now
A part of me and it shall
Always be

Coz

I am a child of motherjane
A man that stands tall among many
And forever flying towards the stars
To reach his one true love "MOTHERJANE"

The lessons I've learnt
through just your songs
And lessons I shall learn
from nothing but your presence

Your faces feature in all my dreams
And your music flows through all my veins
And I am really blessed coz
You not just show me in yourselves, you
Give voice to all of my thoughts

And

I am a child of motherjane
A man that stands tall among many
And forever flying towards the stars
To reach his one true love "MOTHERJANE"

Looking forward to your comments about it.

Cheers
Hari
amajaniac n so r u

motherjane - sep 12th - @ OPUS

2009-09-25T00:38:00.000-07:00

The Times of India International Arts Festival brought together some of the biggest names in the world arts field together in one city. Spread over about two weeks or so, this was one gala event with over 20 artists performing. Out of that 20, I was stunned to find an artist that I least expected in that list - MOTHERJANE.

CLYDE ROZARIO - BUDDHA ON BASS

motherjane played at Opus, Brookefield on the 12th of September, just a day before my birthday to those unaware. [:P] For a janiac like yours truly, there is no better birthday celebration that this one. It had been quite a while since I last saw them live. That was at Le Rock if I'm not mistaken. And for an impatient man like me thats a loooooooong time.

SURAJ MANI - SINGING SENSEI

Anyway, I got to the venue, which I would say fails to fall in the boundary of Bangalore but well, no complains. The show, started off at about 9 or so and my was it a blast from the beginning. They started of with a kick ass rendition of Disillusion. The song has been made slightly heavier and gives it a perfect feel to either headbang like never before or jump and just have fun throughout. The crowd, most drunk, went berserk from the start to the end. Most carried on being berserk even after the show ended. [:P]

JOHN THOMAS - THE METRONOME

motherjane, I've always said is the perfect example of a vortex of energy combined with 5 musically brilliant men combined with a bunch of great gentlemen. Throw in some passion in there and voila, you've got your men of dreams. They played a really good mix of tracks from both their albums. They've got four more albums coming out in four more years and I am super excited. Their next album, as announced by Suraj at Opus is to be titled "Graffiti Without Walls" because music in its truest meaning is really graffiti without any barriers whatsoever. Its the will and wish of the artist to create music in his/her own manner. And its the will and wish of the listener to interpret in his/her own manner, so music quite aptly fits the definition graffiti without walls.

DEEPU SASIDHARAN - SIX STRINGED SPARTAN

The crowd really had an amazing time and I, personally, had a superb birthday in advance. They were many hilarious incidents during the show some of which require personal sight of the situation to really laugh out loud.

BAIJU DHARMAJAN - GOD OF SMALL STRINGS

The crowd was so enthralled by motherjane that it got motherjane to play an encore of Chasing the Sun and the band gratefully obliged. motherjane kicked ass on 12th and after the concert we settled down for a nice dinner. And I was pleasantly surprised when the whole band sang Happy Birthday at 12 o'clock. If I'm not mistaken, I felt my eyes water right there. My that was a really touching surprise and I vowed to surprise them just as much and read my next blog to find out what I and a bunch of friends of mine did to get even [;)]

cheers

Hari

amajaniac n so r u

Junkyard Groove at OPUS

2009-08-08T04:09:00.000-07:00

Junkyard Groove last came to the Garden City for a show at the Kyra Theater(just a fancy name to say a pub with sky-high prices) and their set consisted of about four songs and a Folk You encore. They were exceptionally great and it was the first time I heard Feel Like a Knife, Twinkle and Hold. Amazing Songs! But the time slots didn't help one bit.

JUNKYARD GROOVES NEW T-SHIRT DESIGN!

Like a month or so later, news spread that they were coming back again for THREE shows. Two at Opus, priced at 510 bucks each. Bam! Major Setback! But then, I was rather firm that I had to go for it. I knew all of their songs at last and could jump and sing to my hearts content. And Opus is a way better place than Kyra for a JYG Show.

NULL FRICTION

At about Nine, Null Friction from Chennai took the stage and belted about 4 or 5 classics and ended their set with Another Brick on the Wall by Pink Floyd. It was amazing finish to their set and got the whole crowd going. Got me going, at least. Everyone was belting out anti-education lines and that was such a treat for a student like yours truly. :)

Junkyard Groove took the stage by storm soon afterward. With a brilliant set, it completely outclassed their last show at Kyra by a really large margin.

The started of with one of my favourites IMAGINE. Followed by another classic Rock 'n' Roll! Rock 'n' Roll got me high(like literally - cuz i was jumping :P) and JYG was at their bloody best or so I thought. They soon played Let You Go and Been So Long. And then came my favourite JYG Song FOLK YOU!! Amazing Song with Amazing Riff and a super oppurtunity to jump like mad and go crazy.

Precisely what I did! My cousins and me were probably the only ones in the whole Bar who weren't in an intoxicated state. The poor waiter got a heart ache when we said we dont drink and at the end of the night, I'm sure everyone thought I had "Puffed the Magic Dragon"! :P

SLASH REVITALISED

But, I did go high, real high on JYGs music. Who Wouldn't? When the songs that followed an amazing spelled out Folk You were Twinkle and Its OK.

AMEETH! - ROCKER DRINKER n DREAMER

Next up, was an acoustic set of about three songs. This was by only Ameeth. He played Simple Song, Say Goodbye and Please Don't Wake Me Up. The last two being my favourite songs from their EP "Nicer in a Minute".

JYGs EP - Nicer in a Minute

11:11 - Bootleg - JYGs Album

In the midst of Say Goodbye came smthng unexpected where Ameeth decided to improvise thanks to Sids absence and did the solo with his mouth! Hilarious. Please Don't Wake Me Up is a romantic classic that I just love to hear over and over again. If you haven't read the review I wrote about their EP do read it. Its got a review on all of the songs and links to get them.

Then, Ameeth took a break and the rest of the guys came back on. They played a few covers. Imagine by Beatles, sung by Sid and a Micheal Jackson cover sung by Craig. Craig forgetting the lyrics in between was amazing! Honestly, I cannot do any justice to their performance with this post. Their shows are something to behols not read about. The small perks of laughter like Ameeth saying Craig that he almost caught him fart when Craig went real close to his hind and stuff like that is something to watch and enjoy. Anyway I'm still trying my best for those who couldn't get there.

Thats us!

Ameeth came back on after those two songs and they played Feel Like a Knife. Craig, then under humungous peer pressure, raps a couple of lines, which is again absolutely comedy. Maynard then played a solo that took my breath away! Maynard is like a man to worship. The way he moves around on his drum throne is amazing. Supreme Ownage!

After that came a song called Aya Suthila Pee! Amazing song which you may check out by clicking the link below. Hilarious more than amazing really! Had everyone in splits and then came Sid in all his might in Hold. The start and that solo is Hold is a thing to behold. And Sid with his Slash look is ever so cool to watch! We should have an Indian G3 concert with Sid, Baiju and John Antony of Karnatrix. It would be ever so brilliant!

Junkyard Groove unfortunately had to leave and played a supremely distorted Leaving on a Jet Plane by John Denver. Ameeth was bustling with energy and some of us were screaming our lungs out for them to stay. But all good things do come to an end and so did that show. And so does this post! :P

My cousin and me with Sid a.k.a Slash :)

My cousin and I with Maynard - Man to admire

My cousin and me with Maynard

http://junkyardgroove.net/ - Official Site

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8apPkj67R8 - Aya Suthula Pee Video

http://www.gimmesound.com/JunkyardGroove/ - Gimmesound Page of Junkyard Groove - Download and they get paid

MOTHERJANE - @ Snehadaan & @ Le Rock

2009-05-23T01:40:00.000-07:00

motherjane had last been in town to play at Snehadaan. I went for that show but I honestly have nothing to say about it. Just tears in my eyes every time I think about that place. Visit the place and see the lovely children and you wont take long to understand. The best I can do is post a couple of pictures from the show. The show was a private one organised for the kids in care of Snehadaan.

THE LITTLE ANGELS

Anyway, now that I've started talking about that one-off show. Maybe I'll dwell a little bit more about it. the kids were aged from about 4 to 11. They all rushed right in front of the stage and sat down before the show. Their excitement was very evident on their bright little faces. Then motherjane played Mindstreet and the kids were at shock. The kids could be seen covering their ears because the music was really loud and they had no previous encounters with such music before.

Suraj enthralling the kids and having the time of his life!

Suraj then called these kids up on stage and made them dance. The stage which is usually "out-of-bounds" but not on that day. The kids ruled the stage. It was a treat to watch them dance to the tracks which I'm more used to seeing teens headbang too. Suraj too, danced about with the kids and it was a treat to watch him with the kids. These are the sort of moments in life that one should be really blessed to obtain.

