It took music maestro AR Rahman three years to finish the album for the stage adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings, working with 200 musicians and technicians for every song. The album, which has pushed up his international status, was released in February.
"Since it required more finances than I could afford, a private airline (Jet Airways) is sponsoring it," Rahman, who has recently opened a western classical music conservatory in Chennai, told IANS.
"Every song has a minimum of 200 musicians and technicians involved in it. Huge choirs and orchestras were brought into play. We recorded the album in London and mixed it right here in Chennai in my studios. The whole crew came down from all over the world," he added.
All songs are in English and in Elvish... the language of the Lord Of The Rings.
"I had lots of help from fellow-musicians like Christopher Nightingale. It took me three years to do the album. Without help from like-minded musicians it'd have taken five years."
With Rahman increasing his Western assignments, it looks like to be Bollywood's loss. Rahman is deliberately turning down big Bollywood assignments because of copyright and royalty issues regarding music sales.
Rahman is reluctant to talk about the issue. "It's too complicated. But yes, the issue of publishing rights does stop me from accepting more Bollywood offers," said Rahman.
"Those who want to work with me in Mumbai are agreeable to my terms and conditions. Those who do but won't agree to my conditions are going to other composers."
"At the moment, I've also cut down my film assignments because I want to focus on my western-classic music conservatory. With this conservatory I hope to bridge the gap between Western classical and Indian ragas. Imagine a thumri being played by an orchestra! Or a Carnatic raga being a part of a big Hollywood epic!" he added.
Commenting on his Bollywood assignments, Rahman said: "I can't be doing just films all my life. I need to take my music to another level now. But whenever I work in Mumbai, I give it my fullest concentration, as I did for Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar, which I'm very proud of. The music takes both Ashutosh and me to another level."
Looking back, the talented composer is not the least content with his achievements.
"No matter how much you do, it's never enough. Music is my only therapy. There're so many awful things happening in the world. I wish I could heal the world. All I can do is use my music, which I do. My peace anthems like Vande Mataram and Pray for me, brother are a small candlelight in the storm. But you never know which candle will light a thousand other candles."
Courtesy: hindustantimes.com
Showing posts with label The Lord of the Rings. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Lord of the Rings. Show all posts
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
AR Rahman likes remixes too
He's a musical genius whose work stands out from the usual remixed fare on offer in Bollywood, but the surprise is that AR Rahman actually enjoys remixes.
The ace musician says, "There are certain songs which are fun to remix, but sometimes certain songs, I don't think, are not right for remixing. One should get the consent of the composer and now, I am giving my two songs and wwould like to see how the effect is."
After the highly successful melodic 'Bombay Dreams' and theatrical production 'Lord of the Rings', A R Rahman is now coming out with the long-awaited Aamir Khan starrer 'Ghajini'.
About 'Ghajini', Rahman says, "Work on 'Ghajini' is in progress. We have to do another two songs. The release is for this year definitely, and it is a very exciting project."
Besides this, he also has a musical film 'ADA' for which he has composed ten tracks.
In the words of the musician himself, "It's something I have been wanting to do for a long time."
As always, Rehman is a busy man. But let's hope that even if he does find remixes fun, we
never get Rehman remixed but just unplugged the way we like him.
Courtesy: timesnow.tv
Friday, April 11, 2008
A.R. Rahman to bring Western classical and Indian ragas closer
It took music maestro A.R. Rahman three years to finish the album for the stage adaptation of "The Lord Of The Rings", working with 200 musicians and technicians for every song. The album, which has pushed up his international status, was released in February.
"Since it required more finances than I could afford, a private airline (Jet Airways) is sponsoring it," Rahman, who has recently opened a western classical music conservatory in Chennai, told IANS.
"Every song has a minimum of 200 musicians and technicians involved in it. Huge choirs and orchestras were brought into play. We recorded the album in London and mixed it right here in Chennai in my studios. The whole crew came down from all over the world," he added.
All songs are in English and in Elvish... the language of the "Lord Of The Rings".
"I had lots of help from fellow-musicians like Christopher Nightingale. It took me three years to do the album. Without help from like-minded musicians it'd have taken five years."
With Rahman increasing his Western assignments, it looks like to be Bollywood's loss. Rahman is deliberately turning down big Bollywood assignments because of copyright and royalty issues regarding music sales.
Rahman is reluctant to talk about the issue. "It's too complicated. But yes, the issue of publishing rights does stop me from accepting more Bollywood offers," said Rahman.
"Those who want to work with me in Mumbai are agreeable to my terms and conditions. Those who do but won't agree to my conditions are going to other composers."
"At the moment, I've also cut down my film assignments because I want to focus on my western-classic music conservatory. With this conservatory I hope to bridge the gap between Western classical and Indian ragas. Imagine a thumri being played by an orchestra! Or a Carnatic raga being a part of a big Hollywood epic!" he added.
Commenting on his Bollywood assignments, Rahman said: "I can't be doing just films all my life. I need to take my music to another level now. But whenever I work in Mumbai, I give it my fullest concentration, as I did for Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Jodhaa Akbar', which I'm very proud of. The music takes both Ashutosh and me to another level."
Looking back, the talented composer is not the least content with his achievements.
"No matter how much you do, it's never enough. Music is my only therapy. There're so many awful things happening in the world. I wish I could heal the world. All I can do is use my music, which I do. My peace anthems like 'Vande Mataram' and 'Pray for me, brother' are a small candlelight in the storm. But you never know which candle will light a thousand other candles."
Courtesy: mangalorean.com
"Since it required more finances than I could afford, a private airline (Jet Airways) is sponsoring it," Rahman, who has recently opened a western classical music conservatory in Chennai, told IANS.
"Every song has a minimum of 200 musicians and technicians involved in it. Huge choirs and orchestras were brought into play. We recorded the album in London and mixed it right here in Chennai in my studios. The whole crew came down from all over the world," he added.
All songs are in English and in Elvish... the language of the "Lord Of The Rings".
"I had lots of help from fellow-musicians like Christopher Nightingale. It took me three years to do the album. Without help from like-minded musicians it'd have taken five years."
With Rahman increasing his Western assignments, it looks like to be Bollywood's loss. Rahman is deliberately turning down big Bollywood assignments because of copyright and royalty issues regarding music sales.
Rahman is reluctant to talk about the issue. "It's too complicated. But yes, the issue of publishing rights does stop me from accepting more Bollywood offers," said Rahman.
"Those who want to work with me in Mumbai are agreeable to my terms and conditions. Those who do but won't agree to my conditions are going to other composers."
"At the moment, I've also cut down my film assignments because I want to focus on my western-classic music conservatory. With this conservatory I hope to bridge the gap between Western classical and Indian ragas. Imagine a thumri being played by an orchestra! Or a Carnatic raga being a part of a big Hollywood epic!" he added.
Commenting on his Bollywood assignments, Rahman said: "I can't be doing just films all my life. I need to take my music to another level now. But whenever I work in Mumbai, I give it my fullest concentration, as I did for Ashutosh Gowariker's 'Jodhaa Akbar', which I'm very proud of. The music takes both Ashutosh and me to another level."
Looking back, the talented composer is not the least content with his achievements.
"No matter how much you do, it's never enough. Music is my only therapy. There're so many awful things happening in the world. I wish I could heal the world. All I can do is use my music, which I do. My peace anthems like 'Vande Mataram' and 'Pray for me, brother' are a small candlelight in the storm. But you never know which candle will light a thousand other candles."
Courtesy: mangalorean.com
Friday, March 14, 2008
£12m Lord of the Rings Sets Closing Date, 19 Jul
The epic stage adaptation of JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings has posted closing notices at the West End’s Theatre Royal Drury Lane for 19 July 2008, just a year after it opened as the most expensive production in West End history at an estimated cost of £12.5 million.
The hybrid Tolkien musical – which opened at Drury Lane, to a mixed critical reception (See Review Round-up, 20 Jun 2007), on 19 June 2007 after six years of development and re-writing, a 2006 try-out in Toronto and six weeks of previews – had been booking through to 28 September 2008. It will now close after 492 performances, having played to an audience of over 446,000.
Rob Howell won the Best Designer prize in this year’s Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards for The Lord of the Rings’s spectacular, state-of-the-art set. The 45-foot stage alone, equipped with three revolves and 17 lifts, cost £1 million. In addition to the expense, the design for The Lord of the Rings is the most high-tech and physically complex in the West End. Special planning permission was required to refit the Drury Lane to accommodate the new high-tech set – according to the Daily Mail, the process of removing it and reinstating the Victorian equipment that it replaced will now take a minimum of ten weeks. In conjuring Tolkien’s fantastical Middle Earth, the show also features stilt-walking, giant leaping and aerial choreography, as well as dance, illusions, magic and other special effects. Ensemble members were required to undergo weeks of boot-camp style training before rehearsals began (See News, 8 Feb 2007).
Plans are now underway for German production, to open in November 2009, and a scaled-down touring version that will open next year in New Zealand before travelling to Australia and the Far East. Producer Kevin Wallace said in a statement: “The show’s creative team has proven just how enchanting, exhilarating and powerfully entertaining The Lord of the Rings can be live on stage. We will continue to bring this incredible theatrical event to audiences in London until 19 July, and we look forward to presenting the show to new audiences abroad from 2009.”
After its initial Canadian run in 2006, the piece was substantially revised and the running time shortened by 40 minutes to just over three hours. The Lord of the Rings has a book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus, and music by Bombay Dreams’ AR Rahman and Finnish folk group Värttinä with Christopher Nightingale (See News, 21 Oct 2003). It’s directed by Warchus and choreographed by Peter Darling.
