It would be enough to say that I've been at this, the playing, for the last 10 years, of which the last 7 would be in earnest. Have I found my sound yet? In bits and pieces, yes. Have I found the band?
Hell.
I'd say for sure — only that I can't say it out loud because I know I have no excuses not to get better with these guys.
No excuses.
I have to work my ass off to play this shit pat down, and hurt as it might, I have to take it all in my stride, because all said and done, I really wanna do this; I really want to make this music happen and cook like a motherfucker. And like two years back once I took that life-changing decision, I'm not gonna stop for anything — or anybody.
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Sunday, May 06, 2007
Ma
It's been just about two weeks that we lost Ma. I don't really know what to say, except that I really miss her. I remember waking up at nights, sweating, crying just imagining that she's not there. Now, it's not my imagination anymore: She really isn't there. Does writing that down in black-and-white help sink the fact in? I don't know. I really miss her.
This is a funny year. 2007. I did everything that I have been supposed to do, you know. Even sought out job interviews, and registered myself on stuff like monster.com and naukri.com. And didn't think twice when I was offered this job. Somewhere down the line, I was always thinking of Ma getting worried about it all. 'Settling down' seemed a possibility — and she was the biggest reason to even contemplate that.
9 days changed all that. In fact, even less; I'd put it at 24 hours, from a Monday morning through to the Tuesday, when she came back home in a body-bag.
I cried little, apart from coming back from the burning ghat and the first night. I'm the elder son, I'm supposed to be strong and responsible and all that. But what no one seems to get is that I really miss her.
Whatever I am is because of her. Somehow, her not being there makes everything seem meaningless. I really miss her. And no one knows how much.
This is a funny year. 2007. I did everything that I have been supposed to do, you know. Even sought out job interviews, and registered myself on stuff like monster.com and naukri.com. And didn't think twice when I was offered this job. Somewhere down the line, I was always thinking of Ma getting worried about it all. 'Settling down' seemed a possibility — and she was the biggest reason to even contemplate that.
9 days changed all that. In fact, even less; I'd put it at 24 hours, from a Monday morning through to the Tuesday, when she came back home in a body-bag.
I cried little, apart from coming back from the burning ghat and the first night. I'm the elder son, I'm supposed to be strong and responsible and all that. But what no one seems to get is that I really miss her.
Whatever I am is because of her. Somehow, her not being there makes everything seem meaningless. I really miss her. And no one knows how much.
Friday, February 23, 2007
Makin' out on music
What's your music for the day?
I woke up to Nickelback's Savin' Me, from the latest, All The Right Reasons. I hardly sit down to listen to modern rock — playing and listening a whole CD, let's say — but I've always had a fondness for the Vancouver quartet. Probably because of the very hummable power ballads.
It's great to make love to a power ballad (I wanted to get explicit here, but on second thoughts...)
I woke up to Nickelback's Savin' Me, from the latest, All The Right Reasons. I hardly sit down to listen to modern rock — playing and listening a whole CD, let's say — but I've always had a fondness for the Vancouver quartet. Probably because of the very hummable power ballads.
It's great to make love to a power ballad (I wanted to get explicit here, but on second thoughts...)
Thursday, February 22, 2007
At work, at play
Current mood: Exhausted but happy
On rotation: Up All Night, The John Scofield Band
I kinda like this office. People are very professional, quite efficient as well — ah, you'll always have two or one proverbial bad apples, but hey, as long as I'm getting paid......
Over the past 22 days, I have managed my routine to an extent where I can actually cull over a couple of hours to play some drums, though I have not been to any reherasals. There hardly has been any reherasals, so that's that. But we have a show on March 9, and I have a new, kick-ass computer. I need to get going with the electronic shite. Tonnes to do.
On rotation: Up All Night, The John Scofield Band
I kinda like this office. People are very professional, quite efficient as well — ah, you'll always have two or one proverbial bad apples, but hey, as long as I'm getting paid......
Over the past 22 days, I have managed my routine to an extent where I can actually cull over a couple of hours to play some drums, though I have not been to any reherasals. There hardly has been any reherasals, so that's that. But we have a show on March 9, and I have a new, kick-ass computer. I need to get going with the electronic shite. Tonnes to do.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Is this blog still alive?
It's my birthday. And I am back.
And really sorry not to have blogged for 6 or seven months before this entry. Since something called Orkut happened to me over that period, my writing habit was well-nigh butchered. As it is, I never sat down at a machine for too long: and for blogging, I really need time. The other thing is, probably because much of what you write runs a danger of being hacked when sent on page, I write with a vengeance at work.