Some boons are bestowed upon very few lucky people. motherjane were one of those few lucky people to have got this chance.

To express my feeling about the show would be a Herculean task and nothing short of impossible. However, being one of the biggest janiacs around. I have to say, though motherjane were on stage and they were playing super quality music. It was the kids who were the real stars that night. The night belonged to the kids! And that would not be classified as an over-statement by any man present there on that night.

MOTHERJANE - Live @ Le Rock on the 22nd

Fireworks and frightened birds.. motherjane!

Now to get to the show at Le Rock. Being present at this show was a big question mark for me thanks to my age of 15. However, I decided to spend the day with them irrespective of whether I can go for the gig or not. And am I thankful that we don't have school now or what! And once I got there, the enormous planning of how to get me in started. The ideas included :-

1) Paint up my face and say I'm a part of their show - By John Thomas - turns out to be motherjanes drummer too

2) Use black paint and draw up a moustache and walk around saying I'm the drum tech - By Abhijit Namboodrip - turns out to be motherjanes tour manager

3) Walk right in and say nothing - By Baiju - turns out to be the guitarist - this also turns out to be the only sane idea.

Idea no.3 worked and its incredible how the simplest of ideas are the ones that work out. In the end, I just walked right in and the guards didn't bother arguing. So, I was in Le Rock and in for a treat too. The stuff on display and the paintings kept me amazed for sometime. I mean an Ibanez signed by Satriani and a Fender signed by Mark Knoppler. Who the heck needs anything else to live on?

motherjane - Epitome of Indian rock

motherjane were setting up and getting ready for their gig. My guru, John, was playing a few rudiments which sounded real fun to hear. Soon, the whole band chimed in and the next thing you know, they were dishing out Karmic Steps, Fields of Sound, Maktub and Blood in the Apple. The sound check was soon done and the band was just lazing about for a couple of hours.

For me to be present at the show, I would have to leave for home by 8:45. And the show was supposed to get under way by 7:30 or 8 o'clock at max. But NO!!! Le Rock gives the go ahead only at 8:30! That restricted to me to hearing only 2 and a half songs. [:(]

But I shall tell you more about the first few that I heard. They played Mindstreet first. A perfect rendition. Baiju couldn't be heard initially but that problem was done away with as the song progressed. They excreted an energy unmatched by most Indian bands I've seen. Suraj was at his comic best with few exerpts being :

SURAJ

"Know what this is? This is kall(local malu alcohol filled drink)" - pointing to what he was drinking

"He works with the press. He really doesn't care" - when a man asked to him jump down into the crowd

In the wilderness of the woods! :P

The next song was Blood in the Apple. A beautiful rendition too. The steady bass lines on that song always appeal to me. And here they were again, putting me in a trance. The say most people go high at the bar. I guess I went high too. Really high. HIGH ON MOTHERJANE & their MUSIC!

A pleasant outing

The 3rd song on the list was Disillusion. The start, sounded a lot heavier. Seems to have been tweaked. But usually Disillusion has a mellow start. Not this time. This time the song started like a blast! A whirlwind of noise that hits you and my the feel of it was great. I had to leave halfway through Disillusion. However, the day was great. I may not have been able to see the whole show. But I saw them live for 2 and a half songs. And technically, I heard them play 5 songs, including the sound check! The day was brilliant fun! & that fact cannot be undermined by any!

Below is a video of motherjane playing Fields of Sound. Recorded by Jabri. It also has Baiju playing Vande Mataram. Very soothing to hear.

motherjane are next playing in Mumbai on the 29th. Those from Mumbai. Don't miss the show! It promises to be a treat.

p.s. motherjane has been intentionally typed in small letters as it is the bands priniciple that the letters should all be in small or in capitals to signify the equal importance of each letter. Awesome theory huh?

ROCK ETHOS '09

2009-03-21T07:42:00.000-07:00

Rock Ethos '09 promised to be a real headbanging festival. It had a list of few of the best bands in Bangalore and a few from out of Bangalore too. But the name on the list that attracted me was MOTHERJANE. After almost a year, Motherjane were back in Bangalore and they promised to give a killer of a show.

My sole intention at ROCK ETHOS was to catch Motherjane and well, Bhayank Maut was a pleasant surprise.

But the start of the day for me tracks back a few hours to the moment I entered Motherjane's room just after a nice lunch. Spent a few good hours with them and also used the oppurtunity to have a nice chat about drumming with one of my gurus, John Thomas. Also, got a chance to get Suraj Mani, their vocalist, to explain the concept behind the video of the song BROKEN(about which I had written a post). Soon, a couple of guys came from MyBangalore to interview them and well, that wasn't really a very eventful memory for me or the guys who were with me. But soon, the uneventful moments turned to really eventful ones when the band members started to paint their faces and thus "UNLEASH THEIR SPIRIT" and get ready for the gig. The following were the results.

MOTHERJANE : ALL SET TO ROCK!!

After this, we had a few snaps with the band and all of us were soon heading for the venue.

US WITH THEM!

I didn't head right in front of the stage to catch the bands in action. Instead, I rushed backstage to help sort out stuff backstage. Anyway, I was here to see Motherjane and none else, to be honest.

Motherjane's time was fast approaching and as it approached, so did the Rain God. And as soon as Motherjane were up on stage, the rain thrashed down. But, the spirited Bangalore crowd did not forfeit, instead they stood right there without moving and many, went and fetched a few banners for protection from rain and came back to the railings for more music.

ONE HELL OF A SPIRITED CROWD

Quite a few moments passed and soon, the guitars were cleared to play and Baiju ensured that none of the guys in the crowd were kept waiting any longer and he delivered a perfect rendition of a guitar solo and if you ask my comments on that solo I would say, "Now thats how you play a guitar solo". I was at awe of his patriotism when he started to play Vande Mataram and that showed one thing, no matter how western that instrument which he was holding was, it was a true Indian holding it and that is what counts.

BAIJU ON THE GUITARS

make that A TRUE INDIAN ON GUITARS

Shortly after, Motherjane were ready. With a beautiful mocktail of the best from Insane Biography and Maktub, Motherjane were super tight on stage. Suraj, ensured that the crowd was there and there was line that was especially brilliant :

"These speakers might be small but your hearts are BIG"

SURAJ ON THE VOCALS

Thats a line that I will remember for a really long time. Disillusion, Chasing the Sun, Mindstreet, Blood in the Apple, Fields of Sound, Walk On and Karmic Steps. The list was shortened thanks to the rain but for the 40-odd minutes that they played, the stage was theirs. And my, did they kick some ass. Suraj, with a sprained ankle, was jumping around and running around like the world was his garden. Clyde, with his steady bass lines, was having a great time. Deepu, Baiju, and John were having a ball too. And as all good things have to come to an end, so did their gig. But Motherjane can give themselves a pat on the back for the show they produced. Taking in all the insults and converting it into one hell of a gig is greatness.

DEEPU ON THE RHYTHM GUITAR

JOHN ON THE DRUMS

CLYDE ON THE BASS

Next up on stage was Bhayank Maut. They were really good on stage. I liked a few of their songs and their drummer looked really good. However, didn't pay too much attention to them because I was helping Motherjane pack up and thus, missed out a lot of their stage but they sounded great and I would love to see them up on stage again. Their vocalists really impressed me. Apart from that, ain't really eligible for a review because of the lack of attention from my side.

BHAYANK MAUT ON STAGE!

ME WITH ONE OF MY GURU, JOHN

Pictures courtesy Jabri and Gaurav Vaz and a few others who posted on Facebook!

BROKEN - A MASTERPIECE

2009-03-18T08:46:00.000-07:00

We’ve all, We've all been broken

Shattered, left mute with regrets unspoken

We’ve all loved and lost

Been forsaken, repented our deepest trust

We’ve all wondered why

Destiny picked us to cry

Why faith has to be tested,

And life doesn’t turn out the way intended

We’re mended to be broken

Yet human clay believes itself golden

Stunning in its courage to be happy

As wild elations tempered with black melancholy

The above are some of the most meaningful lines that I have ever come across. The above lines tell us that each one of us have the power in us to overcome are sorrows and it into positive outcomes. Do I believe in the above lines? Hell yeah, I do.

However, I'm not going to explore the philosophy behind the given lines and nor am I here to comment on how great a band Motherjane is. On the contrary I'm here to comment about the following video which is based on the song.

The above video may appear to be rather loosely held and well, confusing at the same time. You may feel that it consists a message but it doesn't really convey it. The above were my thoughts when I first saw it. However, when you take the lyrics into consideration and then watch the video, it is nothing short of a masterpiece.

The video is centralized around a father, who has lost his wife and a son, who has lost his mother and is yearning to be shown some love. The father is a Kathakali exponent and he is so involved in the art that he has no time to shower his mother-less son. This is beautifully expressed when the father comes home and sleeps with his Kathakali make-up on. The son, who as I said earlier, yearns to be showered with love, tries to wipe away the make-up from his fathers face and tries to catch a glimpse of his face.

