Fstars.com: Blog

Genes, again!

2007-08-28T12:23:00.000-04:00

No wonder I fail. (Yahoo News story on perfect pitch gene, 28Aug2007)

Well, I'll stop trying then and concentrate on things I can win at, like writing and recording. Of which, I've done neither the past month.

Is there a gene for laziness? If so, how do I remove mine?

Shift in music

2007-08-07T01:54:00.000-04:00

There's been a serious divide in music recently. Some say that the new market is the internet and myspace and webTV. Others side on the trad norms of hollywood, commercials, touring to get the word out. But popularity is a crime the moment it's sought - it's a virtue only if you don't care. Or so the maxim goes.

The debate is useless. What works for some will not for others. There is no set way to get the word out and artists/musicians/creatives will always toil away for sheer soul satisfaction regardless of popular opinion. What matters most is content. Without that, all media forms are moot.

Words. It all comes down to words.

Been a long time

2007-06-15T01:06:00.000-04:00

Since I rock and rolled...and posted. So, I'm back. Some new concepts, some new sounds. The web and music industry has changed drastically these past two years. Old style rock star is fading. New style musician is emerging.

Good to see that the gimicks will lessen and quality will grow. At least that is the hope with Web 2.0

Wait and see. But I am back at least to pollute the 'net with more of my ramblings, rants, and musings.

Musical Hallucinations: Scientific discovery

2005-07-12T13:27:00.000-04:00

Neuron Network Goes Awry, and Brain Becomes an IPod - New York Times
So does this mean that come age 78, I'll be subjected to constant repeat of "I think and I fall, and I fall, and I fall..."

Just hope that I'll be able to hum along.

Recording EP

2005-06-28T13:52:00.000-04:00

Entering the final stage of EP recording and subsequent release. Expect something tangible in late Sept. 2005. It's been a long time, living with these songs and now I think we have done them justice in arrangement and execution.

I hope that they continue to connect with you as they do for us.

Junoon and U2 AND Live8, Damn!

2005-06-26T13:49:00.000-04:00

Junoon[dot]com
Just an expression of "wow" towards Junoon, the Pakistani Sufi Band. Paki-pop was always a step ahead of India, but this takes the lead.

Now, if there was a champion to root for from India....ahem, self-promo opp. ;-)

MP3 of India Mela 2005

2005-06-22T10:13:00.000-04:00

Just a quick note that the MP3 from the StarPlus India Mela 2005 show is now online at FSTARS.com

Give it a listen and send comments/praise.

After the India Mela 2005

2005-06-21T10:08:00.000-04:00

Well, we arrived for our 4pm slot on Father's Day - June 19th, 2005. Due to IST (Indian Standard Time), we didn't take to the stage until 7pm. So, basically we were upgraded from standard performers to closers. An honor, in the rock world, though I don't think any thought was given to this by the organizers.

We were missing Aron on the drums - prior engagements that he couldn't get out of. Since we had rehearsed the Friday before, giving our setlist an acoustified feel, we were confident to carry on with the aid of a simple drum machine. And I think we did great as a band.

Not only I share this belief. The crowd applause, cheers, and invite from the organizers to OPEN the event next year are my proof of a good show. So, approximately 18 months into this creative venture and we are still on schedule.

ROCK ON!

What goes up...

2005-06-06T11:22:00.000-04:00

Stays up for some, or comes crashing down for others.

I've been here before and this is what I've learned: Forge ahead. Inaction is worse than wrong action. So, expect much more music - yes, that is the intent behind this venture, no? And sooner than later on all accords.

Perhaps this realization will keep things positive and continue the ascent that happened early on. I think it must - or else, I've sent these words to a wasteland of dejection.

Low, low low...

2005-05-19T16:30:00.000-04:00

Do bands go through PMS? I can name a few instances that recur monthly where we start on a high and then progress to irritable and finally to a complete low. This is one of them.

Played DesiVision.tv's Crash Mansion gig to a smallish crowd. Probably had something to do with the wall collapse on the NYC train line. Abe was on the train that was stuck...so we played without a bassist. Tom and I were predicting that this would be a life-deciding moment - venturing out into the city for weekly gigs. It was, but not for the one intended.

Nothing is perfect. Not my singing, not our band politics, not our direction at the moment. But I am trying (with singing), with direction and from engaging in politics. Still, I favor optimism, even in the face of sheer negativity. Some disagree with this stance. So be it.

The DesiVision stint was good for us as we received good feedback, a positive vibe (to counter the flow of internal critiques), and confirmed that we are ready to compete for our place in this business. And we shall, once the current mood lifts.