The 50-strong company is led by: James Loye (as Hobbit hero Frodo), Peter Howe (Sam), Michael Therriault (Gollum), Malcolm Storry (Gandalf), Jerome Pradon (Aragorn), Rosalie Craig (Arwen), Steven Miller (Boromir), Michael Rouse (Legolas), Sevan Stephan (Gimli), Richard Henders (Merry), Owen Sharpe (Pippin), Brian Protheroe (Saruman) and Abbie Osmon (Galadriel).
According to today’s Daily Mail, The Lord of the Rings must make way for the upcoming revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, a product of the latest television casting competition, I’d Do Anything, which begins broadcasting on Saturday nights on BBC One this weekend (See News, 12 Mar 2008).
Courtesy: whatsonstage.com
The hybrid Tolkien musical – which opened at Drury Lane, to a mixed critical reception (See Review Round-up, 20 Jun 2007), on 19 June 2007 after six years of development and re-writing, a 2006 try-out in Toronto and six weeks of previews – had been booking through to 28 September 2008. It will now close after 492 performances, having played to an audience of over 446,000.
Rob Howell won the Best Designer prize in this year’s Whatsonstage.com Theatregoers’ Choice Awards for The Lord of the Rings’s spectacular, state-of-the-art set. The 45-foot stage alone, equipped with three revolves and 17 lifts, cost £1 million. In addition to the expense, the design for The Lord of the Rings is the most high-tech and physically complex in the West End. Special planning permission was required to refit the Drury Lane to accommodate the new high-tech set – according to the Daily Mail, the process of removing it and reinstating the Victorian equipment that it replaced will now take a minimum of ten weeks. In conjuring Tolkien’s fantastical Middle Earth, the show also features stilt-walking, giant leaping and aerial choreography, as well as dance, illusions, magic and other special effects. Ensemble members were required to undergo weeks of boot-camp style training before rehearsals began (See News, 8 Feb 2007).
Plans are now underway for German production, to open in November 2009, and a scaled-down touring version that will open next year in New Zealand before travelling to Australia and the Far East. Producer Kevin Wallace said in a statement: “The show’s creative team has proven just how enchanting, exhilarating and powerfully entertaining The Lord of the Rings can be live on stage. We will continue to bring this incredible theatrical event to audiences in London until 19 July, and we look forward to presenting the show to new audiences abroad from 2009.”
After its initial Canadian run in 2006, the piece was substantially revised and the running time shortened by 40 minutes to just over three hours. The Lord of the Rings has a book and lyrics by Shaun McKenna and Matthew Warchus, and music by Bombay Dreams’ AR Rahman and Finnish folk group Värttinä with Christopher Nightingale (See News, 21 Oct 2003). It’s directed by Warchus and choreographed by Peter Darling.
The 50-strong company is led by: James Loye (as Hobbit hero Frodo), Peter Howe (Sam), Michael Therriault (Gollum), Malcolm Storry (Gandalf), Jerome Pradon (Aragorn), Rosalie Craig (Arwen), Steven Miller (Boromir), Michael Rouse (Legolas), Sevan Stephan (Gimli), Richard Henders (Merry), Owen Sharpe (Pippin), Brian Protheroe (Saruman) and Abbie Osmon (Galadriel).
According to today’s Daily Mail, The Lord of the Rings must make way for the upcoming revival of Lionel Bart’s Oliver!, a product of the latest television casting competition, I’d Do Anything, which begins broadcasting on Saturday nights on BBC One this weekend (See News, 12 Mar 2008).
Courtesy: whatsonstage.com
Thursday, March 13, 2008
A.R. Rahman launches first Indian orchestra
After waiting for seven years, India’s most famous contemporary music composer A.R. Rahman Wednesday launched his first full-fledged orchestra. It has been named “Global Music” and is the first homegrown orchestra. “I kept hearing someone is setting up an orchestra and waited for seven long years for someone else to set up an orchestra like the New York, London or Budapest Philharmonic in India. But it did not happen”, Rahman, whose recent works include music for “Guru” and “Jodhaa Akbar”, told the media here.
“Whenever I want to compose for an orchestra, I have to go to London or Budapest,” he complained.
The music maestro announced setting up of the orchestra along with the launch of his KM Conservatory, a music school for professional musicians in the outskirts of the city.
The orchestra, to be fully operational in the next two years, will have both Indian as well as Western musicians. “It will play combinations of two kinds of instruments. There is so much talent in India, but we have no symphony orchestra,” Rahman told the media.
He also said the orchestra was expected to bring more professionalism even in film music and introduce millions of Indian music-lovers to “opera and concert as entertainment”.
The symphony orchestra will be in the western mode, both as a resident studio orchestra to perform his own composition for the music industry and for the people in Chennai and elsewhere in India.
This orchestra will be populated by professional musicians of international standard, both from India and abroad.
The KM Conservatory of Music, in collaboration with Audio Media Education, an Apple-authorized training centre, which opens in June this year, will concentrate on instrumental and vocal music, both Indian and Western, and music technology.
“In order to bring the music culture to India, where music can be taken as a serious professional option and flourish in the coming generations, training young professionals is essential,” Rahman said.
The accomplished composer, who is trying to create opportunities for Indian wannabes, has carved a niche for himself outside the Indian film industry.
He collaborated with international composer Andrew Lloyd Webber for “Bombay Dreams”. Then he teamed up with the Finnish folk music band Varttina and composed for “The Lord of the Rings” theatre production and also did a piece, “Raga’s Dance” for Vanessa Mae’s album “Choreography”.
Courtesy: ThaiIndian.com
“Whenever I want to compose for an orchestra, I have to go to London or Budapest,” he complained.
The music maestro announced setting up of the orchestra along with the launch of his KM Conservatory, a music school for professional musicians in the outskirts of the city.
The orchestra, to be fully operational in the next two years, will have both Indian as well as Western musicians. “It will play combinations of two kinds of instruments. There is so much talent in India, but we have no symphony orchestra,” Rahman told the media.
He also said the orchestra was expected to bring more professionalism even in film music and introduce millions of Indian music-lovers to “opera and concert as entertainment”.
The symphony orchestra will be in the western mode, both as a resident studio orchestra to perform his own composition for the music industry and for the people in Chennai and elsewhere in India.
This orchestra will be populated by professional musicians of international standard, both from India and abroad.
The KM Conservatory of Music, in collaboration with Audio Media Education, an Apple-authorized training centre, which opens in June this year, will concentrate on instrumental and vocal music, both Indian and Western, and music technology.
“In order to bring the music culture to India, where music can be taken as a serious professional option and flourish in the coming generations, training young professionals is essential,” Rahman said.
The accomplished composer, who is trying to create opportunities for Indian wannabes, has carved a niche for himself outside the Indian film industry.
He collaborated with international composer Andrew Lloyd Webber for “Bombay Dreams”. Then he teamed up with the Finnish folk music band Varttina and composed for “The Lord of the Rings” theatre production and also did a piece, “Raga’s Dance” for Vanessa Mae’s album “Choreography”.
Courtesy: ThaiIndian.com
Wednesday, March 05, 2008
A.R Rahman: 'War is about power'
ONE of the world’s biggest composing, production and musical names A.R. Rahman spoke exclusively to BBC Asian Network’s Gagan Grewal this week sharing his views on war and his career.
Rahman, the man behind the musical score of countless Bollywood films as well as West End productions including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams and Lord of the Rings spoke about his latest projects and war – something he’s rarely spoken about in public.
A.R. Rahman scored his 1st Bollywood song ‘Roja’ in 1992 which went on to be listed as one of the top 100 songs of all time by TIME magazine, yet Rahman says it’s hard to define a favourite song.
In 2003 BBC World Service ran a global poll, asking its listeners for their 10 favourite tracks of the last millennium. A.R. Rahman had two tracks in the top ten, Vande Mataram – a rendition of the Indian National Song made it to number 2.
Said Rahman: "I felt I should do something as a personal expression and I teamed up with my school mate Bharat Bala, a talented film maker, and he thought of this idea. I wanted to complete this album with the thought of belonging to the motherland. Though it was a controversial theme, I think the way it was put together made it acceptable to every community".
On the topic of war, on one of Rahman’s CDs, he says the world spends 730 billion dollars on war.
"The ultimate fight in humanity was actually for food. But now it’s not about food anymore or healing anybody…....It's about power, who's more powerful and who can control the world. Everybody's become a control freak, that’s the reason why we are spending so much of money on war, and so that’s the reason, why it was put on the sleeve of 'Pray for me brother' album. It's a simple thing, we don’t think about that, but when we see the reality we feel disgusted about it".
Rahman says he enjoys working in England as it gives him a platform try something non-Bollywood.
"It's completely different from what I do for movies because here [UK] there is different kind of audience, the whole platform is reputed and credible. My first entry here has been great with 'Lord of the Rings’ being the second musical, but completely western, completely non-Bollywood, non Indian, a good diversion for me to go deeper into this kind of music. "
Rahman has won recognition from a broad base including MTV, the Laurence Olivier awards as well as Bollywood. He says his father, who died when Rahman was nine, affected him and his career.
The father of two said: "Everything changed when I started discovering myself, and the influence of Sufism in my life and my family. And the first film when it came, that changed the whole direction of my life in a way because that defined my music, principles and existence in a way actually…. My inspiration I got from him [his father] and his hard work, the good name he earned in the industry, which I wanted to retain in a way."