After a certain period time, the son grows up to be a rebellious, independent son and the father yearns for his sons love. The fact that his son is rebellious is beautifully indicated by the potrait of Che Guevara in the sons room. The son has grown up without being shown any love and thus does not understand the importance of his father, who was completely involved in his art, in his life. Thus, the son is a very independent person, in fact, too independent. The father is left heart-broken and he contemplates suicide.

The son sees that his father contemplates suicide and realizes the importance of his father in his life and the father too understands his mistake and corrects himself and ensures that his son is shown some love and affection. This is portrayed in the scene when the father peforms only for his son. Credit must be given to Motherjane, to convert a song which starts of with two people with a negative look at life and to end the video and the song in such a positive note. HAIL MOTHERJANE! (yet again.. [;)])

A closer look at the video shows that only half of the fathers face is painted during his performance for his son. However, his whole face is painted when he sleeps at home with his make-up on. This is because the father finds his balance in life during the performance for his son. This is the balance in life that we should all strive to achieve. Unless this balance is achieved, all of us are broken. We become a whole only when this balance is achieved in our lives. This is the underlining principle of the song.

I sincerely thank Suraj Mani, for taking his time out to explain the principle behind this inspiring video to me. I also want to thank Jabri, for indirectly giving me the idea of posting this blog about this sensational video.

p.s. - Taking a leaf out of Sri.Jabris book here. I wonder if he has a problem. Well, if he does, I'm the going to be the happiest man in the world [:P]. Also I have not written too much about how beautiful the song sounds and how great the band is because if I do so, I know for sure that I'll never stop!

UP THE IRONS : Iron Maiden Live in Bangalore

2009-03-18T03:49:00.000-07:00

SCREAM FOR ME BANGALORE!! - BRUCE DICKINSON

"SCREAM FOR ME BANGALORE", says the Master and the crowd like kindergarten students listening to their teacher do just that, SCREAM! Such was the excitement at Palace Grounds on 15 February 2009.

THE GODS OF METAL - IRON MAIDEN

At an age when most people would sit on armchairs sipping lemonade, Bruce Dickinson, Nicko McBrain, Adrian Smith, Steve Smith, Janick Gers and Dave Murray beg to differ. With the sole intention of rocking the world, these 6 guys tour non-stop and do they kick ass or what! 15 February 2009 was a day when the rock fraternity of Bangalore bore witness to a show that I'm sure has left each one of their minds conquered.

JANICK GERS

For me, a fifteen year old, who has only heard Maiden play from his computer and I-pod, this gig was nothing short of a dream come true. From the beginning, Iron Maiden ensured that Bangalore was theirs. Bangalore, for those few hours, was the best democracy in the world because it belonged to a bunch of guys and these were the bunch of guys that Bangalore wished for. They were called IRON MAIDEN! (Nice line, huh? :P)

THE CROWD

These 6 guys are nothing short of the very pioneers of rock and they prove, from time to time, that they are the ones to beat. From the moment they played Aces High, everything was a blur. For me to express the emotions that were going through my head is nothing short of a herculean task. But let me tell you this, that night was the night of my life. Out of my 11 Gods, I had seen 6 of them and I will never forget the sight of Steve Harris, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and Janick Gers pointing their guitars at the very same spot where I was standing.

DAVE MURRAY AND ADRIAN SMITH

Before I get carried away by the emotional aspects behind that show, let me move on with the playlist and my opinion on the songs wont really change much. Each on of them were so damn brilliant. Aces High was followed by a perfect rendition of 2 Minutes to Midnight. By the time this song was done, Iron Maiden had made one thing clear, they is no other band that can exude the energy that they do! ALL HAIL MAIDEN! And before I forget, I must mention the background changed for every song that they did and it resembled the album that they were playing the song from.

THE VORTEX OF ENERGY CALLED STEVE SMITH

Soon, Palace Grounds were treated to beautiful tracks like Rime of the Ancient Mariner, Phantom of the Opera, Children of the Damned, Fear of the Dark, Evil that Men Do, Wasted Years, Number of the Beast, Run to the Hills, Sanctuary. The perfect end to the show was when they performed the song Iron Maiden. Somewhere in the middle giant eddy made its entry and the crowd was treated to a few minutes of fun.

AGE AIN'T A BARRIER FOR ROCK AND ROLL

Maiden, you guys are the shit! No matter what, you are the real GODS OF METAL, come what may! UP THE IRONS!

p.s. For the sake of those reading this blog, I have not commented on the opening bands. Most of them failed to impress me and I as I sit her typing this, I really dont remember any single one of the opening acts. I guess that shows their class. Sad, huh?

pictures courtesy MY BANGALORE

AR Rahman - The God of Music

2009-03-14T05:56:00.000-07:00

The above scene is something that I will remember for a very long time, if not forever. One of the musicians, that I respect the most with not just one but two Oscar awards. Yea, pessimists may go on and on about Slumdog Millionaire not being his best music and that he didn't deserve the Oscars for this soundtrack but who cares about what they have to say, right? The fact of the matter is that AR Rahman has captured an award that had eluded him for quite sometime and his happiness shows! He has been running helter-skelter to do shows for his eager American fans and has featured on quite a few TV shows too(A.J. Rahman - Kudos to American ignorance. Check out the Jay Leno show that he played on if you don't get head or tail of that).

The man who has produced innumerable soulful songs for Bollywood and Tollywood (or is it Kollywood? I'm talking about the Tamil Cinema Industry). Its really hard for an Indian to live without his music now. He is part of everyones playlist. Even those who ain't really great fans of music can't stop themselves from getting addicted to him.

Everyones heard his tracks from the movie "Gentleman" but not many know that he is a true gentleman on his own. A very down-to-earth man and one of those people who would rather shower his friends with love than indulge himself in fame. I was at awe of his love and affection for his mother when he said "Mere paas Ma hain" when he held the golden lady high! Such is the man that represents India at the highest level! Can anyone project the large-heartedness of the Indians better than Rahman can? Can anyone project the essence of Indian culture better than Rahman can? Can anyone project the love of Indians, for our nation, our Bharat, better than Rahman can? Can anyone project the very soul of our nation better than he can? As Marc Anthony said, "Where comes such another?"

Rahman, though you may never see this message, I shall still say this. You shall linger in my heart forever because you have shown me the light through the saddest of times and the best of times. You were the one that showed me that if a person wishes to achieve something, then he can achieve it, no matter what! You were the one that has shown me that love and affection surpasses all other things that this world offers. Rahman, I bow down to you. Rahman, I bow down to the GOD OF MUSIC!

SAARANG '09

2009-02-13T01:06:00.000-08:00

Saarang is one of those shows that has so much talent on show and the viewers are left gasping for breath after taking a look at a bit of the talent in store!

I walked in to IIT after a train ride that was nothing short of uneventful! The campus was humungous and nothing short of spectacular. The journey from the gate to the OAT was like 10 minutes on a bus. That should give you an idea about its size. We couldnt get into the OAT because the soundcheck was on so we headed to one of the hostels, where MJ were put up. I was immensely shocked when "Axe" Axenrot just walked into the very same hostel block where we were put up and was just standing there. So two minutes down the line, we were clicking photos with most of Opeths memebers. These two minutes produced the following results!

With Axe Axenrot!

With Mendez and Fredrik Åkesson

With Fredrik Åkesson

With Opeths Sound Engineer and Guitar Tech

Well, after this unbelievable event took place, we slacked about. Soon, it was time for the show(more like past show time). We ended up missing Demonic Resurrection(Not too much to miss, huh? *cheeky smile*). And after a very very very long time, I got to see the band I adore most on stage and was it a kick ass gig or what! \../

Motherjane were really tight on stage! The energy they exude is unmatched and that ain't exaggeration. Trust me, to see them on stage is liking seeing a vortex of energy explode. There is Suraj, the vocalist, on one hand delivering the right pitches and other stuff that i lack knowledge about and still running around the stage showing that age is no barrier for rock and roll. A real role model to the young and old alike. Then there is Baiju, the lead guitarist, shredding away to glory. One of those people who is worthy enough to be idolized by all. Role model #2! Then there is John, the drummer, delievering few of the most back-breaking beats yet, maintaing his adrenile level high. Yet another role model. Deepu, the rythmn guitarist, doesn't fail to maintain adrenile high either. Clyde, the bassist, not only delivers steady bass lines, but also shows the crowd that he is a real force to deal with. A band that consists of five role model. Their songs are some of the most original songs that I've ever heard and each one of them is so beautifully put together that you would definitely trade more than fivety gold biscuits just to listen to them again. What else does one need to put up a class act!?!?! Motherjane were stunning on stage and I will remember that gig for a very long time.