Early version of Friday 13th

2005-05-13T15:40:00.000-04:00

NYC Bridge/Wall collapse stalls trains

So there we were: Tom, Dox, and I enroute to Desivision.tv sponsored event, "Time2Shine" at the Crash Mansion in NYC. Soundcheck was at 8pm, which the three of us did well. Everything set to go smooth...so it seemed.

8:25pm - Call comes in from Abe that he's stuck on the inbound train to NYC, between Newark and NYC and the train is not moving.

We have an obligation to honor our agreement but on the other side a vital member is not present. Plenty of bands go through this - it's how they survive in the aftermath that's the distinguisher.

From what I heard after our set, we came out relatively unscathed...

May is Asian Heritage Month

2005-05-12T11:12:00.000-04:00

And to do our part, we are performing tonight, May 12 at Crash Mansion. Actually, we've been invited to play a song or two from our upcoming EP at the South Asian Talent Contest organized by DesiVision.tv

More details found at: crashmansionnyc.com

Genuine or prank: either way, he got his 15 min/15 mb of fame

2005-05-06T14:59:00.000-04:00

Amal K. Dorai: Time Traveler Convention at MIT

At first, I saw the headline on yahoo, in that prominent side box and was intrigued. Time travel convention at MIT? And then, I clicked on the article and saw that a DESI was behind this hoopla.

In doing so, he's got the most widely covered "party" on the net and probably won't do so bad with the 15 mb of fame that's been afforded him as of this coverage.

And still the question remains: genuine or prank?

Amitabh Bachan: Lincoln Center Honor/Charlie Rose Interview

2005-04-22T10:16:00.000-04:00

Wow.

First Ash Rai and now AB. Madonna may have ushered in the wave of Indian culture with her belly rings, bindis, and salwaars, but this is genuine fascination and respect from the West.

And at 63yrs, AB still cuts a daunting figure in Indian Cinema. Incidently, he disapproves of the Indian Film Industry playing parody to Hollywood by being coined "Bollywood". Exuding national pride, he suggests that our films be taken with their own merits, without comparison from the West. Afterall, we have the technical expertise to produce well over 200 films yearly, whereas Hollywood produces a mere 30.

The "DESI" swell has been building for several years, going back to Bally Sagoo's remixes in 2000 and the "art films" of Mira Nair, Deepa Mehta, etc. But now, in 2005, the tide has come in for us. And I believe the waters of recognition will continue to flow for a long time.

Wow.

Brilliant strategy and execution

2005-04-21T15:56:00.000-04:00

BBC NEWS | South Asia | Frenchman buys 25,000 Indian songs
From a non-Indian, we see brilliant market capitalization, strategy and execution. And he's not merely in it for a buck or two. Paid $3mil, will collect it back within the next few years and then go beyond by strategically placing the 25K catalog.

Sort of what Silverman (sic) did with the Elvis catalog. Took it from RCA, which was not managing it properly and with some intuition and foresight, leveraged it to contribute over $2mil last year.

More and more, it's a musicBUSINESS.

Original Poem: National Poetry Month (April)

2005-04-20T11:45:00.000-04:00

April Fool's day losing significance in a Politically Correct world

2005-04-01T15:51:00.000-05:00

Haven't seen any creative April Fool's pranks today. Except if you count the posting that Encyclopedia Britannica was taking over Wikipedia - assuming that these are entities you care about. Erudite laughter aside, there hasn't been much in the blog/web world making the significance of today.

So, it poses the question - are we becoming so sensitive that we are losing our humor? It is possible. Today's world will fire you for stating that the town Mayor is dead (Opie/Anthony - Boston Radio DJ prank, circa 2000) or admonish you via the comments link on your lack of political correctness (ie, Wikipedia example).

What a waste. Today celebrates all things creative, for to fool one person is easy, but to fool an entire community takes a certain brand of misplaced creativity. And I revel in the latter.

Links to good April Fool's pranks are appreciated.

Dylan's trick

2005-03-26T01:52:00.000-05:00

Someone asked me to translate a portion of Dylan's autobiography, "Chronicles, vol.1". There was a chaper in there where post accident, Dylan remembered an old music theory taught to him by his then mentor in the blues. Basically, it was a way to strike the listener with his guitar patterns, while varying the style of his singing. An Eastern modality, played out on the guitar.

In a nutshell, Dylan was told that in order for his songs to really standout, he had to abandon the norm of playing an even bar measure for an odd bar measure. So, instead of the 4/4 time, he had to play 4/5 or 4/7 times. But what works for the blues and jazz, doesn't for a band. This method assumes no more than two voices. Once you start adding other voices of a band, such as drums, bass, piano, lead guitar, etc, it makes the sound atonal and murky. Dylan learned this the hard way.