Talking about what gives him strength Rahman replied: "I'm a spiritual person, the word religion has been so much in controversy. I think we need to go beyond and look at humanity with love rather than segmenting so much. I try to be as true as possible, but the main thing for me is how much is it turning me into a better human being and how much it makes me a good influence in the community. So that's very important and I keep that in my mind."
For a man that has achieved a lot at a very young age we asked A.R. Rahman what is next on the horizon.
"Right now I’m doing Yuvraj, a Subhash Ghai's film, D6 by Rakesh Mehra, and Ghajini with Amir Khan, and the next music release will be a film Jaane Tu Jaane Na, Amir Khan production".
Courtesy: theasiannews.co.uk
Rahman, the man behind the musical score of countless Bollywood films as well as West End productions including Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Bombay Dreams and Lord of the Rings spoke about his latest projects and war – something he’s rarely spoken about in public.
A.R. Rahman scored his 1st Bollywood song ‘Roja’ in 1992 which went on to be listed as one of the top 100 songs of all time by TIME magazine, yet Rahman says it’s hard to define a favourite song.
In 2003 BBC World Service ran a global poll, asking its listeners for their 10 favourite tracks of the last millennium. A.R. Rahman had two tracks in the top ten, Vande Mataram – a rendition of the Indian National Song made it to number 2.
Said Rahman: "I felt I should do something as a personal expression and I teamed up with my school mate Bharat Bala, a talented film maker, and he thought of this idea. I wanted to complete this album with the thought of belonging to the motherland. Though it was a controversial theme, I think the way it was put together made it acceptable to every community".
On the topic of war, on one of Rahman’s CDs, he says the world spends 730 billion dollars on war.
"The ultimate fight in humanity was actually for food. But now it’s not about food anymore or healing anybody…....It's about power, who's more powerful and who can control the world. Everybody's become a control freak, that’s the reason why we are spending so much of money on war, and so that’s the reason, why it was put on the sleeve of 'Pray for me brother' album. It's a simple thing, we don’t think about that, but when we see the reality we feel disgusted about it".
Rahman says he enjoys working in England as it gives him a platform try something non-Bollywood.
"It's completely different from what I do for movies because here [UK] there is different kind of audience, the whole platform is reputed and credible. My first entry here has been great with 'Lord of the Rings’ being the second musical, but completely western, completely non-Bollywood, non Indian, a good diversion for me to go deeper into this kind of music. "
Rahman has won recognition from a broad base including MTV, the Laurence Olivier awards as well as Bollywood. He says his father, who died when Rahman was nine, affected him and his career.
The father of two said: "Everything changed when I started discovering myself, and the influence of Sufism in my life and my family. And the first film when it came, that changed the whole direction of my life in a way because that defined my music, principles and existence in a way actually…. My inspiration I got from him [his father] and his hard work, the good name he earned in the industry, which I wanted to retain in a way."
Talking about what gives him strength Rahman replied: "I'm a spiritual person, the word religion has been so much in controversy. I think we need to go beyond and look at humanity with love rather than segmenting so much. I try to be as true as possible, but the main thing for me is how much is it turning me into a better human being and how much it makes me a good influence in the community. So that's very important and I keep that in my mind."
For a man that has achieved a lot at a very young age we asked A.R. Rahman what is next on the horizon.
"Right now I’m doing Yuvraj, a Subhash Ghai's film, D6 by Rakesh Mehra, and Ghajini with Amir Khan, and the next music release will be a film Jaane Tu Jaane Na, Amir Khan production".
Courtesy: theasiannews.co.uk
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
A R Rahman: I try to be as true as possible
One of the world's biggest composing, production and musical names A R Rahman spoke exclusively to BBC Asian Network's Gagan Grewal this week sharing his views on war and his career.
Rahman, the man behind the musical score of countless Bollywood films as well as West End productions like Andrew Lloyd Webber's BOMBAY DREAMS and LORD OF THE RINGS spoke to Asian Network about his latest projects and war - something he's rarely spoken about in public.
A R Rahman scored his 1st Bollywood song ROJA in 1992 which went on to be listed as one of the top 100 songs of all time by TIME magazine, yet Rahman says it's hard to define a favourite song. In 2003 BBC World Service ran a global poll, asking its listeners for their 10 favourite tracks of the last millennium. A R Rahman had two tracks in the top ten, Vande Mataram - a rendition of the Indian National Song made it to number 2. We asked how that came about.
"I felt I should do something as a personal expression and I teamed up with my school mate Bharat Bala, a talented film maker, and he thought of this idea. I wanted to complete this album with the thought of belonging to the motherland. Though it was a controversial theme, I think the way it was put together I think it was acceptable to every community".
On one of A R's CDs he says the world spends 730 billion dollars on War. We asked A R Rahamn what his views on war are.
"The ultimate fight in humanity was actually for food. But now it's not about food anymore or healing anybody� It's about power, who's more powerful and who can control the world. Everybody's become a control freak, that's the reason why we are spending so much of money on war, and so that's the reason, why it was put on the sleeve of 'Pray for me brother' album. It's a simple thing, we don't think about that, but when we see the reality we feel disgusted about it".
We asked A R Rahman how he has found working over in the UK for the LORD OF THE RINGS musical.
"[It's] Completely different from what I do for movies because here [UK] is different kind of audience, the whole platform is reputed and credible. My first entry there has been great, �Bombay dreams'. �Lord of the Rings' being the 2nd musical, but completely western, completely non Bollywood, non Indian, good diversion for me, to go deeper into this kind of music.
"It [the Bombay Dreams collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber] started, the conversation by Shekhar Kapoor to Andrew introducing my music to him, and he calling me straight and it started all that time, and now Bombay Dreams has almost become a kind of landmark musical where people recognize Indian film from Bombay Dreams. It's a great bridge for that. And a bridge for me to go into western musicals like LORD OF THE RINGS and probably much more in the future".
A R Rahman has won recognition from a broad base including MTV, the Laurence Olivier awards as well as Bollywood. We asked how his father dying when he was nine years old affected him and his career.
"Everything changed when I started discovering myself, and the influence of Sufism in my life and my family. And the first film when it came, that changed the whole direction of my life in a way because that defined my music, principles and existence in a way actually... my inspiration I got from him [his father] was his hard work, the good name he earned in the industry, which I wanted to retain in a way."
Talking about what gives him strength Rahman replied, "I'm a spiritual person, the word religion has been so much in controversy, I think we need to go beyond and look at humanity with love rather than segmenting so much. I try to be as true as possible, but the main thing for me is how much it is turning me into a better human being and how much it makes me a good influence in the community. So that's very important and I keep that in my mind.�"My family is very personal. They are a great support for my all activities and moral support and everything...and I've got 2 daughters and a son, and we all live together..."
For a man that has achieved a lot at a very young age we asked A R Rahman what is next on the horizon.
"Right now I'm doing YUVRAJ, a Subhash Ghai's film, D6 by Rakesh Mehra, and GHAJINI with Aamir Khan, and the next music release will be a film JAANE TU JAANE NA, an Aamir Khan production".
Courtesy: Glamsham.com
Rahman, the man behind the musical score of countless Bollywood films as well as West End productions like Andrew Lloyd Webber's BOMBAY DREAMS and LORD OF THE RINGS spoke to Asian Network about his latest projects and war - something he's rarely spoken about in public.
A R Rahman scored his 1st Bollywood song ROJA in 1992 which went on to be listed as one of the top 100 songs of all time by TIME magazine, yet Rahman says it's hard to define a favourite song. In 2003 BBC World Service ran a global poll, asking its listeners for their 10 favourite tracks of the last millennium. A R Rahman had two tracks in the top ten, Vande Mataram - a rendition of the Indian National Song made it to number 2. We asked how that came about.
"I felt I should do something as a personal expression and I teamed up with my school mate Bharat Bala, a talented film maker, and he thought of this idea. I wanted to complete this album with the thought of belonging to the motherland. Though it was a controversial theme, I think the way it was put together I think it was acceptable to every community".
On one of A R's CDs he says the world spends 730 billion dollars on War. We asked A R Rahamn what his views on war are.
"The ultimate fight in humanity was actually for food. But now it's not about food anymore or healing anybody� It's about power, who's more powerful and who can control the world. Everybody's become a control freak, that's the reason why we are spending so much of money on war, and so that's the reason, why it was put on the sleeve of 'Pray for me brother' album. It's a simple thing, we don't think about that, but when we see the reality we feel disgusted about it".
We asked A R Rahman how he has found working over in the UK for the LORD OF THE RINGS musical.
"[It's] Completely different from what I do for movies because here [UK] is different kind of audience, the whole platform is reputed and credible. My first entry there has been great, �Bombay dreams'. �Lord of the Rings' being the 2nd musical, but completely western, completely non Bollywood, non Indian, good diversion for me, to go deeper into this kind of music.
"It [the Bombay Dreams collaboration with Andrew Lloyd Webber] started, the conversation by Shekhar Kapoor to Andrew introducing my music to him, and he calling me straight and it started all that time, and now Bombay Dreams has almost become a kind of landmark musical where people recognize Indian film from Bombay Dreams. It's a great bridge for that. And a bridge for me to go into western musicals like LORD OF THE RINGS and probably much more in the future".
A R Rahman has won recognition from a broad base including MTV, the Laurence Olivier awards as well as Bollywood. We asked how his father dying when he was nine years old affected him and his career.