Next up on stage were Opeth - The Kings of Progressive Rock! They were really great too. Their drummer can not be characterised in words. Gosh! I couldn't take my eyes of him hitting the skin of his kit. The other guys were quite tight too. One of their better gigs, according to me. The crowd was fantastic and Opeth were really cheered on. They did quite a few songs from Watershed and quite a few from their older ones too. According to what I was told, this was one of their longest gigs too. They were playing for two and a half hours or so. And the drummer was really battering the skin of his drumset for every second of thos two and a half hours.

All in all, Saarang was a really awesome gig that is going to be really hard for me to forget(if I do try that is :D).

p.s. :- I'm back after a really long break thanks to my darn board exams. A real pain!

Nicer in a Minute

2009-01-18T04:06:00.000-08:00

“Mind-blowing! Electrifying! Excellent! Kick ass!” A very feeble attempt to describe ‘Nicer in a Minute’ would sound very similar to this. Nicer in a Minute is the newest extended play (EP) of the Indian Rock Band Junkyard Groove. Yes the very same band that made us go high over “Its OK” and “Rock ‘n’ Roll”.

Nicer in a Minute consists of 5 songs which are :-

Save Me
Please Don't Wake Up
Thank You
Let You Go
Say Goodbye

Junkyard Groove, which is Ameeth on vocals, Sid on the axe and Craig on the bass, have carved a niche for themselves in the world of Indian Rock with this new venture. This band with a give-it-all-you’ve-got and never-say-die attitude has surpassed all expectations and is now moving from one remarkable feat to next.

The moment Ameeth sent me ‘Nicer in a Minute’, I knew I was in for a treat but I was pleasantly surprised, when I heard it, by the depth of the EP. An EP containing a mere 5 songs portrays a variety of emotions and all of these emotions are backed by the stupendous vocals, killer riffs, and steady yet pumping bass lines. Not to forget the drums gives a really nice feel and power to the whole EP.

Here is my understanding of the songs and deeper insight to them:-

Save Me

“Living in a world of pain and sorrow”

From the very beginning the band introduces a very energetic yet melodic feel to the song and they are able to sustain that throughout the song. And brilliantly at that! Also, the though the track is really pumping, the emotions of a person who is depressed and doleful is expressed well. The anxiety of such a man to live is portrayed in a really nice manner. I especially liked the starting of the song. It’s really innovative and it sounds cool too. Ameeth’s vocal chords are just phenomenal. How on earth does he sing like this?

Please Don’t Wake Up

“I can face the world only when you are standing by me”

“I look at you and my troubles seem so far away”

A romantic song that gives this EP a lot of depth! The emotions of love and sheer joy that only a soul mate can provide are expressed cleverly. Again, a very melodic yet energizing track! The chords give this song a feel-good appeal. I definitely don’t mind listening to this track a few times more.

Thank You

“So I’m thanking now for who I am”

“1, 2, 3, 4.. Kick Ass!” That is the only way to describe this track. A very joyous track from the start and this is one track that is really fun to listen to. The blend of steady drumming and quick strumming is really nice to hear. If you look at this song from an emotion aspect, then you’ll be able to feel the vibes of euphoria and blitheness. All in all, yet another superb track!

Let You Go

“I look at you for the comfort that I never found”

“Would you even know if I let you go?”

This track starts with a really steady bass line and then the guitar takes over. That sounds so cool and as usual Ameeth provides a classic vocal piece. A groovy piece that is able to deliver the goods. The ability of JYG to maintain a really up-beat sound throughout a whole 4:28 min song just amazes me. At about 1:30, Sid plays a really small chord, and this song would be incomplete without it. Really nice track and the drumming to this track is really cool too. Especially in the chorus part of this track! They sound like an African beat yet so authentic.

Say Goodbye

"I feel all the pain and the sorrow"

"I wont live to see that day when I have to say goodbye"

This track has a very melodic and steady start to it. And this is one track that proves that JYG can do any type of song that you want them to. Lyrics-wise this song is really nice and if you do listen carefully to the lyrics you can notice that the good times spent together and the sorrowful times are clearly and beautifully demarcated. This track also has mind-blowing guitar work – a quick transition from a slow chord to a really good riff is quite cool to hear. And the drumming to this track is really simple yet intricate in a really odd manner. And as usual, Ameeth didn’t fail to impress me with his vocals.

‘Nicer in a Minute’ is an EP that is worth splurging on. It is one of the most authentic albums to enter the Indian rock industry, according to me. The depth of the EP will leave you astounded. Trust me on this one!

‘Nicer in a Minute’ is a jaw dropping bunch of 5 tracks that are going to be released on the 20^th of January and it will be up for free download on JYGs site (www.junkyardgroove.net).

The places where you can catch up with JYG on the cyber world are:-

www.myspace.com/junkyardgroove
www.youtube.com/junkyardgroove1
www.reverbnation.com/junkyardgroove
http://twitter.com/ameeth
www.facebook.com/pages/Junkyard-Groove/19805275161

After all this all I can say is, “get their EP and listen to it NOW”

AR RAHMAN and his SLUMDOG

2009-01-13T04:58:00.000-08:00

AR Rahman has done India proud and he has done his fans proud by becoming the first Indian to win the 66-year-old prize, Golden Globe Awards. If you ask me, I would say that this award has been long pending because of the beautiful songs that he has provided. However, he got the award for Slumdog Millionaire, which definitely isn't his best at any rate, only because of the fact that it was a Hollywood movie. But in the end, it doesn't really matter does it? As long as he has got the award and is beaming, we don't really care.

Every dog has its day and so does a slumdog! The movie, Slumdog Millionaire, has bagged 4 Golden Globe Awards. The movie is a superb movie and AR Rahman completed the work for this movie in only 2 weeks. The soundtrack has a mix of a variety of styles of music. The song "O Saya" is a really good track that sets the tone for the whole movie. Of course, we cant expect anything but the best from a track sung by ARR himself can we? Then there are a variety of songs that are played but none of the tracks are like the ones in the typical Bollywood movies where the lead actor and the actress go to London and America and Australia for singing a duet. The closest to that is "Jai Ho". The song is set in the train station and it appears during the credits. The choreography to this song is quite odd to say the least, but none the less the song is really good. The tracks that can be heard during the course of the film(and a brief description about each one) are : -

1) Gangsta Blues - This track has a very hip-hop edge to it and it exuberates the feeling of rebellion and theres is a light surge of anxiousness and also a tinge of hatred to it. Well thats what I felt through the track.

2) Riots - This, as the name suggests, is a track that can be heard during the riots that do occur. This track maintains a tone of peril throughout the song and it is able to sustain a sad yet upbeat feel to it. Its also got an alarm like sound that flows through the song and it oddly reminds me of an ambulance and this I would say is one of the key aspects that makes this track have a scary feel to it. This album does send chills down my spine when I listen to it.

3) Mausam & Escape - This track is able to potray a very happy feel in the beginning and suddenly theres a little gap in the track where there is a sense of anticipation and you don't really know whats happening and then suddenly the track takes a turn and shows signs of danger. The sudden twist in the track really excited me when I first heard it.

4) Paper Planes - This is an amazing track if you ask me. There is a really upbeat feel to the whole song and the sounds of gun shots and cash registers is really cool to hear. The visuals during the cash balance sound is really cool too. You got to hand it to Danny Boyle for the visuals throughout the movie and not just this movie.

5) Ringa Ringa - The moment I heard the title of this song, I immediately thought about the old nursery rhyme "Ringa Ringa Roses, Pocket Full Of Poses". This track that has dancing involved and the dancing sequence is well choreographed actually. This track has a very "bollywood"-ish feel to it. Its like one of the normal songs that you find in bollywood movies.

6)Millionaire - Yet another upbeat track. I really liked the electric sound in the end and in the beginning. It gives the track a "feel good yet bound" sound.

7) Liquid Dance - This track is sheer class. I loved this track and its not a surprise that it is the most played track on my i-pod. The way ARR blends the classical lyrics(if thats what it is called) with a western style of background music and maintains a tone of notoriousness throughout the track is just brilliant. I really loved this track.

8) Aaj Ki Raat - Nothing much to comment about this one. The same song to which we saw Shah Rukh move his body in Don features in this movie(only the song, not Shah Rukh).

9) Dreams On Fire - This one is a very romantic track and gets you "feeling mushy". The lyrics is really nice too. Its an english track and ARR has rightfully selected to highlight the vocal melody instead of applying various beats and riffs and chords.

" You are my waking dream
You're all thats real to me
You are the magic in the world i see

You are in the prayer i saying
You are in my two my names

You are the faith that make me belive
Dreams on fire
Higher n higher

Pasion burning
Ride on the path
Once for forever yours
In me
All your heart
Dreams on fire
Higher n higher

You are my ocean rage
You are my thought each day
you are the laughter from childhood games
You are things further down
You are where i belong

You are make me feel in every songs"

10) O.. Saya - This track is a masterpiece. It really sets the tone for the movie, as I said earlier. The childish games and the joy of doing notorious things, it expresses these really well. I really liked the part where the numbers(from 1 to 12) are said in a really quick manner. Its so intriguing to hear this. Such a simple thing is made to sound so complex. ARR at his best.