But then, this modality has been prevailing in Indian classical music for ages. A sitar and tabla instrumental displays this nicely. Most of the tabla's "taal" is in an odd metered count, not the westernized "teen taal" that we associate with mix-tapes. So again, the West perfects yet another ancient Eastern tradition and profits.

When will we heed our traditional teachings and rise above materially? Some of us are trying...

Downtime

2005-03-15T11:53:00.000-05:00

The Fstars are in a downtime run. Nothing happening as we wait for Dox to recover from pneumonia. These large spaces of inactivity are troublesome for me. I tend to let my mind wander down ill-trodden paths and obscure confines. The product is more things to worry over, more things to think upon, and less focus in the near term.

So, to keep busy, and my mind off the negativity that's always lurking - I've given the band some exposure among the litter of net-working sites online. Also included the verified ones on the bandpage, under links [//fstars.com/Links.html]

I'm always thinking two years ahead and it is a changing medium for us artists. More on that later, but the definitive truth remains - art is still a personal creative and needs aknowledgement to breathe. Afterall, art without recognition is just isolation.

Till next blog...

Discourse on creativity

2005-03-11T10:20:00.000-05:00

gapingvoid: how to be creative

Found this while surfing and it is a great discourse on the creative element. A good read and even livlier discussions.

On THE FSTARS front: Dox is out sick with pneumonia (yes, the full blown version with potent antibiotic meds) and thus we are grounded at the moment musically. But he will get better and then also, Spring will be here - so, should make for better gigs.

80 min CD: fill it up

2005-03-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

There have been 80 minute CD's out there for some time now, but still the Industry has been lax to grasp the idea of filling it up. One thought is to put a few bonus tracks, like outtakes at the end of a movie - except here, it would be studio outtakes of the songs in progression. Kind of what the Beatles did in their box sets. THE FSTARS have this on the web as well [check Rehearsals page].

And why not? Often times, I've been more inspired by the fumbling of music creation than the glossy image itself. Or another idea would be to do some of the music unplugged - to showcase musicianship. I know I'd be impressed if any of these "POP" bands [read: Britney, Christina, any-EMO band, etc] would be able to transcend with just the basics, sans effects and overdubs.

There are so many possibilities. So, why put out less when there's room (literally & figuratively) for more.

Signal or Noise: the Future of Music on the Net

2005-03-02T16:40:00.000-05:00

Signal or Noise: the Future of Music on the Net

And I thought my coined phrase of "15mb of fame" was wholly original. Seems like this Harvard prof. beat me to it, in 2000. Okay, will have to give him credit for 'inspiring' the website/org (should it eventually take off).

Maybe he'll write the bylaws...

Try again

2005-03-02T08:36:00.000-05:00

Last week's scheduled performance was canceled due to snow and flu. So, this week we will try again. Also, have the podcasting element figured out and set up, now just have to concentrate on something meaninful to contribute. I secured the domain '15mg.org' to showcase people/groups that ought to get their 15 minutes, or now that we're immersed in the digital age, their 15mb of fame. Mid-year, I'll start that endeavor.

On the band front, until we get ourselves a decent band picture representative of ourselves, I'm sticking with our logo. At least it's somewhat recognizable. Also, been mulling the idea of two EP's per calendar year instead of one full length. This way it keeps The Fstars primed with musical energy and the fans get good doses of our songs (5-7 each LP), without either one of us getting "bored". I've got the lyrics and music for this - hey, even on this approach, it'd take me 20 years to exhaust my current catalog. Also, by the time we rehearse/record/showcase the EP, we are mentally leaning towards something else, so why be married to the same 10-12 songs for the tour, when we can accomodate our creative muses. My thoughts, as a musician.

Anyway, first matter is to showcase and record the current 5 song EP. And that we are in the midst of doing. So, as I stated previously, this week we resume our performances.

Up all night

2005-02-25T13:46:00.000-05:00

I was up most of the night surfing the internet educating myself on podcasting and how-to's. I think I have the hang of it now. Will test out from another blog and then should be ready for broadcast.

On band news: The Fstars are scheduled to play this evening at Fat Tuesday's Cajun Bar and Grill in Rahway, NJ - however, snow may dampen the travel. We'll see in a few hours.

Podcasting to arrive

2005-02-24T10:51:00.000-05:00

Wired 13.03: Adam Curry Wants to Make You an iPod Radio Star

Have to get into this and I will. Give me a few days to experiment and then decide if it'll be this blog or the website that hosts the podcast.

Tech is great!

Next phase: The Fstars

2005-02-21T11:50:00.000-05:00

We are in our next phase as a band: performing. Last week we played The Pirate's Den in South Jersey and this week, we're setting our sights on North Jersey. Right now, we want to see how many audiences are attracted to our music/message/style. Next we'll worry about focusing that a bit further.