"Everything changed when I started discovering myself, and the influence of Sufism in my life and my family. And the first film when it came, that changed the whole direction of my life in a way because that defined my music, principles and existence in a way actually... my inspiration I got from him [his father] was his hard work, the good name he earned in the industry, which I wanted to retain in a way."
Talking about what gives him strength Rahman replied, "I'm a spiritual person, the word religion has been so much in controversy, I think we need to go beyond and look at humanity with love rather than segmenting so much. I try to be as true as possible, but the main thing for me is how much it is turning me into a better human being and how much it makes me a good influence in the community. So that's very important and I keep that in my mind.�"My family is very personal. They are a great support for my all activities and moral support and everything...and I've got 2 daughters and a son, and we all live together..."
For a man that has achieved a lot at a very young age we asked A R Rahman what is next on the horizon.
"Right now I'm doing YUVRAJ, a Subhash Ghai's film, D6 by Rakesh Mehra, and GHAJINI with Aamir Khan, and the next music release will be a film JAANE TU JAANE NA, an Aamir Khan production".
Courtesy: Glamsham.com
Thursday, February 14, 2008
AR Rahman's favourite tracks from Jodhaa Akbar
“I like everything,” AR Rahman stated when I asked him to identify his favourite track from this week’s release, Jodhaa Akbar. India’s biggest and best music composer provides the music for the Aishwarya Rai-Hrithik Roshan historical romance. The shy musical genius was unable to name a specific number as his favourite when I insisted. After a thoughtful pause, Rahman replied again: “I like everything.”
The ‘Mozart from Madras’ was in London this week to launch the original cast recording CD of his latest international project, the West End musical, The Lord of the Rings. This is his second London West End project after the successful Andrew Lloyd Webber production, Bombay Dreams. How does Rahman feel about his global success? “It’s nice to be recognised from brand Bollywood to international composer.”
Matthew Warchus, director of the Rings musical, is clearly pleased with the Elizabeth composer. He told me at the reception that he would “happily work with Rahman on anything” as he has “an extraordinary musical voice.” Varttina, the co-composer of the music, was less knowledgeable when I asked him if he liked any of Rahman’s Tamil music. “That question is too specific for me,” the Finn admitted.
Fans new to Rahmans’ work should seek out the classic Hindi soundtracks of Roja, Bombay, and Dil Se and, of course, the melodic Jodhaa Akbar, now!
It’s not a historical
The wait is over! The aforementioned Jodhaa Akbar, the year’s most anticipated film, is here. The period romance tells the love story between the Moghul emperor Akbar and his Rajasthani Hindu princess bride, Jodhaa. Oscar nominated director Ashutosh ‘Lagaan’ Gowarikar is keen to deny that his latest film is a historical film. “Let it be clear that it is not a historical film. It is a good story told in an interesting manner. I’d say eighty percent is my imagination.” Is Gowarikar being defensive because recent Bollywood historicals like The Rising and Taj Mahal crashed at the box-office?
Courtesy: Timesonline.co.uk
The ‘Mozart from Madras’ was in London this week to launch the original cast recording CD of his latest international project, the West End musical, The Lord of the Rings. This is his second London West End project after the successful Andrew Lloyd Webber production, Bombay Dreams. How does Rahman feel about his global success? “It’s nice to be recognised from brand Bollywood to international composer.”
Matthew Warchus, director of the Rings musical, is clearly pleased with the Elizabeth composer. He told me at the reception that he would “happily work with Rahman on anything” as he has “an extraordinary musical voice.” Varttina, the co-composer of the music, was less knowledgeable when I asked him if he liked any of Rahman’s Tamil music. “That question is too specific for me,” the Finn admitted.
Fans new to Rahmans’ work should seek out the classic Hindi soundtracks of Roja, Bombay, and Dil Se and, of course, the melodic Jodhaa Akbar, now!
It’s not a historical
The wait is over! The aforementioned Jodhaa Akbar, the year’s most anticipated film, is here. The period romance tells the love story between the Moghul emperor Akbar and his Rajasthani Hindu princess bride, Jodhaa. Oscar nominated director Ashutosh ‘Lagaan’ Gowarikar is keen to deny that his latest film is a historical film. “Let it be clear that it is not a historical film. It is a good story told in an interesting manner. I’d say eighty percent is my imagination.” Is Gowarikar being defensive because recent Bollywood historicals like The Rising and Taj Mahal crashed at the box-office?
Courtesy: Timesonline.co.uk
Jet Airways Partners The Launch Of The Lord Of The Rings Musical Album
Jet Airways, India’s premier airline supported the Launch of Lord of the Rings Cast (Musical) album on Monday, February 11, 2008 at the Theatre Royal in Drury Lane, London, U.K.
The album features the 70 strong cast and orchestra, has lyrics by Shaun McKenna & Matthew Warchus and music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale.
This unique partnership between the production team of The Lord of the Rings and Jet Airways means that travellers flying to India on Jet Airways flights will be able to enjoy music from the show and watch an interview with India’s most renowned composer A.R. Rahman. In addition, all passengers travelling to the UK on Jet Airways are entitled to a free single price category upgrade on presentation of their boarding card*. Other benefits include free show programmes and discounted merchandise for the airline’s platinum loyalty cardholders.
As India’s premier airline that embraces the spirit of new India, Jet Airways found a synergy between themselves and the high quality production – The Lord of the Rings - which takes theatregoers on a musical, mysterious and adventurous journey.
Said Raja Ségran, Regional Vice-President UK, Europe and Americas, “We are delighted to be partnering with The Lord of the Rings for the launch of their cast album. Since opening in June 2007 the show has won countless plaudits throughout the West End for its quality, innovation and for giving people a great experience – all the attributes that as an airline Jet Airways embodies.”
The album features Malcolm Storry as ‘Gandalf’, James Loye as ‘Frodo Baggins’, Laura Michelle Kelly as ‘Galadriel’, Michael Therriault ‘Gollum’, Peter Howe ‘Sam’, Jérôme Pradon ‘Aragorn’, Brian Protheroe ‘Saruman’, Richard Henders ‘Merry’, Owen Sharpe ‘Pippin’, Michael Rouse ‘Logolas’, Sévan Stephan ‘Gimli’, Steven Miller ‘Boromir’ and Rosalie Craig ‘Arwen’, with
Andrew Jarvis as ‘Elrond’, Terence Frisch ‘Bilbo’, Tim Morgan ‘The Steward of the Lands of the Men’ and Kirstie Malpass ‘Rosie’.
Courtesy: Prurgent.com
The album features the 70 strong cast and orchestra, has lyrics by Shaun McKenna & Matthew Warchus and music by A.R. Rahman, Värttinä and Christopher Nightingale.
This unique partnership between the production team of The Lord of the Rings and Jet Airways means that travellers flying to India on Jet Airways flights will be able to enjoy music from the show and watch an interview with India’s most renowned composer A.R. Rahman. In addition, all passengers travelling to the UK on Jet Airways are entitled to a free single price category upgrade on presentation of their boarding card*. Other benefits include free show programmes and discounted merchandise for the airline’s platinum loyalty cardholders.
As India’s premier airline that embraces the spirit of new India, Jet Airways found a synergy between themselves and the high quality production – The Lord of the Rings - which takes theatregoers on a musical, mysterious and adventurous journey.
Said Raja Ségran, Regional Vice-President UK, Europe and Americas, “We are delighted to be partnering with The Lord of the Rings for the launch of their cast album. Since opening in June 2007 the show has won countless plaudits throughout the West End for its quality, innovation and for giving people a great experience – all the attributes that as an airline Jet Airways embodies.”
The album features Malcolm Storry as ‘Gandalf’, James Loye as ‘Frodo Baggins’, Laura Michelle Kelly as ‘Galadriel’, Michael Therriault ‘Gollum’, Peter Howe ‘Sam’, Jérôme Pradon ‘Aragorn’, Brian Protheroe ‘Saruman’, Richard Henders ‘Merry’, Owen Sharpe ‘Pippin’, Michael Rouse ‘Logolas’, Sévan Stephan ‘Gimli’, Steven Miller ‘Boromir’ and Rosalie Craig ‘Arwen’, with
Andrew Jarvis as ‘Elrond’, Terence Frisch ‘Bilbo’, Tim Morgan ‘The Steward of the Lands of the Men’ and Kirstie Malpass ‘Rosie’.
Courtesy: Prurgent.com
Jet Airways puts Rs.15 mn into hit London show
Jet Airways, India's largest private airlines, has announced a Rs.15 million ($378,215) sponsorship of the hit West End show, "The Lord of the Rings".
As part of the deal, the airline Monday launched the compact disc of the musical show and said songs from the CD will now be played on Jet Airways flights from December.
The music is co-scored by India's best-known music composer, A.R. Rahman.
Raja Segran, Jet vice-president for Britain, Europe and the Americas, said the partnership would help raise the company's global profile.
"Those who have travelled with us are stuck with us, because they recognise the quality of the product. This is the first step to raise awareness and profile," he told IANS at the gala launch.
Segran drew a parallel between "The Lord of the Rings" and the Indian carrier, saying innovation, quality and experience were central to both.
"We are an innovative carrier, we emphasise quality and excellence, and you need to experience us, just as you need to experience 'The Lord of the Rings'," he said.
The partnership between the production and the airline means that travellers flying to Britain on Jet are entitled to a free single price category upgrade at the show on presentation of their boarding card.
Courtesy: Mangalorean.com
As part of the deal, the airline Monday launched the compact disc of the musical show and said songs from the CD will now be played on Jet Airways flights from December.