11) Jai Ho - This song is a really nice finish to a really nice film. This song is played during the credits and the lead actor and actress dance in the train station(not America or London or Australia). The choreography, as I pointed out earlier, was quite odd but nonetheless, a great song!

All in all - A SUPERB MOVIE WITH AN EQUALLY SUPERB SOUNDTRACK! HAIL ARR!

P.s: - In a time where India is taking a lot of flack for Satyam and its scam, ARR's award comes as a blessing and there ain't no disguise to it. :D

Cheers
Hari

Well I'm Back!!!

2008-12-14T00:02:00.000-08:00

Its been a long time now and well I must say I've missed my blog. I published my last post on October 1 and its 25 December now. Wow! That's a long gap! Oh and before I forget "A merry Christmas to one and all". A very auspicious renewal for my blog huh? On Christmas Day!

Anyway, there's been a lot of action at HEADBangalore in these few months. Firstly, there was GIR 2008 and then there was the

revered Strwaberry Fields. Both of them were kick ass.

GIR 2008 - The Largest and Loudest Ever

Well, this was one event that I did not want to miss at any cost. The headlining bands were Sahg(frequently mistaken for SHAG) and Satyricon, from Norway. The local bands playing were Slingshot, Rainbow Bridge and Extinct Reflections. I was pretty late for the show due to a COUPLE of INFOSYIANS! I bet none of the humans living on Earth at present can beat them at being punctual. The EPITOME of PUNCTUALITY are the only words I can find. And due to these two idiots(trying my hardest to refrain from using words from the dictionary), I missed Rainbow Bridge and Slingshot. Slingshot was the only local band I was looking forward to, in all honesty. But I was pleasantly surprised by Extinct Reflections. They really rocked the crowd. The vocalist showed great stage presence and they were really comfortable on stage.

Sahg came on next and the delayed start upset many in the crowd especially one particular drunkard behind me. The only words that came to his mouth were, "Holy Fuck"! The things booze can do to you. Anyway, moving on from this irritating man to the rock stars on stage. They performed quite a few songs I think. Not too many, but quite a few. They never looked comfortable up there and well, not many were impressed by their performance. I remember that they had one song that was dedicated to the women of India and I dont really think the ladies present were impressed by that either. Well moving on, I was quite impressed by their drummer but a drummer doesn't make a band does it? The whole unit counts and that unity was lacking. There was no real energy in their performance. At least I didn't feel any. In all honesty, Extinct Reflections seemed a better band. No offence meant.

After the departure of Sahg, Palace Grounds was filled with cried for Satyricon. The drunkard behind could still be found screaming, "Holy Fuck"! The arrival of Satyricons mike stand created a buzz among the people. Their mike stand looked really wicked to be frank. It represented 2 serpents encircling each other if I'm not mistaken. After the mike stand came their sound engineer and he was tweaking with just about anything he could lay his hands on and I guess that's the reason why the drum set needed a lot of adjustments before it was ready to go. And after a long time, a very very very long time, Satyricon took the stage and in a few moments set it ablaze. They showed great energy and were very very very comfortable. The amount of time spent waiting for these guys to take stage, was well worth it. They ROCKED! They performed

many songs from their new album and quite a few from their older ones. Their keyboardist, a lady, headbanged in a real kick ass manner. Wow! She was brilliant! Their drummer too. And their guitarists. And the vocalist. Damn! Each and everyone of them rocked. It was a damn good show from a damn good band!

One song that I clearly remember is "Die, By My Hands" and I really wanted to kill that drunkard behind me when I heard this song. [:D] Anyway, Satyricon really made the night for

me and they really gave us more than what we expected. They have earned a new fan in me. By the time I came home, it was about 11.30 or so and the only thing I could get myself to do was drop dead onto my bed and snore away to glory.

STRAWBERRY FIELDS

Strawberry fields, this year, was plagued by poor judging and the bands that really deserved to

be in that final show never made it. The bands that were chosen to play on the final day were Metal Messiah, Chilly Potato, Blood and Iron, Rosemary and Grey Shack! The

professional bands that were scheduled to play were Pentagram and Extramentals. Well the show was lack lustre. Blood and Iron were really promising and their songs had a lot of energy and the drummer had a lot of power. Metal Messiah and Chilly Potato were really depressing. I couldn't believe that Heretic and Inner Sanctum had lost to these 2 bands. I mean their songs didn't even make sense. And each song had the same tune. Well, almost each one did. Moving on to Rosemary and Greyshack. Rosemary, if I'm not mistaken, performed grunge. They had a very-"Nirvanaish" feel to their performance and I was impressed. Greyshack were the complete punk style of playing and they rocked. The guitarists feel was unmatched and their vocalist was also kick ass.Then came the professional bands namely, Extramentals and Pentagram. I was waiting for Pentagram the whole day and Extramentals made me crave even more for them. The vocalist of Extramentals, daughter of Dr.Kamal Hasaan(who I respect a lot), was not really interested in anything but showing her body. A really depressing band, to say the least. Their performance really put me off. It made me crave all the more for Petagram to take the stage. Pentagram, is a five piece band that comprises of the ever famous Vishal Dadlani. Vishal, better known amongst the common man for his exploits in Bollywood, is a crowd puller. The band had a slight problem with the electronic feed and they soon had to face a harsh fact of having to perform without it. So, after many many years, Pentagram performed without the electronica and computers and all that shit and well the result was yet another kick ass show.

They had very little time thanks to Extramentals' long show and they could perform only four songs. Though they had very little time, they made their presence felt and that show will be remembered by all present on that day. Four songs down and the show was interrupted by the infamous police. Ofcourse, their bravery cannot be questioned but this is my only thought, "The police have enforced this law of shutting out night clubs and so on before 11.30 or whatever the deadline is but wrong deeds still take place. Thats number one. Number two, cant they just impose stricter penalties for those who are caught so these idiots wont go about doing such stuff and the nightlife could go on without a problem." This is a 15 year old thinking, so pardon me for the immaturity. Comments on this would be appreciated.

Anyway, Rosemary won the competition. I dont remember the rest of the winners but the best drummer award went to the Rosemary dude.

P.s : - Sorry for the really long post. Cant Help! :D

MERRY CHRISTMAS once again and may you all have A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR too

Maktub

2008-10-01T03:07:00.000-07:00

MAKTUB - WHICH PART OF YOU WILL HEAR WHAT I MUST SAY

The title of one of the best albums that the indian rock industry has produced!!! Maktub by Motherjane is an album comprising of 9 songs, including the remastered version of the evergreen MINDSTREET!!!

The album consists of songs, which like all motherjane songs, have meaningful lyrics and they haven't just been written for the sake of writing, its been written because of the inner drive in them to write these songs and each and every one of these songs are so unique in their own ways that you cant help but wonder how on earth can a band be so diverse? How on earth can a creator make his creation so diverse in nature? When one hears the song with concentration and tries to understand the lyrics of each song, he will be able to understand the immense thought put into each song and he will also feel the fact that each one of the songs, not just this album but all albums, are so dear to the members of the band that their pearls of sweat can be felt in each song! (This is out of experience and I'm sure each and every one of you will feel it or have felt it)

The songs of the album are
1) Chasing the Sun
2) Fields of Sound
3) Broken
4) Blood in the Apple
5) Ode to Life
6) Maktub
7) Mindstreet
8) Before One Million Comes One
9) Karmic Steps

Each song in the album has its own theme and conveys a very positive message! The messages conveyed by each song, when implied by one, can definitely change ones look at life and make him a better HUMAN BEING than he was before! (This is out of sheer experience, again)

The song "Ode to Life" is a haiku. Haiku in the rock industry are very rare and honestly, i hadn't heard any haiku by a rock band before. I actually rubbished the thought of a haiku by a rock band but the "Ode to Life" Part 1(from Insane Biography) and Part 2(from Maktub) changed my perception about haiku! I now see it as a powerful way to display ones deepest thoughts in just a few lines and I honestly feel that no one can do it better than Suraj ettn! The lyrics of the 2nd Ode to Life is

"I've seen new life
and there is new life in me
I wonder how you feel
when you see all that you see"

These four lines express the sheer bliss of being a father and how you treasure each and every moment that you share with your child! Although I have no clue as to how one feels when he gets a child, I was able to feel the happiness through the song! I've just taken the above song as an example and I've tried to just briefly explain the way I felt about it!

I remember that Suraj Ettn once said that the reason a person becomes a fan of any artist is because he is able to see a part of himself in the the artist and this is the very reason I'm a fan of Motherjane!

