Wednesday, October 29, 2008

the news and knowing you're out there...


All over the world, there is a plague...an obsession with what is wrong and what is bad. When I get together with friends, we always joke about putting together a newspaper that only highlights whatever positive things are happening in the world. There is much to write about! There is much to support.

I like to think that I surround myself with positive people. People who understand that what we focus on, and what we put our energy towards, is what eventually takes power and precedence over the things that lack our attention and focus. We must ask ourselves at any given moment, if what is wrong with the world is what we would like MORE of??? My guess is, definitely not.

My heart has broken a few times in the last couple of weeks. Friends tell me that it is because I am a silly Utopian idealist who needs to wake up. These are the same friends who scoff at such events as "Rock On for Humanity" - saying that there's no way that money will even reach the people in need in Bihar..."it's just another stupid Bollywood tactic to draw more attention to the film Rock On".............

I wonder??? How one could be averse to the fact that an otherwise ignorant and incestuous industry is finally branching out and wanting to do something for an effectual change? Why wouldn't you want for that industry to finally do something good with the mind-boggling popularity it DOES have and the oddly and often disgusting control it has over household culture in India? I want it to change. I have always disagreed with it. My brow has furrowed one too many times at the hypocrisy I see in the media. But I choose to focus on what I DO want...and, I DO WANT CHANGE.

Is this the downfall of India? Why our roads are paved with the tar of the 1950's? Why people are either too lazy, too tired, too apathetic to move onwards and upwards towards a better system for the children who will come after us? Often, there is a crab in the bucket syndrome infecting the historically spiritual beings of this beautiful country.

Have you felt it? Have you felt people pulling you down every time you've taken a step forward?

I know you are out there. I feel you every day. Even though I'm a quiet one...unless I'm on stage. Everyday, I want to be better...everyday I challenge myself. I'm upset with the MNS and the horrible abuse I've witnessed first hand on the streets of the "urban and cultural capital of India" - countrymen beaten mercilessly because their nose is a certain shape and their dialect is of a certain kind. No sense in acknowledging that these are the very men constructing the buildings that we live in, the hospitals we seek refuge in when we are sick, and working towards a solution for mass transit in this beautifully overpopulated and uncomfortable city! Why acknowledge that? No point. Right? WRONG.

I know you are out there. I feel you every day. You who would sooner hold a hand, than slap it. You, who believes in the evolution of all things...which means, change.

I praise you. I make music for you. I consider you, MY PEOPLE.

I see better days ahead. I do. And I hope you share my vision.

Sunday, October 26, 2008

first draft of together again music video

http://in.youtube.com/watch?v=iHGOPq6tcBg



our original concept for this video got botched by budgets and promises broken. as usual, we just do it ourselves!! thanks to anand subaya for stepping in last minute and doing some creative editing!

so, we did what we could to put something together out of it all. labor of love...
as usual ;)

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

ROCK ON FOR HUMANITY



Date:
Friday, October 31, 2008
Time:
5:00pm - 10:00pm
Location:
MMRDA, Bandra Kurla Complex

It was in the month of August that torrential and non stop rain caused immense flooding in Bihar; the situation continues to look very grim.
The rains have not stopped and the water levels continue to rise. The state of Bihar is facing some of the worst flooding in 50 years.

Latest reports from the Ministry of Home Affairs indicate that over 3.3 million people from 1,849 villages in 16 districts of the state have been affected.

The Bihar government says the official death toll in floods after the Kosi river changed course is 383, but international NGO ActionAid whose workers are on the ground says "it is likely that 2,000 people have died".

Two million people are estimated to have been cut off by the flood waters. Infrastructure (roads, rail, water and electricity) have been completely or partially destroyed or are under water in major parts of the affected areas.

The population is in immediate need of food, clean water, shelter and basic health support.

The Prime Minister of India has declared the Bihar floods a national calamity.

The government has stepped up its relief efforts at all levels and the Bihar state government has sought the support of civil society organisations in stepping up its relief efforts.

As part of the same, the "Rock On!!" team led by Farhan Akhtar, Arjun Rampal & Ritesh Sidhwani have pioneered a relief effort called "Rock On for Humanity".

The underlying message of "Rock on for Humanity" is to "Improve the lives of vulnerable people by mobilizing the power of humanity".

The show will witness performances by:

Shaa'ir + Func
Shankar Ehsaan Loy
Pentagram
Raghu Dixit Project
Rabbi
Them Clones
Parikrama feat. Saif Ali Khan
Shaan
Kunal Ganjawala
Dream Out Loud
Something Relevant
Kailasa
Avial
Farhan Akhtar

TICKETS available from 21st October at www.bookmyshow.com

RETAIL OUTLETS :
Cinemax properties at Bandra East, Thane- Eternity Mall, Vashi, Kandivali East.

Rhythm House-Fort

Hiro Music- Bandra (W)

Music World-Malad

Tickets will also be available at the venue on the day of the event.


To DONATE ONLINE log onto: www.rockon.bigadda.com

Sms Rock On to 52525 & pledge your support
(premium rates apply / Rs.3 per sms)

Friday, October 3, 2008

ITS OCTOBER ALREADY!?!? - GIGS and NEWS

Hi. Time flies when you're having fun.

S+F plays TONIGHT at D'Ultimate along with the magnificent DJ Kris.

That's 3'rd October, 2008 at D'Ultimate in Andheri (W) @ 8 PM

Also coming up...

S+F play in DELHI! (finally. it's been too long)
15th October, 2008 @ Retro Sushi as a part of RSJ's ROCKTOBER fest

31'st of October, S+F will be playing a benefit hosted by Farhan Akhtar in Bombay. Stay tuned for more details.

big love.