But it was good to don our instruments and play to a crowd, albeit one that prefers harder, metal-ish genre. We did our best and were friendly and that was returned ten-fold by the bar crew and audience. A pleasant experience overall.

Now, we did hear unexpected praise that 'we could pack in the colleges in Philly with our sound and setlist' and that 'we should be playing out everynight'. I'll refrain from the self-praise and leave that to the fans, however, I do agree that we need to move the frequency of our exposure upwards. We have the songs and the stamina, so that's what we'll be doing in the next few weeks.

Emily on St. Valentine's day 2005

2005-02-14T15:58:00.000-05:00

How much more can be said on or about this day? I'll leave this poem by Emily Dickinson as a stamp in cyberspace. I'm not familiar with her entire catalog, but this one has remained with me since being introduced to it.

"Here's a sigh to those that love me/And a smile to those that hate./And for whatever sky's above me/Here's a heart for any fate."

Diversify

2005-02-11T11:14:00.000-05:00

The financial industry has made many gains, money and power, by following a key prinicple: Diversification of assets. That is, put a little money in many things, rather than a lot of money in one thing. And the word comes up again in successful societies: Diversity. Better to have the opinions of many type of people, than to subject to the whims of one type of people.

So, why not use this concept in music? I know the road is harsh to our goals musically and I know we are guided by human nature to pursue one thing singularily - like being the best singer, best guitarist, best dancer, best live, best acoustically, etc. But why stop there? What if this road of musical destiny was really a highway with many lanes and it was just our own ignorance or 'foggy' minds that was obscuring the other lanes to paint a picture of only one available road? Would you rather drive on a singular road or a multi-lane highway that allows for passing and speeding and a clear view of the obstacles ahead? I opt for the latter.

Diversify...your talents. Don't think singularily. 'If you've got it, flaunt it.' Multi-task. ETC - put it all out there for the world to judge, b/c you never know which road on the highway will prove to be the fast lane to you destination.

Fstars.com: Website changes

2005-02-07T09:09:00.000-05:00

Been tinkering with the website over the last week. Added a new start page that asks for a choice between "Falling Stars" - the film script and "The Fstars" - the band. It's about time that I was fair to all my writings, not just the musical ones.

eMusic: the future?

2005-02-04T10:29:00.000-05:00

Read an article that proclaims "Rock is dead, nearly". And every couple of years or so, a similar article comes across that makes us ponder the question of Rock n Roll's longevity. I'll agree that RnB, Rap, Emo, NuMetal, etc are the dujours, but Rock is simply hibernating. Gathering up lifeforce to come crashing through again - as Nirvana, U2, Police, Green Day...-did in their respective periods.

But you can't escape the eMentality. It's here to stay. Savy DJ's now carry a laptop in place of vinyls and thus, compact their eq to a single backpack. iPOD Bars are the new thing, as music is traded in bits and bytes. It's a portable culture now. Still, humans with artistic merit are needed to create those MP3 files and moreover, humans with a desire to perform are needed still to disseminate the soul of the music.

So, rock is not dead, yet. Not as long as people are compelled to write words and play instruments instead of opting to twist knobs and type words.

Fame, Money, or Power: Pick any two

2005-01-27T13:29:00.000-05:00

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.

Why do I write?

2005-01-23T13:23:00.000-05:00

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.

All noise made by...us

2005-01-20T13:49:00.000-05:00

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.

Tsunami Song by Tom

2005-01-17T10:58:00.000-05:00

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.

At least it will be in this lifetime

2005-01-14T17:25:00.000-05:00

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

Start practicing your Desi cheers for 2020...

2005-01-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

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...

Damien Rice & "CLOSER" (movie soundtrack)

2005-01-12T11:51:00.000-05:00

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.

Simplify the process and more will attend

2005-01-11T13:30:00.000-05:00

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?

Tsunami Relief Concerts: Genuine or Publicity machines?

2005-01-10T22:33:00.000-05:00

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]

Brain workout

2005-01-09T03:25:00.000-05:00

20Q.net

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

The stuff they never disclose

2005-01-06T11:55:00.000-05:00

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.

Start eating curry!

2005-01-05T13:01:00.000-05:00

Yahoo! News - Curry Spice May Fight Alzheimer's

Makes me proud to be a Desi.

Negativity, get away from me.

2005-01-05T10:13:00.000-05:00

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.

Now what?

2005-01-04T11:18:00.000-05:00

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.

Band wishlist

2005-01-03T11:23:00.000-05:00

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

Welcome 2005!

2005-01-01T01:57:00.000-05:00

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