The album was launched on 27/09/08! It was a web launch and each member of the band had face paint to exhibit the fact that they believed that man is half human and half spirit! I felt that it was a very nice way to portray what they thought!!

They showed the videos of Fields of Sound and Chasing the Sun and my comments on it would be "The scenery matched the music!"

Well after all this I have just one thing left to say, "Please don't miss out the chance of listening to one of the best albums the Indian Rock Industry has produced"

ROCK ON!!!!

2008-09-02T04:31:00.000-07:00

'Never compromise with your dreams, Just live it and leave all the rest aside.'

My favourite bollywood movie of all times - ROCK ON! Its basically a movie about four friends who are addicted to rock music and form a band called Magic(which is quite a weird name for a rock band but nonetheless an acceptable one). They form the best band in India and seem to be inseperable and also win an opportunity to record an album and produce a music video.

The members of magic are :-

1) Joe Mascarenhas (Arjun Rampal) - The lead guitarist of Magic and a soft-spoken man. A man who is true to his principles and a man who is true to his girlfriend like no other man on this planet. An extremely talented guitarist who lacks just one thing - business sense.

2) Aditya Shroff (Farhan Akhtar) - The vocalist of Magic. A man who gave up everything he had including his parents for rock. A man who later changes into a crude business man who cares for nothing but money. A born poet!

3) KD - Killer Drummer (Purab Kohli) - The drummer of Magic and an extra cool one at that. He, according to me, was the best actor in the movie(I aint saying that the other actors/actresses were any less). A really talented drummer who is really nostalgic and when the band breaks up he is the one who feels the worst and he is the one who is most nostalgic about MAGIC!

4) Rob (Luke Kenny) - The keyboardist of Magic. He might seem a bit out of place at the beginning but trust me, without Rob magic is like a 2 month baby without its mother. The man who is at the end of all jokes yet maintains his cool always. If there is a little tussle inside the band, its Rob who would resolve the issue.

They get seperated, during the course of the movie for a reason which if told now would take out the element of surprise from the movie. And each one goes in different ways. Fate brings them together. Yet the process of reuniting is not as easy as one thinks. So do they succeed in bringing magic up again or will past memories return or is their friendship forever runied?

There are loads of comic instances in the film which will definitely spur any man's funny bone. A few of them are the wedding show, the trip to the their old tea stall again(rob especially),
kd hitting on the lady, all of kd's one liners, the first drummer at the last show shown in the movie(his look, the way he plays aint bad at all though).

This movie also shows one thing. Its the girls that control a guys life and to succeed in one's life you've to make your own decisions and not let your partner do it. Its your life, life it! You've got one life, live it!

The songs rock! The songs add to the complete atmosphere of the movie. Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy can give themselves a pat on their back as they have driven their audience crazy. Farhan Akhtar can also give himself a pat on the back for his vocals and acting. The actresses, too, played their part to perfection.

The track 'Sinbad the Sailor', 'Rock On', 'Zehreeley' are all great tracks! Zehreeley is a track that rings all the time in my mind. Tum Ho Toh is a really nice, romantic track that will catch anyones fancy the moment they hear it!

I also think that Rock On has helped to promote the rock scene in India and it is a movie that has portrayed the rock scene here really well, parents not understanding the childs dream of becoming a rockstar, the girls influencing a rockers decision to live completely, etc. ALL in all its a movie that everyone should see, old or young, metal maniac or not! A MUST WATCH!!!

I ROCK BLORE!!!

2008-08-27T04:56:00.001-07:00

"61 years ago, we won our independence. 23 years ago, we won our right to rock"

Above is a caption tat completely deceived me... I ROCK - a show with gr8 expectations tat failed miserably.... Only Heretic and Inner Sanctum impressed me.... This vos the first tym i heard Heretic 'n' they completely stunned me.... Abhijit, their guitarist vos amazing... He delivered the goods perfectly and i thought the bands only negative point vos the fact tat they were the first band 'n' they didnt get the best outta the mike system.... SAD!!!

Inner Sanctum were good.... I had heard them at Whiplash.... Their show vosn't the best i had seen but it vosn't bad either...

Whitenoiz and Rainbow Bridge were 2 bands tat i would say failed 2 impress me.... They have gr8 talent but it juz didn connect wit wat v expect at i rock.... Rainbow Bridge won they blore leg and got 2 go 2 mumbai.... the result completely surprised me and i still wonder were this result came from...

Then came the pro bands!!!!!

Synapse and Karma 6.... i aint eligible 2 comment on them cuz i didnt hear them completely... vos juz roaming round checking drum sticks at tat pt of tym... but i heard the latter half of karma 6 and it vos enthusiastic.... and energy filled!!! But i wanted them 2 play more originals... they basically played covers which vosn't exactly my idea of supporting indian rock!!!

THEN CAME THE BAND V HAD ALL BEEN WAITING FOR!!!! AVIAL!!!!!

Avial is one of my most favourite bands 'n' rex ettn is one of my most favourite guitarists in the world... and mithun ettn!! LORD OF DRUMS!!!!! atleast hez of 'em...

Mithun ettns ultra huge drum kit took a while 2 set up 'n' this kinda got the crowd irritated... i vosn't cuz i personally know tat mithun ettns drum kit has got everything ranging from a tambourine 2 the most expensive cymbals... a lotta adjustments had 2 b made cuz each tym he kicked the bass it slid in front... he needed another person 2 hold it and make sure it doesnt slide.... naresh vos brilliant... 'n' he showed loads of enthusiasm and energy....

They dashed out their songs 'n' i felt tat rex ettn vos at his guitaring best... He vos brilliant!!!!! AH!!! FELL IN LOVE WIT HIS INTRICATE GUITAR WORK!!!

Tony ettn was wearing the traditional 'mundu' 'n' it vos gr8 2 c sum cultural identity in them.... they played aaranda first... and it really got the crowd jumping up and down lyk frogs and set the tone 4 a gr8 show

next up was chekele... tony's stage antics were quite amusing and showed tat they were having loads of fun playing 4 us... which is gr8 2 noe... they went on 2 play adu pambe.. nada nada... arikuruka... karukara... 'n' ettam patu... the only song they didnt play from their 8 song album vos njan aara... which i missed a lot...

nada nada... their first ever single... juz set avials image in the city of blore... they'll b remembered here by one 'n' all present there 4 a long long tym... cant wait 2 c them again....

After avials show... got my album autographed by all except tony ettn :( (he missed out mine... :( :( :( )

i'll get it nxt tym def.... 'n' i met suraj ettn 2oo... and it vos loads of fun 2 hang out wit him 'n' jayesh ettn...

Oh ya 'n' v met up wit the band... 'n' it vos an hour of amazing fun... i got 2 get up close wit rex ettn!! DREAM COME TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

REX ETTA U ROCK!!!

Got 2 meet up wit mithun ettn too... got 2 get sum good tips on drums from the man of avial himself... which vos gr8.... v got back home 'n' by the tym i got 2 bed... i heard the clock ticking 12...

AN EXPERIENCE I'LL NEVER FORGET - ATLEAST I DEF WONT FORGET THE AVIAL AND HERETIC PART!!! :P

BANDS TAT ARE HOT AND FRESH

2008-06-25T05:42:00.000-07:00

Its been a long wait 4 me 2 cum back 2 the blogging "new post" page.... its kinda hectic nowadays... but hu cares... my love 4 music keeps me going 'n' the demand 4 a blog from one of my brothers(u truly r one... JABRI CHETTA) makes me write this...

my cousin vos in a band called K.oS(now chaos) in tvm.... it had juz started when i went there 'n' they were all jamming together one day.. i vos sitting on the floor there 'n' they were trying 2 play seek 'n' destroy... i vos actually shocked... i expected them 2 b quite lousy(honestly)... but they were extra-ordinary.... they had a bassist hu hadn't learn't to play the bass formally... 'n' he vos so full of energy it juz rocked...

'n' their own sets of jokes 'n' stuff... it vos amazing 2 c them have their jamming session.... they were power-packed as i lyk 2 put it...

tats when i actually realized tat there may b a hell lotta bands hu may have juz started but r damn gud... Stoneage from tvm is another... awesome band... a singer whose role model is ozzy osbourne and i dare say an attitude lyk his(in a gud way)... 'n' a rhythm guitarist who provides comic relief when necessary 'n' can play quite a bit on the guitars... 'n' a cool lead guitarist

so... imagine the number of bands tat have juz started tat r yet to make it big.. hu probably cant make it big or don get the opportunity 2 make it big... imagine the talent they'll have... these r juz a few of those known bands tat i noe bout.... there mayb thousands of bands in our country hu can rock ne damn crowd...

these bands shuld b encouraged 'n' they hafta b pushed too ( at tyms)... since they haven't made it to the big stage their morale crumbles 'n' stuff lyk tat but this shuldn't b allowed... if these bands r supported v will have an India wit thousands of AWESOME metal, heavy metal, death metal, soft rock, hard rock or ne other genre BANDS... this wuld put India on a whole new platform in the rock industry... if wat bands lyk motherjane, parikrama, pentagram and co haven't done isn't enuf... this is our only other choice... motherjane, parikrama,pentagram have all put India on the map when it cums 2 the rock industry and r continuing to take our country 2 newer levels ... but i feel tat it will b these minor bands tat will play a very vital role in taking India to the next level.. WAT SAY GUYS????