The music is co-scored by India's best-known music composer, A.R. Rahman.
Raja Segran, Jet vice-president for Britain, Europe and the Americas, said the partnership would help raise the company's global profile.
"Those who have travelled with us are stuck with us, because they recognise the quality of the product. This is the first step to raise awareness and profile," he told IANS at the gala launch.
Segran drew a parallel between "The Lord of the Rings" and the Indian carrier, saying innovation, quality and experience were central to both.
"We are an innovative carrier, we emphasise quality and excellence, and you need to experience us, just as you need to experience 'The Lord of the Rings'," he said.
The partnership between the production and the airline means that travellers flying to Britain on Jet are entitled to a free single price category upgrade at the show on presentation of their boarding card.
Courtesy: Mangalorean.com
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Rahman plans Broadway-style musical in India
Music composer AR Rahman, making a self-confessed "U-turn" after his success with the Lord of the Rings musical on London's West End, is now planning to bring a mega Broadway-style musical to India.
"Yes, it will be very soon," Rahman said at the Jet Airways-sponsored gala launch of the Lord of the Rings compact disc in London on Monday.
Rahman said his plan is to create an original musical play - of the kind seen in London and New York - to be put up on an Indian stage, most probably in Haryana, near Delhi.
The staging will hinge on plans by Indian events management and entertainment company Wizcraft to develop an entire town near Delhi, patterned after Las Vegas, Rahman told IANS in an interview.
"There will be a big theatre, that's all good news. It's good to see people opening up," he said.
Although Rahman is keeping his plans tightly wrapped, it is aimed at linking Indian tourism with a modern musical stage, just as London's West End attracts millions of international tourists.
"A lot of things are too early to say, let's hope for the best."
Whether the original musical will be on the scale of London's musicals remains to be seen - Rahman himself prefers something on the scale of "Lion King", based on a popular Disney film.
Lord of the Rings, the most expensive West End production, is an eye-popping spectacular that cost £12 million (about Rs.950 million) to put up. On any given night there are 226 people - from computer programmers to actors - involved in the show, which brings British author J.R.R Tolkien's fantasy epic to life.
But Rahman, who has breathed life into the cult classic with his music, said he has made a "u-turn" after his stint with West End and Hollywood - he scored the music for Elizabeth: the Gold Age - and is now looking at India.
"I've been given great respect in India. It's time for me to give back," he said in the interview.
His biggest projects at the moment are his music production company KM Music and a music school that he launched in Chennai on his birthday, January 6.
Looking at India again, he said, has had "a liberating effect" on him.
With American and British musician-friends ready to fly to India to help with his project, Rahman said his school is designed to teach "the minutiae" of music to young Indians, adding: "That's what every kid wants to do - learn music the right away.
"Some of this stuff is beyond money - it's about changing people's perspective on things. This can only be done if you have a musical vision. It might not give instant gratification, but in the long run it's going to help shape up a lot of things."
The launch of the CD on Monday night was a gala affair led by Raja Segran, Jet Airways regional vice-president for Britain, Europe and Americas.
Drawing a parallel between the "Jet experience" and the show, Segran said both were known for their "quality, innovation and the fact they take people on a magical experience".
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
"Yes, it will be very soon," Rahman said at the Jet Airways-sponsored gala launch of the Lord of the Rings compact disc in London on Monday.
Rahman said his plan is to create an original musical play - of the kind seen in London and New York - to be put up on an Indian stage, most probably in Haryana, near Delhi.
The staging will hinge on plans by Indian events management and entertainment company Wizcraft to develop an entire town near Delhi, patterned after Las Vegas, Rahman told IANS in an interview.
"There will be a big theatre, that's all good news. It's good to see people opening up," he said.
Although Rahman is keeping his plans tightly wrapped, it is aimed at linking Indian tourism with a modern musical stage, just as London's West End attracts millions of international tourists.
"A lot of things are too early to say, let's hope for the best."
Whether the original musical will be on the scale of London's musicals remains to be seen - Rahman himself prefers something on the scale of "Lion King", based on a popular Disney film.
Lord of the Rings, the most expensive West End production, is an eye-popping spectacular that cost £12 million (about Rs.950 million) to put up. On any given night there are 226 people - from computer programmers to actors - involved in the show, which brings British author J.R.R Tolkien's fantasy epic to life.
But Rahman, who has breathed life into the cult classic with his music, said he has made a "u-turn" after his stint with West End and Hollywood - he scored the music for Elizabeth: the Gold Age - and is now looking at India.
"I've been given great respect in India. It's time for me to give back," he said in the interview.
His biggest projects at the moment are his music production company KM Music and a music school that he launched in Chennai on his birthday, January 6.
Looking at India again, he said, has had "a liberating effect" on him.
With American and British musician-friends ready to fly to India to help with his project, Rahman said his school is designed to teach "the minutiae" of music to young Indians, adding: "That's what every kid wants to do - learn music the right away.
"Some of this stuff is beyond money - it's about changing people's perspective on things. This can only be done if you have a musical vision. It might not give instant gratification, but in the long run it's going to help shape up a lot of things."
The launch of the CD on Monday night was a gala affair led by Raja Segran, Jet Airways regional vice-president for Britain, Europe and Americas.
Drawing a parallel between the "Jet experience" and the show, Segran said both were known for their "quality, innovation and the fact they take people on a magical experience".
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
Monday, February 11, 2008
A R Rahman, on rediff.com
He had just done a concert in Chennai, the time was midnight and you would think AR Rahman was ready to wind up a hard-driving day. But no -- he was upbeat, obviously in a great frame of mind, when he appeared on Rediff chat.
During his interaction with fans worldwide, there was no sign of impatience, no indication that his mind was on other things -- though he had, after the chat, to complete work on some remixes and catch a flight to London for the music release of Lord Of The Rings.
Rahman put all those preoccupations out of mind, and answered questions with patience and eloquence. For those who missed the event, here is the transcript:
Mahesh Londhe: I feel 1947 Earth is your all time best music. I am not against synthesizer or latest techniques but have a strong opinion that music is nothing but 'feelings' and therefore a song should be recorded in one go without a break as it was done previously. What is your opinion?
A R Rahman says: Thank you very much. I definitely have a lot of freedom when I work with Deepa Mehta, since she doesn't nitpick into every little thing. She just gives the general idea and disappears till we make beautiful music for her and she responds later. Freedom is very important in the process of creating music and songs. There are a lot of issues when we record music together, because even if one person is not right, then the whole recording becomes unusable. Hence, by the use of multi-tracks, we definitely try to simulate the seamlessness in a song. But the practice is still on. The music of Lord of the Rings, the musical, and Golden Age, which I recorded recently were all with a live orchestra in one of the most prestigious studios in London.
Aravind AM: Sir, in most of your songs, there are very minute and very fine sounds, which may hardly be noticeable to a normal listener, but if we actually notice them, we appreciate the sheer brilliance. What motivates to to make all those fine nuances in your songs, though the efforts that you put in for beautifying the song may not reach the audience?
A R Rahman says: There is a story of Michelangelo -- if I am not wrong -- which I heard recently. It seems that he was painting beautiful pictures at the back of the church. People told him you are a fool because you are not painting in the front where people can appreciate your work. The answer was: I do my work for God. I think he can watch it anywhere. I thought it was a brilliant answer because everything doesn't need to have instant appreciation. Even if one of you have appreciated those fine nuances, that is enough for me.
Armstrong S A: I feel that quality and sounds of Roja songs are far better than your recent ones. What is the main reason for that? Are you missing Sridar and other sound engineers?
A R Rahman says: At the time of Roja, the consumer music systems used were of lower qualities and we had to cater to a mono-magnetic tape. Hence we had to exaggerate the high frequencies and use a lot of specialisers. Things have changed in the course of time and we have now taken a universal approach in the sound quality to make our recordings sound warm and friendly to every system. That covers the recording part. The sounds which you say were inspired from the film of Roja, definitely another film soundtrack will come where you will feel the same or maybe better vibe again.
Vineet: Hi Rahman sir. I am a fan of you. I hear that you are coming to Dubai for a concert. Is it true? If yes, is it a public or a private concert? We are very eager to see u here in Dubai.
A R Rahman says: You'll know very soon.
Shani George: Guruji, what is that one special thing you would like to tell your millions of fans?
A R Rahman says: Love makes the heart lighter and makes you see things objectively. Hate darkens you and makes you heavy at heart and uneasy. Make a choice. God bless.
Sathya: Hi Rahman, I am a die hard fan of you and have been listening to your music since Roja. I have read in your interviews that you pray five times a day. Also, it's because you love your job you can avoid burnout. But amid such high pressures, how are you able to do that? Do you get pressurised any time by producers to finish fast, which can cause you lose your coolness and creativity?
A R Rahman says: Like how we find time to eat food and sleep, we need to find time for 'spiritual food' too. If we have our mind balanced and light, all other things are easier to handle.
Chekka Prakash: Why are you not giving music to Telugu movies?
A R Rahman says: I am in the process of doing a Telugu movie directed by S J Suriya, and starring Pavan Kalyan. The music of Jodhaa Akbar will also release in Telugu.
S Somu: Sir, don't neglect my request. Give me some work to do... anything... I will travel my life with you, sir. I don't know more about music but I can do any kind of work. Don't neglect this.
A R Rahman says: I never intentionally neglect people, but due to overwhelming queue in my work, it might seem so. I have all of you in my prayers and love you all.