Other thoughts: this place has weird energies. And it sure is surreal to work with your girlfriend in the same office. But hey, I need the job; keeps me focused.
And really sorry not to have blogged for 6 or seven months before this entry. Since something called Orkut happened to me over that period, my writing habit was well-nigh butchered. As it is, I never sat down at a machine for too long: and for blogging, I really need time. The other thing is, probably because much of what you write runs a danger of being hacked when sent on page, I write with a vengeance at work.
Other thoughts: this place has weird energies. And it sure is surreal to work with your girlfriend in the same office. But hey, I need the job; keeps me focused.
However, I'd now be happy remembering the fact that I have a large chunk of WHATEVER I always wanted, gear-wise. I have the K Customs and even an A Custom, and one of the best set of drums in this town. The thing that's eating me is whether joining this job — even with its promise of a 10 to 6 — will actually cut down on playing time. In any case, if that is the scene, I'll go back to where I once was. The music, amigos, will never stop.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Monday, June 26, 2006
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Gear, gear!
I love buying new gear! Now that I finally have the (hard-earned) money, I can upgrade my baby a little. Here's what I'm gonna get:
(i) Several pairs of Pro-Mark 5A sticks
(ii) A spanking new Evans G2 coated resonant head with a vent for my kick drum
(iii) A pair of brand new A Custom hats
PS: It feels really great when I can buy gear with the money I earnt from playing music!!!
(i) Several pairs of Pro-Mark 5A sticks
(ii) A spanking new Evans G2 coated resonant head with a vent for my kick drum
(iii) A pair of brand new A Custom hats
PS: It feels really great when I can buy gear with the money I earnt from playing music!!!
Monday, June 19, 2006
Boredom, death, television, sex
That, in short, sums up my activities over the last few weeks. Death, of course, is an allusion to a creative rot that had set in pretty much from the farmhouse shows at Barasat. Scanty rains are'nt a help, either, to lift sombre moods. Quite like sex in my life over the past month or so.
I was also brought down with quite a serious bout of viral fever a few weeks back, which leaves me weak and drowsy.
As for television.....it's fun working with a guy like Meer, a total professional and a total clown all at once.
I was also brought down with quite a serious bout of viral fever a few weeks back, which leaves me weak and drowsy.
As for television.....it's fun working with a guy like Meer, a total professional and a total clown all at once.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
Rain
Seems monsoon has arrived in this part of the country for well and good. Thank God.
There are summer persons, and there are winter persons. I always heard my friends talk about how much they love summer (especially my cousins living in the UK), or how absolutely fascinating they find the winter season to be. Very few talk about the monoons, let alone love its arrival.
I guess I am a monoon person at heart. I can live with the rains all year long. I love a muddy, slushy soccer game; I love tasting the first drops and how they smell on a parched ground; I love the aftertaste of that smell when the shower stops and I love watching the drops fall against a streetlight at night.
I love walking through these city streets in the rain; I love watching this city take on a different beauty on a pouring night.
There are summer persons, and there are winter persons. I always heard my friends talk about how much they love summer (especially my cousins living in the UK), or how absolutely fascinating they find the winter season to be. Very few talk about the monoons, let alone love its arrival.
I guess I am a monoon person at heart. I can live with the rains all year long. I love a muddy, slushy soccer game; I love tasting the first drops and how they smell on a parched ground; I love the aftertaste of that smell when the shower stops and I love watching the drops fall against a streetlight at night.
I love walking through these city streets in the rain; I love watching this city take on a different beauty on a pouring night.
Monday, May 29, 2006
Concerts and more
After a rocking Princeton show, Ganga Groove had a kinda crazy gig at Tapan Desai's farmhouse on Saturday, May 27, at a 4-band concert organised by Congo Square. Booze being free, we saw quite a lot of mayhem — off and onstage.
The sound inside was really crappy — the monitors to my left and right were showpieces, imagine that! — , but we managed to manage everyone in the house get up and shake it with our set. I played one of the best Sex Machines ever. We introduced two of our originals at the show: a cool pop-punky tune that Doi wrote, and the very drive-by Picture of a Kiss penned by Yours Truly. Suman, our kid piano-player, had two large pegs of rum prior to the show (obviously inspired by Doi's 6!) and does it show in the video. I personally have never witnessed Doi go so berserk on stage, and it was an experience by itself. Though Pupu's still a little irritated about the whole deal, I guess it's gonna be okay. Now, for the weekly gig again.