'n' as Nike's add says... "TAKE IT TO THE NEXT LEVEL"... it shuld b... 'n' it can b... it must b

EASIER SAID THAN DONE.. many of u mite say but i, wholeheartedly, feel tat wit the talent tat our Indian bands have it CAN b... its juz a matter of focusing 'n' setting our goals rite....

HAIL INDIAN ROCKERS!!!!!!!!

V owe u a lot... witout u our lives r incomplete!!!!!!

QUOTES ON MUSIC 'n' BY MUSICIANS

2008-06-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

I vos going through a couple of sites yest and i found a particularly interesting one by Dave Mustaine...

"Live to die and die to play
Every day and place
Leave a path of metal
Across the world from stage to stage"

I vos particularly curious bout this stuff aftr i read this one.... then i read this quote by Mustaine also... ofcourse this one is part of their song "A tout le monde"... but the quote made loads of sense when i read it in the quote section of one of the sites... i didnt expect 2 find this one there but looking back its one of those quotes tat deserve to b there....

“Moving on, is a simple thing, what it leaves behind is hard.”

then there was another one.... this is a one-minute song... or these are one minute songs... the first one talks bout the loss of an important person in lyf 'n' the second bout welcoming new person into ones life...

"Death continues to stalk us
sometimes gently, mostly not,
I'm at the age where loved ones die
As i live i understand why"

"I've seen new life
and there is new life in me
I wonder how you feel
when you see all that you see"

These two "odes to life" are written by Motherjane... the 1st was written when suraj ettn lost his mother 'n' the 2nd when his son vos born.... it is wonderful how sum1 can transform this worlds philosophy into 8 lines.... AMAZING!!!

this one is amazing too....

" I say to you, it is written
and by your hands its rewritten
In those sacred moments when the creator
walks through the creation"

Tat is by Motherjane also in a song called Maktub

"You aint dead yet
You've just stopped living
You aint alive yet
Just because your breathing"

Tat one is in Maktub too

There were two other quotes that realllllllllllllly got me thinking....

"I choose to live, not just exist"
"Regret? Thats a screwed up word"

Both of these quotes are by James Hetfield and you can really connect to it....

This one by Hendrix is a real guiding line towards world peace and unity - "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace"

This last one is by Suraj Ettn and it is one of those tat has influenced me a lot over the past couple of months and i've found a whole new personality of myself in certain scenarios....

"In the absence of passion and love, the most relevant emotions one feels are fear and worry"

WHIPLASH 08

2008-05-24T02:31:00.000-07:00

Well... i'm back....

well... last month i went 4 this Rock 'n' Metal Competition @ BMSCE... its called whiplash 'n' its held every year... well this tym vos no diff

there were 2 genres 4 the competition... Rock was one 'n' Metal was the other... I personally thought the Metal category culd have been waaaaaaaaaaay better... cuz possibly they culd have helped the crowd understand the bloody lyrics.....

SUm ppl r juz fucked in their heads tat metal = growling... NO WAY!!! Listen 2 Megadeth... Judas Priest... 4 tat instance i wuld classify motherjane as metal.... they don't growl but their music still rox!!!!! wats wit every1 "growling" 2 glory????? sum bands i accept r gr8 at growling... i mean.. i listen 2 pdv... inner sanctum... i openly say they rule but there r sum bands hu juz dont sound gud... inner sanctum won the whiplash competition 4 2008... they were awesome... their vocalist mingled wit the crowd 'n' stuff..

i enjoyed the rock category but there were a few bands tat i culd have spent my entire life not listening 2.... no offence 2 these bands...

neway... the one hu won the competition in the rock genre actually wuld open 4 the def leopard concert.. (tat doesn't look 2 bright rite now.. cuz they aint gonna play 4 a while here) neway... there were a lotta gud bands.... i went there juz 2 c slingshot actually... but i was particulary impressed by illuminati... their vocalist vos super cool....

slingshot is tight too... jhanu is awesome on the guitar... fad is awesome wit the mike...... kaushik kicks ass wit his bass..... vineet is tight on the drums tooo... all in all they r born 2 KICK ASS!!!

there vos a tough competition b/w slingshot 'n' illuminati... illuminati won in the end.... but the competition vos really tight.... i enjoyed tat part of whiplash....

2008-04-01T10:38:00.000-07:00

HEY GUYS!!!

JUZ A SHORT NOTE!!

CHCK OUT..

http://crusadertvm.blogspot.com/

ITS A BLOGSPOT OF A FREND OF MINE!!! IT COMPLETELY RULZ!!!

CHCK IT OUT!! THANX!!

MOTHERJANE KI JAI!!!!!!

2008-04-01T09:51:00.001-07:00

Blogging aftr a long tym... 'n' it feels gud 2 b back... well... this tym its bout MOTHERJANE.. the band tat i have been talking bout in all my blogs... it juz goes to show how much influence they have on me....

well.. the 1st tym i heard them was when i vos in 7th grade or smthng... i wasn't much of a freak bout music 'n' stuff then...

But then i came 2 b'lore(again!!) 'n' well... i had a little visit 2 palace grounds 4 rock ethos......

the other bands didn't really impress me.... except 4 bhoomi... they rocked tat nite... BED TIME STORIES was sailing through the crowd like wildfire.... 'n' then even though it meant waiting till the last performance... i waited 4 motherjane... 'n' tat is when i felt the real power of motherjane... the symbol of music tat they carried was all expressed... 'n' i culd even go to the extent of saying... if i were asked 2 define pure music... i wuld say "MOTHERJANE"..

their sounds r extra-ordinary 'n' they've got no "extra" on-stage act... lyk pointing 2 a guy 'n' saying "hey! wanna b gay"... tat wuld keep 2 galeez gurus... (WTF is their guitarists prob?? if he wants 2 b gay hez got his whole of-stage lyf 2 do so)

neway... motherjane have got this clean act... with brilliant vocals.. precise drumming.. 'n' mind-blowing guitaring....... man!! its the perfect act... wat else do u want??

MOTHERJANE comprises of Suraj Mani on Vocals
Baiju on Lead Guitars
Deepu on Rhythm Guitar
Clyde on Bass Guitar
John on Drums
'n' Mr. Nithin Mustaine is the Stage Manager(hez an awesome guitarist btw)

well... its a perfect combo... 'n' trust me... the band r as down 2 earth as _______ ... i don noe ne1 as down 2 earth as them.... v ourselves wuld feel a "cut above the rest" cuz v r talking 2 them but they don't feel tat much 2... they r soo down 2 earth... its juz amazing...they r really simple ppl too... they've got the rite formula 4 a band all in all...

'n' they released their first album quite a while back.. its called insane biography.. it's got:-
1)Disillusion
2)Questions
3)Maya
4)Mindstreet
5)Soul Corporations
6)Prison Chains
7)An Ode to life
8)Walk On
9)Shh...

'n' they'll soon b releasing their new album "Maktub"... (tat means "IT IS WRITTEN" in arabic)

well.. tat comprises of :-

Fields of Sound
Chasing the Sun
Blood in the Apple
Broken
Maktub
An ode to life
Before one million comes one
Karmic Steps

Well... tats one powerpack album!! i cant wait... 'n' well 4 those in b'lore... they're performing @ BIT BANGALORE on 29th 'n' 30th April.. cant wait

but till then v've got 2 "WALK ON"

'n' their official website is www.motherjane.net
'n' their official blog is surajmani.typepad.com
CYA!! ROCK ON!!!
THIS IS HARI!!! BYE TILL NEXT TIME!!!!!

MEGADETH!!!