Amit Iyer: Good Evening Rahmanji. I'm your die hard fan from Mumbai. I love each and every track you have composed, right from Roja to Jodhaa Akbar and have collected CD's and cassettes of each of your compositions. I heard you are going to compose some devotional album soon with your Guru Shri Dakshinamoorthy. When is it about to be released? I just want to meet you at least once. You have come to Mumbai several times but I always missed the opportunity of meeting you. Hope we will meet soon. All the best for your future projects. Warm regards to you and your family.
A R Rahman says: You are right. Mr Dakshinamurthy has composed a beautiful album from the Tamil Sufi text of Gunangudi Mastan based on Carnatic ragas. Though we have done around six songs, we are still finding it difficult to find the time to complete the other songs. But it's a very passionate project. Do wait for it.
Arshitha V: Hi Rahman Sir. How are you? As we all know that technology is having a great impact in the world of music, how are you able to keep yourself abreast with the current technology? Also, do you feel that you need more contributions from the world of science to music? I value your opinion a lot on this.
A R Rahman says: I've not seen any great innovation in instruments recently except for a few, which is the continium fingerboard and a very unique instrument in North India where a person has combined a violin and a Sarangi. Indian music could have a great scientific instrument emulating all the gamakas and ragas with a polyphonic touch. I might have missed something which is already there.
A R Rahman says: I read most of your questions... thought I will just pick and choose the ones I felt like answering due to lack of time. I thank you for taking your time for writing all those beautiful kind words.
Courtesy: Rediff.com
During his interaction with fans worldwide, there was no sign of impatience, no indication that his mind was on other things -- though he had, after the chat, to complete work on some remixes and catch a flight to London for the music release of Lord Of The Rings.Rahman put all those preoccupations out of mind, and answered questions with patience and eloquence. For those who missed the event, here is the transcript:
Mahesh Londhe: I feel 1947 Earth is your all time best music. I am not against synthesizer or latest techniques but have a strong opinion that music is nothing but 'feelings' and therefore a song should be recorded in one go without a break as it was done previously. What is your opinion?
A R Rahman says: Thank you very much. I definitely have a lot of freedom when I work with Deepa Mehta, since she doesn't nitpick into every little thing. She just gives the general idea and disappears till we make beautiful music for her and she responds later. Freedom is very important in the process of creating music and songs. There are a lot of issues when we record music together, because even if one person is not right, then the whole recording becomes unusable. Hence, by the use of multi-tracks, we definitely try to simulate the seamlessness in a song. But the practice is still on. The music of Lord of the Rings, the musical, and Golden Age, which I recorded recently were all with a live orchestra in one of the most prestigious studios in London.
Aravind AM: Sir, in most of your songs, there are very minute and very fine sounds, which may hardly be noticeable to a normal listener, but if we actually notice them, we appreciate the sheer brilliance. What motivates to to make all those fine nuances in your songs, though the efforts that you put in for beautifying the song may not reach the audience?
A R Rahman says: There is a story of Michelangelo -- if I am not wrong -- which I heard recently. It seems that he was painting beautiful pictures at the back of the church. People told him you are a fool because you are not painting in the front where people can appreciate your work. The answer was: I do my work for God. I think he can watch it anywhere. I thought it was a brilliant answer because everything doesn't need to have instant appreciation. Even if one of you have appreciated those fine nuances, that is enough for me.
Armstrong S A: I feel that quality and sounds of Roja songs are far better than your recent ones. What is the main reason for that? Are you missing Sridar and other sound engineers?
A R Rahman says: At the time of Roja, the consumer music systems used were of lower qualities and we had to cater to a mono-magnetic tape. Hence we had to exaggerate the high frequencies and use a lot of specialisers. Things have changed in the course of time and we have now taken a universal approach in the sound quality to make our recordings sound warm and friendly to every system. That covers the recording part. The sounds which you say were inspired from the film of Roja, definitely another film soundtrack will come where you will feel the same or maybe better vibe again.
Vineet: Hi Rahman sir. I am a fan of you. I hear that you are coming to Dubai for a concert. Is it true? If yes, is it a public or a private concert? We are very eager to see u here in Dubai.
A R Rahman says: You'll know very soon.
Shani George: Guruji, what is that one special thing you would like to tell your millions of fans?
A R Rahman says: Love makes the heart lighter and makes you see things objectively. Hate darkens you and makes you heavy at heart and uneasy. Make a choice. God bless.
Sathya: Hi Rahman, I am a die hard fan of you and have been listening to your music since Roja. I have read in your interviews that you pray five times a day. Also, it's because you love your job you can avoid burnout. But amid such high pressures, how are you able to do that? Do you get pressurised any time by producers to finish fast, which can cause you lose your coolness and creativity?A R Rahman says: Like how we find time to eat food and sleep, we need to find time for 'spiritual food' too. If we have our mind balanced and light, all other things are easier to handle.
Chekka Prakash: Why are you not giving music to Telugu movies?
A R Rahman says: I am in the process of doing a Telugu movie directed by S J Suriya, and starring Pavan Kalyan. The music of Jodhaa Akbar will also release in Telugu.
S Somu: Sir, don't neglect my request. Give me some work to do... anything... I will travel my life with you, sir. I don't know more about music but I can do any kind of work. Don't neglect this.
A R Rahman says: I never intentionally neglect people, but due to overwhelming queue in my work, it might seem so. I have all of you in my prayers and love you all.
Amit Iyer: Good Evening Rahmanji. I'm your die hard fan from Mumbai. I love each and every track you have composed, right from Roja to Jodhaa Akbar and have collected CD's and cassettes of each of your compositions. I heard you are going to compose some devotional album soon with your Guru Shri Dakshinamoorthy. When is it about to be released? I just want to meet you at least once. You have come to Mumbai several times but I always missed the opportunity of meeting you. Hope we will meet soon. All the best for your future projects. Warm regards to you and your family.A R Rahman says: You are right. Mr Dakshinamurthy has composed a beautiful album from the Tamil Sufi text of Gunangudi Mastan based on Carnatic ragas. Though we have done around six songs, we are still finding it difficult to find the time to complete the other songs. But it's a very passionate project. Do wait for it.
Arshitha V: Hi Rahman Sir. How are you? As we all know that technology is having a great impact in the world of music, how are you able to keep yourself abreast with the current technology? Also, do you feel that you need more contributions from the world of science to music? I value your opinion a lot on this.
A R Rahman says: I've not seen any great innovation in instruments recently except for a few, which is the continium fingerboard and a very unique instrument in North India where a person has combined a violin and a Sarangi. Indian music could have a great scientific instrument emulating all the gamakas and ragas with a polyphonic touch. I might have missed something which is already there.
A R Rahman says: I read most of your questions... thought I will just pick and choose the ones I felt like answering due to lack of time. I thank you for taking your time for writing all those beautiful kind words.
Courtesy: Rediff.com
Saturday, February 09, 2008
Rehman is Lord of the Rings
It is also believed that Rehman has approached Universal Music Company to release his album of Lord of the Rings . We spoke to Sunil D’Sa, Managing Director Sales, Universal Music who confirmed the news saying, “Yes Rehman is in talks with Universal to release the music of his LOTR album. But nothing has been finalized as yet.”
However our source informs us that the music launch will be in London and Rehman will be leaving for it in the last week of February.
Rehman who composed for Shekhar Kapoor’s Elizabeth: The Golden Age , is open to other Hollywood projects as well. He had earlier composed for the Broadway musical Bombay Dreams . His chartbuster composition Chaiyya Chaiyya from Dil Se was used as the end credits for Denzil Washington’s film Inside Man .
Here’s to another Global Indian .
Courtesy: Indiatimes.com
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
Rahman runs from Bollywood
Bollywood’s loss is going to be the Western world’s gain.
A R Rahman is deliberately turning down big assignments here because of copyright and royalty issues regarding music sales. The reticent retainer of the raga and rhythm is reluctant to discuss the issue.
“It’s too complicated. But, yes, the issues do stop me from accepting more Bollywood offers. Those who want to work with me in Mumbai but won’t agree to my conditions, are going to other composers. At the moment, I’ve also cut down film assignments because I want to focus on creating a Western-classic music conservatory in India. With this I hope to bridge the gap between Western classical and Indian ragas. Imagine a thumri being played by an orchestra! Or a Carnatic raga being a part of a big Hollywood epic,” said Rahman.
The musical visionary says he needs to take his music to another level now. “I can’t be doing just films, films, films all my life,” said Rahman. “But whenever I work in Mumbai, I give my fullest concentration, as I did for Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar , which I’m proud of.”
However, international assignments are getting more prominent in Rahman’s career. “I enjoyed doing Shekhar Kapoor’s Elizabeth — The Golden Age . Now my music for the stage adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings is ready. The album is being released in Feb.”
Rahman sees this album as his big international leap. “Every song has a minimum of 200 musicians and technicians involved in it. Huge choirs and orchestras were brought into play. We recorded the album in London and mixed it in my studio at Chennai. The whole crew came down from all over the world.” All the songs are in English and in Elvish...the language of The Lord Of The Rings. “I had lots of help from fellow musicians like Christopher Nightingale. It took me three years to do the album.”
Looking back, Rahman is not the least content with his achievements. “It’s never enough,” he rued. “Music is my only therapy. There’re so many awful things happening in the world. I wish I could heal the world. My peace anthems like Vande Mataram and Pray For Me, Brother are a small candle light in the storm. But you never know which candle will light a thousand other candles.”
Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com
A R Rahman is deliberately turning down big assignments here because of copyright and royalty issues regarding music sales. The reticent retainer of the raga and rhythm is reluctant to discuss the issue.