The sound inside was really crappy — the monitors to my left and right were showpieces, imagine that! — , but we managed to manage everyone in the house get up and shake it with our set. I played one of the best Sex Machines ever. We introduced two of our originals at the show: a cool pop-punky tune that Doi wrote, and the very drive-by Picture of a Kiss penned by Yours Truly. Suman, our kid piano-player, had two large pegs of rum prior to the show (obviously inspired by Doi's 6!) and does it show in the video. I personally have never witnessed Doi go so berserk on stage, and it was an experience by itself. Though Pupu's still a little irritated about the whole deal, I guess it's gonna be okay. Now, for the weekly gig again.
Friday, May 19, 2006
U-Turn
It's funny how life changes and takes its U-turns without a second's warning. Only, this time, it wasn't fun.
My Choto-kaka passed away this Sunday morning. He was the youngest of siblings (my father being the eldest), and was only 45. He has a son who's 10, and is autistic: he can't speak or hear anything, nor comprehend his father's death.
Choto-kaka never had a medical history of heart disease. The attack took him away in seven minutes flat. He was only absent from office for the last two days because he had a mild viral fever. I spoke to him the day before, and wanted to ask him to come with me to play TT at Princeton, where they have Stiga boards. I never can now. He was ranked 2 in the state back in his college days. He taught me how to play TT, and was instrumental in getting me familiarised around the Maidan and the YMCA.
Being the eldest nephew, I had to carry out his funeral rites — anoint him with ghee, do the puja, and then, the mukhagni. It felt like shit.
My Choto-kaka was one of the most tolerant, loving, honest, genuine human beings that I have ever come across in my life. Looking at his room now, I just have one question: why HIM?
My Choto-kaka passed away this Sunday morning. He was the youngest of siblings (my father being the eldest), and was only 45. He has a son who's 10, and is autistic: he can't speak or hear anything, nor comprehend his father's death.
Choto-kaka never had a medical history of heart disease. The attack took him away in seven minutes flat. He was only absent from office for the last two days because he had a mild viral fever. I spoke to him the day before, and wanted to ask him to come with me to play TT at Princeton, where they have Stiga boards. I never can now. He was ranked 2 in the state back in his college days. He taught me how to play TT, and was instrumental in getting me familiarised around the Maidan and the YMCA.
Being the eldest nephew, I had to carry out his funeral rites — anoint him with ghee, do the puja, and then, the mukhagni. It felt like shit.
My Choto-kaka was one of the most tolerant, loving, honest, genuine human beings that I have ever come across in my life. Looking at his room now, I just have one question: why HIM?
Monday, May 01, 2006
I need some new music
Here's the catch: I know what I wanna hear, but I don't seem to be able to GET it! In any manner, whatsoever.
Like I wanna hear the new Galactic record.
Jing Chi, with Jimmy Haslip, Vinnie Colaiuta and Robben Ford
Ozomatli
Afro-Celt Sound System, Volume V
Idris Muhammad's solo work
The new Nickelback record (with Save Me and So Far Away on it, you know?)
Aquarium Rescue Unit
The last Phish show
Like I wanna hear the new Galactic record.
Jing Chi, with Jimmy Haslip, Vinnie Colaiuta and Robben Ford
Ozomatli
Afro-Celt Sound System, Volume V
Idris Muhammad's solo work
The new Nickelback record (with Save Me and So Far Away on it, you know?)
Aquarium Rescue Unit
The last Phish show
Friday, April 28, 2006
More networking?
Got my Orkut invite, thanks to Bhai. Can't find any Presidencians from my batch, though....
In a week, I am on over 12 communities, though I am mostly on the drumming forums.
Hmmmm..Pupu's shoots are getting a little too bugging; he couldn't land up at practice for the past three days. And we have a gig on the 5th (which means we'll miss Pink Noise at Someplace Else, a pity, since I wanted to catch Gyaan's son in action).
PS: We are living the rock 'n roll life: we even go for a dip in the pool after an hour at the gym, which is post-practice. Hee hee!
In a week, I am on over 12 communities, though I am mostly on the drumming forums.
Hmmmm..Pupu's shoots are getting a little too bugging; he couldn't land up at practice for the past three days. And we have a gig on the 5th (which means we'll miss Pink Noise at Someplace Else, a pity, since I wanted to catch Gyaan's son in action).
PS: We are living the rock 'n roll life: we even go for a dip in the pool after an hour at the gym, which is post-practice. Hee hee!
Sunday, April 23, 2006
Wednesday, April 19, 2006
Life
I am running out of money, and all around me, there's pressure to get back to a job. Just when we got a steady gig, and were thinking of possible gigs outside the city.
If I am (un)lucky enough to get an offer, it would mean we can't take those gigs.
And I don't want that to happen.
