Fstars.com: Blog

Fame, money, or power. Pick any two. It's doubtful that all three will come in anyone's lifetime. So, these measurements of success: fame, money, power. We strive to get one and most of us are left in that struggle. Some that are lucky or talented, strive for another measuring unit.

But success is should not be measured by how many of the three you have, rather, what you lost in your gain. Did you lose your love, morality, vitures, principles, religion...life?

I've got love in my soul, money in my pocket, a song on my lips, and I'm reaching for it, stealing past the fires of bitterness and the frost of despair.

When no one will read. Then why keep committed to this blog or any other. It has been posed to me that this is just vomiting thoughts onto an already burdened pavement. But, I say that it is habit. Writers write.

Years ago, I used to keep a journal, which morphed into a book of poetry and then into a songbook. It's not that these ideas are anything new or unstated, but they are the catharthic result of self-therapy.

This blog is just the extension of my earlier journal.

Use of digital manipulation in music

Okay, as I'm reading this, I'm thinking that we ought to be putting labels on our recordings: "No Auto-tune, or computer/digital tricks employed - all music and noise created by The Fstars". Or something like this.

Although we do use the POD, I think if we refrain from digital 'corrections', we'll be good. And we will sound like ourselves (good or bad) live as well.

Tom inked this new tsunami song and introduced it to the band this past weekend. Sounds good, and we began putting the Fstars 'stamp' on it right away. I think it'll be a memorable one. Plus, I get to use the 'sweep/delay' effect on it, which I really like.

We'll add it to our practices and it should be ready in some raw/demo form soon. Check the website - //fstars.com for updates.

Yahoo! News - Prediction: India, China will be economic giants

Start practicing your Desi cheers for 2020...

Another day
Comes and goes. I'm still in woes
As I was,
Before.

I lose my thoughts
When I'm near you
I lose my words...
----------------------------
There's more, in fact, the song is complete. But I'm working on the music, so best to keep some things private. But it is inspired by CLOSER (movie) and the opening/closing sequence. It can be seen from the viewpoint of the characters - think of it as an alternative song to the one used.

I told you I was feeling inspired...

Blower's Daughter - video

Saw the movie, CLOSER, over the weekend and was struck by the simplicity and hearfelt delivery of the opening/closing song: "The Blower's daughter" by Damien Rice. Definately makes you hush and hear.



I couldn't shake it out of my head. Went to bed with the song humming in my consciousness. I can feel an inspiration coming on.

Chicago Tribune | Fees mount for DIY ticket-buying This continues even though the last concert season had low attendence. Are they just plain stupid, greedy, or both? $10 + $9 processing? Bet they'll get it when things start to dip or someone finds a better way to showcase (like iTunes/MP3 did for CDs).

I say, keep it simple. Think of it like the fan does. $5 for EPs, $10 for CD's, $15 for DVD. $5 for clubs <100, $10 for 100-500 and onwards. Max $2 for s/h - b/c even international postage comes in under 2 bucks for CD mailer. No one said it has to be first class, but if wanted, let them know and request the additional surcharge. And always round off to a bill, like in 5, 10, etc. Not, 27.50, 33.45, etc. Sounds better and easier to manage. And with online, do you really need a $2.50 e-ticket processing charge - afterall, I'm using up my ink toner to print the ticket, so can I get a credit on that?

What comes next in the minds of these greedy agents...a tip jar?

A plethora of relief concerts: Linkin Park's 'Music for Relief', MTV Asia's Thailand Awards show/concert for tsunami relief, etc. I think LIVE AID was the last time it really was genuine (though distributing the millions gathered proved a tougher task for Geldof). LIVE AID had acts known and unknown in a spirit that was non-competitive.

These concerts seem more to showcase the acts, than to gather any meaningful aid. 'Coz with a global audience (I think NBC and its cable affiliates are broadcasting one), you can't get better bang for your advertising buck. So, regardless if the act even has a socially responsible stance, they'll be there dedicating their assorted love/life songs to the "cause".

You know, it they're really talented, they ought to write a special song for the moment (like Tom Petty did during the 90's LA Riots or Neil Young does every now and then). But then, who knows if that song will be a hit? Right?

My rant for the day. If only I was in a similar position....[dreaming again]

20Q.net

I had picked "earth" which was correctly guessed in 23 questions. Try to stump the computer brain.

Would you believe that Bono of U2 has taken and still takes voice lessons? I was uninformed. It's so secretive that even the U2 fansite are not in the know. One even stated that "one day, [after GLORIA album] he suddenly figured it all out". I know b/c I have studied with his teacher in NYC. Hey, nearly everyone takes some form of voice strengthening/singing lessons: Julio Iglesias, Stevie Wonder, George Michael, Sting, Bono, Christina Aguilera, Mick Jagger, David Bowie, Bob Dylan (?-did they not work?)-everyone, except maybe Ashlee Simpson (she opts for steriod shots to calm her inflammed vocal cords).

So, there's hope to those that idolize. More than talent, determination is key.

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Makes me proud to be a Desi.

There's too many things that can and will go awry from what was envisioned. Still, persistence and perseverance save the day. But this annoyance of negative comments, thoughts, and the "giving up on hope" kind of critiques are the most damaging to the positive attitude. Yeah, we're late in this game, and yes, we may be over our heads, but still allow us to dream. Give me the odds of success and I'll cite examples of people who've overcome the toughest odds to succeed. Good things happen when you combine good music + good people.

Someday, someone will come upon these posts and click the link to the FSTARS. Success to me will be if the link takes them to a website overflowing with believers and true fans.

That's my wish and the end of my rant for today.

The year has begun and the band wishlist is up. Now what? Get to work on it, I suppose. But the most difficult part is putting one's head down and doing the work - without immediate reward. Get out there and play. Hope to impress people enough with the music, message, ourselves and cause them to believe in us. "Inaction is worse than wrong action" - BhagvadGita (paraphrased). So here I go...

PS: not to discount the other FSTARS, but these are my internal struggles. Happens when you have a dream deferred.

1. Play out
2. Make fans
3. Do good by us
4. Be satisfied by end of 2005

Happy New Year, in the shadow of some somber days. Pray...Reflect...Hope in 2005.