“It’s too complicated. But, yes, the issues do stop me from accepting more Bollywood offers. Those who want to work with me in Mumbai but won’t agree to my conditions, are going to other composers. At the moment, I’ve also cut down film assignments because I want to focus on creating a Western-classic music conservatory in India. With this I hope to bridge the gap between Western classical and Indian ragas. Imagine a thumri being played by an orchestra! Or a Carnatic raga being a part of a big Hollywood epic,” said Rahman.
The musical visionary says he needs to take his music to another level now. “I can’t be doing just films, films, films all my life,” said Rahman. “But whenever I work in Mumbai, I give my fullest concentration, as I did for Ashutosh Gowariker’s Jodhaa Akbar , which I’m proud of.”
However, international assignments are getting more prominent in Rahman’s career. “I enjoyed doing Shekhar Kapoor’s Elizabeth — The Golden Age . Now my music for the stage adaptation of The Lord Of The Rings is ready. The album is being released in Feb.”
Rahman sees this album as his big international leap. “Every song has a minimum of 200 musicians and technicians involved in it. Huge choirs and orchestras were brought into play. We recorded the album in London and mixed it in my studio at Chennai. The whole crew came down from all over the world.” All the songs are in English and in Elvish...the language of The Lord Of The Rings. “I had lots of help from fellow musicians like Christopher Nightingale. It took me three years to do the album.”
Looking back, Rahman is not the least content with his achievements. “It’s never enough,” he rued. “Music is my only therapy. There’re so many awful things happening in the world. I wish I could heal the world. My peace anthems like Vande Mataram and Pray For Me, Brother are a small candle light in the storm. But you never know which candle will light a thousand other candles.”
Courtesy: TimesofIndia.com
Saturday, December 29, 2007
Is Ashutosh preparing himself for the Oscars?
Ashutosh Gowariker, one of the most renowned directors in Bollywood, has put a sincere effort to make Jodha Akbar a huge success. Ashutosh is trying his best to mix all spices in a balanced proportion so as to make an impact on the audience.
ASHUTOSH GOWARIKER, well known for his versatility, is all set to release his much-awaited movie, Jodha Akbar on February 15, which incidentally is his birthday.
After Lagaan and Swades, the actor’s director, who has brought awards and applauds for all his male stars, aims to make a directorial milestone with Jodha Akbar, flaunting the marriage of two different cultures and religions and highlighting efforts of Akbar to strengthen his relations with the Rajputs.
Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, décor, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, have been set to perfection, create a virtual impact of the Mughal era. The Dhoom 2 pair of Hrithik and Aishwarya looks gorgeous in royal outfits.
Jodha Akbar may be one of the potential movies for the Oscars. It seems that Ashutosh has been carefully observing the trend of the movies going for the Oscars. While films like Lagaan and Paheli had the cultural touch of India, Rang De Basanti had the spirit of nationalism instilled in it. The movie’s storyline in the trailers depicts both these elements in plenty.
But Ashutosh, who has been acclaimed for his originality, has inspired himself from movies like ‘Troy’ and ‘Lord Of The Rings’, which have been nominated for the Oscars before. The purdah scene between Hrithik and Aishwarya also seem to have been inspired from a short film ‘Migration’, featuring Sameera Reddy and Shiney Ahuja, where Shiney approaches Sameera but she drops a curtain between them.
A scene showcasing Aishwarya lifting her ghunghat looks similar to a scene in Paheli, where Rani flaunts the same look. Even the colour of the outfit is the same. Aishwarya’s red coloured outfit has sharp resemblance to the clothes worn by Rani in the movie.
The movie release, which was scheduled for January 25, has been delayed due to the fact that he has been advised bed rest for 21 days due a severe back problem, which has delayed the finishing of the background score of the movie.
All in all, Ashutosh is trying his best to mix all spices in a balanced proportion so as to make an impact on the audience. But the originality of the storyline, magnetic delivery of dialogues and songs will have to face the litmus test of the choosy spectators and the choosier selection committee for Oscars. His lead actor of Lagaan, Aamir Khan may be his potential competitor for Oscars, as he is really doing well as the director and producer of Taare Zameen Per.
Courtesy: Merinews.com
ASHUTOSH GOWARIKER, well known for his versatility, is all set to release his much-awaited movie, Jodha Akbar on February 15, which incidentally is his birthday.
After Lagaan and Swades, the actor’s director, who has brought awards and applauds for all his male stars, aims to make a directorial milestone with Jodha Akbar, flaunting the marriage of two different cultures and religions and highlighting efforts of Akbar to strengthen his relations with the Rajputs.
Every element big or small, from the texture of the clothes to the sets, décor, dialogues and the protocol, even the incidental sounds of birds and animals, have been set to perfection, create a virtual impact of the Mughal era. The Dhoom 2 pair of Hrithik and Aishwarya looks gorgeous in royal outfits.
Jodha Akbar may be one of the potential movies for the Oscars. It seems that Ashutosh has been carefully observing the trend of the movies going for the Oscars. While films like Lagaan and Paheli had the cultural touch of India, Rang De Basanti had the spirit of nationalism instilled in it. The movie’s storyline in the trailers depicts both these elements in plenty.
But Ashutosh, who has been acclaimed for his originality, has inspired himself from movies like ‘Troy’ and ‘Lord Of The Rings’, which have been nominated for the Oscars before. The purdah scene between Hrithik and Aishwarya also seem to have been inspired from a short film ‘Migration’, featuring Sameera Reddy and Shiney Ahuja, where Shiney approaches Sameera but she drops a curtain between them.
A scene showcasing Aishwarya lifting her ghunghat looks similar to a scene in Paheli, where Rani flaunts the same look. Even the colour of the outfit is the same. Aishwarya’s red coloured outfit has sharp resemblance to the clothes worn by Rani in the movie.
The movie release, which was scheduled for January 25, has been delayed due to the fact that he has been advised bed rest for 21 days due a severe back problem, which has delayed the finishing of the background score of the movie.
All in all, Ashutosh is trying his best to mix all spices in a balanced proportion so as to make an impact on the audience. But the originality of the storyline, magnetic delivery of dialogues and songs will have to face the litmus test of the choosy spectators and the choosier selection committee for Oscars. His lead actor of Lagaan, Aamir Khan may be his potential competitor for Oscars, as he is really doing well as the director and producer of Taare Zameen Per.
Courtesy: Merinews.com
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Rahman: the golden age
Last Saturday, he rocked New Delhi, absolutely ‘live' at an HT concert.. even as he maintains his position of the No 1 music whiz of the nation. What keeps him bettering himself? What are the pleasures and the pains encountered on his beat route? So, here's AR Rahman in a freespinning interview with V Ananth
Whatever happened to your unruly locks?
When I went for Haj, I shaved off my long hair. Fortunately or unfortunately, my wife liked my new look.. she insisted that I should keep it. (Laughs) I had no other alternative but to listen to my wife.
Does your style of composing music change when you do an international project like Elizabeth: The Golden Age?
The music for Elizabeth.. has been co-composed by me. When Shekhar started the project, he wanted to make it very artistic and dark. But then, he decided to make the film more entertaining.. and the music more pulsating.
As a composer, I'd say music stems from one's emotions. So, there's absolutely no difference in my approach, whether I'm composing for Jodhaa Akbar or Elizabeth.
When you look back, how do you assess your music?
"As a composer, I'd say music stems from one's emotions. So, there's absolutely no difference in my approach, whether I'm composing for Jodhaa Akbar or Elizabeth"Roja set the standard for me as a composer. And frankly, I can't guage where to go after Elizabeth. Let's see.. at this very point of time, I'm very excited about my next international album - The Lord of The Rings which will be released on December 10. It has many as 15 tracks. As much as 20,000 pounds would be spent a day on the orchestration.
I believe you have started your own music company.
Yes. It's called K M Musiq. I'm really kicked about it. All these years, I was being commissioned by others.. now I can commission others.
But it seems you now insist on royalty for every music score..which is why you couldn't compose for Om Shanti Om.
In life, you can't have your cake and eat it too. You have to take certain risks to reach your goal.
Which have been your most vital steps ahead?
Undoubtedly Vande Mataram and the score for the stage musical Bombay Dreams.
What do you find wrong with the Indian film music industry?
There are several problems. The saddest thing is that no one takes acoustic instruments seriously. Most musicians just prefer to work on keyboards. But I've stopped getting angry. One should be true to one's own self.. because one candle can light a million.
"I work at night, occasionally , whenever I'm dealing with a jet lag situation, not otherwise."Do you still work like an owl all night and sleep by day?
That's rubbish! If that was true, I wouldn't be sitting here with you doing an inteview in the afternoon. I work at night, occasionally , whenever I'm dealing with a jet lag situation, not otherwise.
How busy are you as a music director right now?
I'm into a somewhat more relaxed pace now. There was a time when I'd be doing six Tamil and two to three Hindi films a year.
How many Tamil films are you working on at this point of time?
(Laughs) Ha! That's a good question. I wish I knew the answer. I'm doing two Tamil films – Sultan, the animation film being made by Rajnikant's daughter Soundarya and Prabhu's Sakkarakkatti.
And Hindi films?
Well, let me see. Gajini, Ada, Jaane Tu Naa Jaane Naa, Delhi 6, the Hindi dubbed version of the Rajnikant movie Sivaji, Subhash Ghai's Main Hoon Yuvraj and Ashutosh Gowariker's Jodhaa Akbar.