What am I gonna do?
If I am (un)lucky enough to get an offer, it would mean we can't take those gigs.
And I don't want that to happen.
What am I gonna do?
Saturday, April 01, 2006
What would you say?
Around four months back, I was crying hoarse on this blog. About a bunch of things: I didn't have a band, I was tired of doing absolutely nothing, I waited and waited for my drums to arrive from Michigan, and my brother just went on shuttling to Delhi, Bombay and the North-East, playing gig after gig.
March 24 changed all that. Ganga Groove played its first gig at Princeton Club: and I was relieved.
Considering that we've been playing for the last three months, you could say that the first concert rocked hard, and despite being nervous, everyone played well. Before we knew, we finished a two-hour set and were listening to shouted-out requests. I was watching the video (courtesy Madhuparna, thanks) and we sounded tight alright. Despite sound glitches, both the kids played with a professional, mature attitude. We know we have to go a long way, but hey, we just started out on that road.
March 24 changed all that. Ganga Groove played its first gig at Princeton Club: and I was relieved.
Considering that we've been playing for the last three months, you could say that the first concert rocked hard, and despite being nervous, everyone played well. Before we knew, we finished a two-hour set and were listening to shouted-out requests. I was watching the video (courtesy Madhuparna, thanks) and we sounded tight alright. Despite sound glitches, both the kids played with a professional, mature attitude. We know we have to go a long way, but hey, we just started out on that road.
Sunday, March 19, 2006
Long time...
Long time since I last blogged. What have I done in the meantime...let me see...started practice with all the precautions to be, met the councillor and the local OC, kinda made it foolproof; watched Herbert, and loved it; played Holi, went and met Bau's dad and mom that day, fucker wasn't home (as usual; his wife opened the door with the kid on her lap); started freelance work for The Telegraph (just music reviews); went ahead and finished the demo; and, oh, got a gig at the Princeton Club.
I also watched RHCP's September 2003 gig at Slane Castle, and Prince's Millennium New Year 'Rave Unto 2000' concert. Ordered new cases for my drums.
As far as reading goes, I finished My Years with Apu. It's one of the most inspiring books I've read in recent times.
And I have no plans of joining a job, no matter how paranoid my dad, supposed well-wishers and journalist friends feel about that.
I also watched RHCP's September 2003 gig at Slane Castle, and Prince's Millennium New Year 'Rave Unto 2000' concert. Ordered new cases for my drums.
As far as reading goes, I finished My Years with Apu. It's one of the most inspiring books I've read in recent times.
And I have no plans of joining a job, no matter how paranoid my dad, supposed well-wishers and journalist friends feel about that.
Tuesday, March 07, 2006
When I born, I Black,
When I grow up, I Black,
When I go in Sun, I Black,
When I scared, I Black,
When I sick, I Black,
And when I die, I still black.
And you White fella?
When you born, you Pink,
When you grow up, you White,
When you go in Sun, you Red,
When you cold, you Blue,
When you scared, you Yellow,
When you sick, you Green,
And when you die, you Gray.
Who you calling 'Colored'?
When I grow up, I Black,
When I go in Sun, I Black,
When I scared, I Black,
When I sick, I Black,
And when I die, I still black.
And you White fella?
When you born, you Pink,
When you grow up, you White,
When you go in Sun, you Red,
When you cold, you Blue,
When you scared, you Yellow,
When you sick, you Green,
And when you die, you Gray.
Who you calling 'Colored'?
Saturday, February 11, 2006
Among things..
"Do you really wanna go?"
"I donno, man; I'm having a bad day since the last class; everything just feels fucked. I remember a similar state of mind when everyone was gushing 'Satriani's playing in town', and I just didn't have the enthusiasm to hit the show."
"I know; happens to me too."
"Only if our bass player would get a little serious about his music, y'know; not jump all over the place with everything he does in life. Your character, or personality, is a big stamp on your playing."
"I know. It amazes me that I can approach my instrument with a much calmer state of mind than I previously could, and play with a lot of reserve. The finesse part of it is showing."
"Poise."
"Yeah."
"I donno, man; I'm having a bad day since the last class; everything just feels fucked. I remember a similar state of mind when everyone was gushing 'Satriani's playing in town', and I just didn't have the enthusiasm to hit the show."
"I know; happens to me too."
"Only if our bass player would get a little serious about his music, y'know; not jump all over the place with everything he does in life. Your character, or personality, is a big stamp on your playing."
"I know. It amazes me that I can approach my instrument with a much calmer state of mind than I previously could, and play with a lot of reserve. The finesse part of it is showing."
"Poise."
"Yeah."
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