2008-03-21T01:00:00.000-07:00

ma long awaited blog... k... no1 really is awaiting this or nething... but well... 1 can always keep his hopes high.. tat aint a crime is it?? :D

neway... i shuld have written this on 15th itself.... but i vos caught up wit loads of other stuff 'n' i thought it vos more appropriate 2 start ma "blogging career" wit a blog tat introduces maself 'n' doesn't really start with a blog tat describes all bout the fun, frolic 'n' food v had @ palace grounds on march 14..... MEGADETH 'n' MACHINE HEAD'S CONCERT!!!!!!!!!

it vos a lot lyk a fairly tale nite... so i wuld b justified if i started of wit... on a hectic march 14th day... a little idiot by the name of hari woke up kinda early(7.10am) with juz one thought.... "MEGADETH'S CONCERT IS TODAY!!!" 'n' well... tat little idiot went down 2 skool(as he vos forced 2 do so) 'n' culdn't concentrate one little bit on his darned buks.... the last bell vos music 2 ears... (it usually sounds lyk a donkey braying) 'n' he immediately geared up 4 the concert.... wit a few chocolate bars in his pocket... he got in a car 'n' got 2 the place in record tym.... he vos equipped wit a sony ericsson w810i... a waller wit 60 bucks in it.... a watch... 2 munch bars... 'n' a chewing gum.... i noe.... tats wat ppl can call WICKED!!!!!!!

neway... as he got in... he heard a band tat immediately made a place 4 themselves in his pea sized brain... JUNKYARD GROOVE.... howeva high the vocalist 'n' their guitarist vos... the music they played vos of the highest quality... their guitarist,sid, vos juz brilliant.... his solo rocked us all... 'n' it juz set the base 4 an excellent nite ahead... next up on stage vos MOTHERJANE.... one of the best bands in india if not THE best... their soundcheck itself rocked..... disillusion.... few of ma(i noe tat i have switched from "tat little idiot" to "me") frends had come down from town - kerala.. (dont crack pjs saying tat kerala is a state) 'n' motherjane is a kerala band... all of us sang out loud 'n' stunned every1 around... all of us screamed lyk shit when baiju chettan(malu 4 brother) shredded his guitar 'n' lead the band 2 glory....

tat vos 1 heck of a show... v slacked out 4 a bit... 'n' well our big gang from kerala split as sum wanted 2 catch a gr8 place 2 watch megadeth 'n' machine head.... but well... few of us were really interested 2 chck out the rest of the indian bands up on stage.... 'n' v weren't in the least disappointed tat v waited 2 chck them out.... they all rocked!!!!!

i truly idolized Millennium the moment they started... they've got this really metal approach 2 their performances.... they've got tat judas priest style of performing.... metal army vos brilliant!!! 'n' well... needless 2 say... Pentagram were brilliant!!! 'Electric' reached heights never b4....

'n' ya... in the mean while.... i got the chance 2 buy a motherjane shirt... the insane biography cd... 'n' pentagrams album too.... 'n' believe it or not.... i even got the motherjane cd autographed by suraj chettn 'n' baiju chettan... i'll get depu chettans.... john chettan's 'n' clyde chettan's autographs next tym....

well... then came the tym every1 there vos waiting 4... MACHINE HEAD AND MEGADETH!!!!! Machine Head vos gud... frankly i haven't really heard them... 'n' i don really think i wanna....

well.. megadeth rocked!!!!! they didnt seem 2 playing songs 4 the crowds as such in the beginning... they seemed 2 playing 4 the heck of it... SEEMED!!! there vos a pt when they juz did a song 'n' said "thank u have a gr8 nite 'n' left"...of course v didnt let them alone... they were FORCED 2 cum back 'n' well.... they started 2 play "Tout Le Monde"... 'n' tat vos more lyk a karaoke session... mustaine vosn't allowed 2 sing... v (the crowd) sang almost the whole song... but duty first... mustaine JOINED IN(as i lyk 2 put it).... 'n' tats when they really began 2 play songs 4 the crowd... 'n' then it vos a total joy ride...

1'n' well... Chris Broderick juz rocked the crowds with his brilliant solos 'n' amazing chemistry with mustaine.... its lyk ozzy 'n' rhoads man!!!!!!!

i vos lyk the only person hu wanted them 2 play "peace sells" 'n' i'm proud 2 say... they obliged 2 do so... :D

well... herez the list in a really freaky order...

Wake Up
Tout Le Monde
Peace Sells
Holy Wars
Trust
Skin O' My Teeth
Take No Prisoners
Washington is Next
In My Darkest Hour
Tornado of Souls
Sleepwalker
Burnt Ice

i'm not too sure bout the rest i think it was....

!)Hangar 18
@) Symphony of Destruction
#) Mechanix

well... v had loads 'n' loads 'n' loads of fun... v also had veg noodles... :D

but... i'll neva 4get tat experience!!!! PRICELESS!!!!!!

HAIL MEGADETH!!!
HAIL MUSTAINE!!!
HAIL CHRIS!!!
HAIL MOTHERJANE!!!!
HAIL BAIJU!!!
HAIL SURAJ!!!
HAIL JYG!!!!!
HAIL MILLENNIUM!!!
HAIL PENTAGRAM!!!
HAIL VISHAL!!!!!!

SP Road!!

2008-03-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hmm... 2nd post in the 2nd day... not bad

Well... this post is supposed 2 b bout all the troubles me 'n' a relative of mine(cusin) had 2 undergo 2 buy a music cd... But b4 u get ideas... its not juz ANY music cd... its the new album of the malayali band AVIAL... they r gr8.... their songs r in malayalam... but its as gud as ne other god damn album....

the first song is NADA NADA... the lyrics is nice... but frankly i don really understand it... cuz howeva malu i am.. i don understand hi-fi malu...

but neway... the only place the cd is available is in a store called Music Yogi.... its located in SP road... its a really odd part of the town(2 say the least)... 'n' well.... v had a bitta trouble finding it... (k... tats an understatement) moving on(literally 'n' figuratively)....v got there by an auto.... 'n' it luked kinda easy 2 find the shop... but wat vos in store 4 us.... well... u can say... v weren't in the least prepared 4 tat....

well... v found sp road... aftr i spoke kannada 2 a few shopkeepers... 'n' well... theres a special mention of me speaking kannada cuz i really cant speak the language.... but well... alls well tat ends well...

so v found the road... 'n' v ended up @ a biforcation.... 'n' v culdn't split into halves 'n' walk the other way... 1) cuz v weren't really luking forward 2 walking a lot... 2) v didnt really wanna split... i) cuz it vos really crowded 'n' v culd get lost... ii)i'm presumably young... tat actually works in ma favour a lot... iii) ma cusin didn noe kannada....

so... v decided 2 take one route... well... v were completely defeated... 'n' then v decided 2 call the shop.. i wuld say tat vos the first sensible move of ours on tat day.... well... when v did decide 2 call him... two things propped up... i)ma cusin's battery ran out... ii)v 4got the number...

tok bout gr8 minds!!!!!

well.... v did end up calling them SUMHOW... 'n' then v did manage 2 find the rite road.... ('n' the calling 'n' stuff vos really hard... there vos bout an hours gap b/w deciding 2 call 'n' calling.... so its not easy as it seems) 'n' well v ended up finding out tat the road wasn't either route of the biforcation... it vos on the other side....... it vos a straight road... well... v ended up finding the road...

our nxt quest vos the building... well... aftr running in2 2 walls v found it... it vos near the 3rd wall... well.. it didn really have a very big sign board.... 'n' trust me the shop vos soooo small 'n' secluded tat even 23333333 didnt noe bout it.... well.... beat tat 4 being small...

but v actually found it 'n' bout the treasured cd... 'n' then v realised the harsh truth.... it wasn't a store where ppl go 'n' buy cds... its supposed 2 b an online store.... i got soooo pissed tat i kicked an iron rod 'n' ended up being more pissed... :D

but well... ALL 4 ROCK... such pains need 2 b taken @ tyms....

cheers!!!

First Blog

2008-03-17T04:18:00.000-07:00

Well Well... my first blog... 'n' well... lets c how long i can take it... well... this will i guess be the only one in which i'm gonna tok bout me only.... the rest is supposed 2 b bout music 'n' more importantly bout the indian bands tat r rocking the stages rite now...

so...
lemme introduce ma self...
i'm a social disease
i come 4 ur money
'n' leave u on ur knees

k... well lets not really start of wit Dread 'n' the Fugitive mind rite now... but watta song!!! gr8 lyrics... hafta give it up2 them...... Megadeth's songs dont juz sound really awesome... their lyrics make a lotta sense 2... its a lot similar when u luk @ motherjane.... wat lyrics!!!

neway... b4 v divert again...
i'm hari... 10th grade... study in nps... b'lore...
i don really play ne instrument as such.. well... i've actually always wanted 2 play drums 'n' kinda noe how 2... learnt it of the net... but well... i've no clue how 2 play it properly... i can play a bit i guess... i've actually gotta promise from ma prnts tat they'll enrol me 4 the classes aftr the darned boards.... 'n' 1 more thing... i'm not the normal kid on the block.... i'm completely diff... sum ppl call me crazy... sum call me outta the world.... but i wuld juz say... i'm diff... 'n' well... i love music.... i completely agree wit motherjane... MUSIC IS THE PUREST DRUG OF ALL!!!
'n' ya it is... juz think bout it... its the only thing tat can make u go on a high 'n' it doesnt have ne side affects or wtv... its PURE!!!

well... tats it bout me... u don need 2 noe nething more.... atleast i don think so... wanna noe more... then u can juz drop a comment 'n' i'll try ma best 2 reply... :D

so... as of now... buh-bye 'n' take care......