You were against the idea of composing for dubbed films. So, how did you make an exception for Sivaji?
You're right there.I don't encourage the dubbing of my songs in other languages.
Yes, so Sivaji is an exception.
It has beaty foot-tapping music which should connect on an all-India level.
You are often accused of working for big production banners at the cost of small films.
Sorry, that isn't true at all. Otherwise, I wouldn't be doing Sakkarakkatti which is a small film.
Are you composing the music for an animation film called Cockroach being planned by Shekhar Kapur?
Yes. I'm excited about that. Animation films allow your imagination to take flight.
What do you like about your music?
That's a tricky question. If I say I like my music, I'll be blowing my own trumpet. And if I say I don't like my music, I'll sound disgruntled.
"Some people have unfairly jumped to the conclusion that Aamir and I've had a fight because I haven't done Taare Zameen Par. The fact is that I was committed to several films when Aamir asked me."
Some film producers in the South have accused you of recruiting Hindi singers to do the playback for your Tamil films at their cost.
I will gladly plead guilty of that because I don't believe in parochialism. On the other hand, if I feel that a Tamil singer suits the need of a Hindi film song, I'll take that route without thinking twice.
Why have you cut down on giving breaks to new singers of late?
Let me make this very clear -today, new singers aren't of much use. We need great new singers. I haven't come across any new singer who's above average.
How do you prevent yourself from becoming complacent about your music?
(Pause.. looks away) I was clear right from the moment when I started out, some 16-17 years ago, as a beginner called Dilip Shankar. I was clear that I'm just an instrument in the hands of God. I believe that God up there controls me in whatever I am doing. If don't work in accordance to what God ordains, then I'll be washed out.
"I wouldn't hesitate to pick my top 10: Roja, Rangeela, Bombay, Dil Se, Taal, Kandukonden Kandukonden, Zubeidaa, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti and Guru." After composing major hit songs for Aamir Khan in Rangeela, Lagaan and Rang De Basanti, how come you haven't done his Taare Zameen Par? Have you fallen out with him?
Who says so? I am composing for his film Gajini. Some people have unfairly jumped to the conclusion that Aamir and I've had a fight because I haven't done Taare Zameen Par. The fact is that I was committed to several other films when Aamir asked me to be a part of the project.
Finally, top of the head, can you pick your 10 best movie music scores?
It's very difficult to play favourites. Still.. I wouldn't hesitate to pick my top 10: Roja, Rangeela, Bombay, Dil Se, Taal, Kandukonden Kandukonden, Zubeidaa, Lagaan, Rang De Basanti and Guru.
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
Friday, November 23, 2007
I have no differences with Aamir Khan: AR Rehman
AR Rahman made an impact with his debut in 1992, although not many believed he would be around for too long. Today, he has become the heartbeat of the nation. He chats about his past, present and future.
Q. What is it about the music industry that makes you angry?
A. I have stopped getting angry. There is no point blaming others. I believe in being the change, not the observer. One person can inspire others, just like one candle can light a million candles. Just be true to yourself. The Internet helps people to focus on their objectives, and to consolidate elements to make a difference.
Q. The Internet is a boon and a bane, what with free downloads.
A. The Internet is like your mind. It can be filled with either good thoughts, or bad thoughts, or both. The Internet is a personal thing.
Q. How do you strike a balance between South Indian films and Bollywood, when it comes to your work?
A. It is terrifying, trying to maintain in both. I am working in a team, the director helps. If I were to work alone, then it would have been difficult.
Q. Do you still work at night?
A. Not anymore, no.
Q. What are your forthcoming Tamil releases?
A. There is one film named 'Sakarkatti', and an animated film named 'Sultan' that Rajnikanth's daughter, Saundarya, is making.
Q. It must be more difficult to compose music for an animation film.
A. Not really. It is the same thing, in fact, you can use your imagination more freely.
Q. Now that you have Hollywood films, have Tamil and Hindi films taken a back seat?
A. In a way, yes. I used to do six to seven Tamil movies, and three to four Hindi films, annually. I have reduced my work by half, and am taking things easier. There is much less stress.
Q. The dubbed version of 'Sivaji' will have Hindi songs with Tamil tunes.
A. Yes, because the Tamil culture should be obvious. We are not trying to set it in a North Indian environment. It is dubbed only so that people can understand.
Q. What are the other releases that you are looking forward to?
A. The album, 'The Lord of the Rings'. It is releasing on December 10, and it is going to be a huge event.
Q. Whom do you like better, Rahman the music director, or Rahman, the singer?
A. That is a difficult question. If you like yourself too much, then you get into trouble, and if you don't, then you get into trouble anyway. So, I am critical.
Q. How do you prevent yourself from getting too complacent?
A. I have always been clear about one thing – I am just an instrument, and God controls me. If I am lazy, just sitting in one place, then I am like a battery that has not been charged. There has to be excitement, which is why I take up projects that are exciting.
Q. How do you deal with critics?
A. The Internet has helped a lot – we can check blogs, and see what people have written, what the negatives and positives are. When we make a film with a big star, we have to make sure the music is in his favour. We cannot then experiment.
Q. How do you adjust to the different environments that you work in?
A. When you are an adult, you speak in varied tones to your child, wife, or intellectual. You become a different person within each situation. That is a simple analogy for the way I work.
Q. Tell us about 'The Lord of the Rings'.
A. It is probably one of the most complex projects that I have been involved in. It is good composition. The whole team was in Chennai recently to complete the mixing. It has more than 15 tracks.
Q. There are rumours of differences between Aamir Khan and you.
A. Just because I am not composing his next film does not mean we have fallen out.
Q. The music of 'Elizabeth – The Golden Age' seems deliberately loud.
A. When we began, the music sounded very arty, and I felt that the film would drag if we continued with the same music. The film itself is artistic, so the pulsating, throbbing music is in contrast to the feel of the music. It was a creative decision to make the film enjoyable.
Q. What are your other forthcoming films, besides 'Ghajini'?
A. There are a few – 'Jane Tu Jane Na', 'Jodha Akbar', 'Yuvraj', 'Aadab', 'Dilli 6', and the Hindi version of 'Sivaji'.
Q. What are your favourite top 10 projects?
A. Very difficult to choose, when it is your own work, but here goes – 'Roza', 'Bombay', 'Taal', 'Lagaan', 'Zubeida', 'Rang De Basanti', 'Dil Se', and 'Rangeela'
Courtesy:Santabanta.com
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
I love to hear fresh voices: AR Rahman
Although he hasn't slept for nearly 40 hours, he wears a his trademark smile. Over to the Chennai maestro.. A R Rahman:
Are you ready to select new talent in the Fever 104 FM Voice Hunt?
I'm not selecting them. I feel bad when you say that. I love to hear fresh voices. I'm sure even people will be excited. It'll be great to have Delhi's talent while we perform there. We did that in the US too, and it worked very well.
You're accustomed to working late in the night. What makes you look tired now?
I'm jet lagged. I'm coming straight from a flight from the UK. I just finished recording the album of The Lord Of The Rings. Working on a stage musical is time and energy consuming.
Are films better than musicals?
I like the instinct of films. You finish them and move on. In musicals, you do your thing, you rewrite and do it till it's perfect.
Any recent movies you've worked on?
Elizabeth II and Jodhaa Akbar. Come to think of it, it's strange but both are 15th century historicals. They're not dry subjects though. Jodhaa sounds fine to me. There are lots of songs in it.
Weren't you approached to compose the songs of Om Shanti Om?
I love to hear fresh voices. I'm sure even people will be excited. It'll be great to have Delhi's talent while we perform there. We did that in the US too, and it worked very well.Farah (Khan) came to me but something went wrong in the contract. I appreciate what Vishal Shekhar have done.
Of late, you've also made an informal foray into some aspects of filmmaking. True?
Oh! Who spilled the beans? Well, it's a great responsibility. Initially, I used to leave a song to its fate. But now, I feel a sense of responsibility. People trust you and you have to live up to their expectations. A song's placement or treatment means a lot to the composers.. you can't let it go wrong. So, I've become an alarmist. But, I've no plans to act. I just can't do it.
Any angst regarding the industry?
Sometimes we are pushed. People want to release films on a festival day or on a particular date. Then your creativity gets affected. I don't compromise, nor do I stop working with them because I can under stand their situation too.
A lot of artistes complain about the way you make them record on a dummy track.
(Laughs) Who told you that? You have to tell me. Actually, I know some of them are angry with me. I think, I don't know what I'm doing. It all comes together in the end. But that process works for in a pop situation, not in the classical. When there is melody, you need to have everything done traditionally.
Do you ensure that there is no room for controversies?
Every problem has easy solutions. Why do we need make them controversial? I tell my people take the bad energy out of their minds and keep working.
Are you happy with the technical growth of the music industry?
Yes.. quite. It's changing at break neck speed. Some recent albums of are certainly of international standard. But we can't be complacent. We always listen to songs from the West and exclaim, "What a song!" But do they ever say that for us?
We also speak in English.Why don't we sing in it and have them say, "Wow, this is from the East?" We need anthems like John Lennon's Imagine. Even the West doesn't have too many today.
What after Pray for Me?
It wasn't about being on the charts. Recording companies in the West were interested in releasing it, but as a part of an English album by me. I had a lot to do back home. There is a lot of potential in that song, it's not over yet.
I'm also looking forward to launching my label. I wish I get more time for that. I'm working on two-three albums already. So, I'm cutting down on work.
Courtesy: Hindustantimes.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)