Before I continue to talk about most favorite topic in the world, I will start off with a simple geography lesson. Okay, I know what your thinking, this is supposed to be a music blog, but in order to understand my blog more effectively, you must understand what “South Asia” consists of. South Asia is the Southern part of the Asian continent which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Countries like Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, and Iran are sometimes also considered a part of South Asia. Just like any place in the world, beautifully crafted music comes from these countries and I will break down the basics, and write about the greatest in the Progressive South Asian music scene!
When is comes down to it, I am of Indian origin and my expertise lies in music from India. Instead of naming this blog “Indian Musicality” I’ve decided to go with a broader title because I would no want to discriminate against other great music! I listen to all types of music and in fact, there is much ado about the melodious music which comes from the rest of South Asia. This blog started off as a class project for my New Media class, but I have a feeling it will take me to greater heights. This blog is a place where I can share my passion for South Asian music and explain to the rest of the world about the traditional and now, new age sound of South Asian music.
There are plenty of South Asian music genres, here is a list of some that I will cover in my blog:
Bollywood – music from the world’s biggest film industry based in Mumbai, India
Bhangra – a celebratory dance music hailing from North India and Pakistan
Urban Desi – a genre of music started in the 1990′s which is popular among the young South Asian population - combines Rap, hip-hop and South Asian music
Asian Underground – A blend of western underground dance/electronic music and traditional South Asian music
And more…
Bollywood, Bhangra, Urban Desi and Asian Underground
If you were to ask anyone not of South Asian origin if they could name a South Asian music artist, a couple of names may come in mind. For example, the classical sitar player Ravi Shankar got much notoriety in the 1960′s during the “hippy revolution.” Ravi Shankar was one of the first South Asian musicians to become recognized outside of South Asia. Most recently, South Asian music composer A.R. Rahman has gotten very popular in Hollywood after he produced the musical score for “Slumdog Millionaire” which was an 11 time academy award-winning film in 2008. South Asians are slowly making their way into the American mainstream, including pop singer Jay Sean, whose real name is Kamaljit Singh Jhutty. Jay Sean goes down in history as one of the first South Asian artists to be signed by one of the biggest hip-hop music labels in the world, Cash Money Records. In terms of South Asian female artists, MIA has done a great job representing South Asian women in mainstream American music and fashion.
As many South Asians make their way through mainstream music, there are many South Asians who produce Grammy winning music, who just don’t get enough publicity. That is why I am here, I will touch upon the latest and greatest South Asian music makers in the world!
THE kids these days play their music too loud and it all sounds the same. Old fogies familiar with such sentiments will be happy to hear that maths bears them out. An analysis published in Scientific Reports by Joan Serrà of the Artificial Intelligence Research Institute in Barcelona and his colleagues has found that music has indeed become both more homogeneous and louder over the decades.
Dr Serrà began with the basic premise that music, like language, can evolve over time, often pulled in different directions by opposing forces. Popular music especially has always prized a degree of conformity—witness the enduring popularity of cover songs and remixes—while at the same time being obsessed with the new. To untangle these factors, Dr Serrà's team sifted through the Million Song Dataset, run jointly by Columbia University, in New York, and the Echo Nest, an American company, which contains beat-by-beat data on a million Western songs from a variety of popular genres. The researchers focussed on the primary musical qualities of pitch, timbre and loudness, which were available for nearly 0.5m songs released from 1955 to 2010.
They found that music today relies on the same chords as music from the 1950s. Nearly all melodies are composed of ten most popular chords. They follow a similar pattern to written texts, where the most common word occurs roughly twice as often as the second most common, three times as often as the third most common, and so on, a linguistic regularity known as Zipf's law. What has changed is how the chords are spliced into melodies. In the 1950s many of the less common chords would chime close to one another in the melodic progression. More recently, they have tended to be separated by the more pedestrian chords, leading to a loss of some of the more unusual transitions. Timbre, lent by instrument types and recording techniques, similarly shows signs of narrowing, after peaking in the mid-60s, a phenomenon Dr Serrà attributes to experimentation with electric-guitar sounds by Jimi Hendrix and the like.
What music lost in variety, it has gained in volume. Songs today are on average 9 decibels louder than half a century ago, confirming what industry types have long suspected: that record labels engage in a "loudness race" in order to catch radio listeners’ attention. Since digital audio formats max out at a certain decibel level, as the average loudness inches towards that ceiling, songs will lose dynamic range, becoming ever more uniform.
This homogeneity is not just jarring to melomaniacs. It might confuse the popular algorithms for identifying and recommending tracks, like those used by Spotify and other music services. Many of these rely on timbre measurements to sort songs into genres, for instance. Some musicians are bound to respond by confounding expectations with new sounds. Whether audiences wish to be confounded remains moot.
Karsh Kale, genre-bending visionary composer/multi-instrumentalist/producer releases his critically acclaimed fifth studio album ‘Cinema’ in India this March.Cinema is Karsh Kale’s most ambitious album to date. The album hit the no. 1 spot on the iTunes World Music Charts, no. 3 on the Amazon International Bestsellers and No. 4 on the Amazon Dance/DJ Charts when released in the US in 2011. ‘Cinema 2012 – Special Indian Edition’ will feature exclusive remixes made especially for the Indian edition. It is packed with a strong sonic palette that evokes emotion, imagery and highlights his ability to seamlessly merge Hindustani classical with electronica and progressive rock. ‘Cinema’ features a long list of renowned collaborators and musicians including Monica Dogra on ‘Peekaboo’, Salim Merchant who co-wrote ‘Ma’ which features Karsh’s daughter Milan Xai on vocals, Papon, Anne Rani, Shruti Pathak and others. Incidentally, the album is co-produced by longtime friend and frequent collaborator, Gaurav Raina of Midival Punditz.
Karsh Kale, genre-bending musician who already has a long list of descriptors to his name, including composer, DJ, multi-instrumentalist and producer, now has another to add to that already impressive set - vocalist. Kale turned singer for his latest track ‘Hallelujah’ in collaboration with guitarist/composer Warren Mendonsa. The track is a cover of the Jeff Buckley/Leonard Cohen classic, and is performed over the Blackstratblues song ‘Ode To A Sunny Day’. It is one of Kale’s first major vocal contributions to a track. ‘Hallelujah’ has been received exceedingly well, and Karsh Kale will definitely be singing more, both in the studio and at live performances from now on. Karsh, says, “I do feel like I have a story to tell through my own vocals and now is the time to share it. Vocals is another instrument for me, one that I am far from mastering but am most excited about exploring.”
Karsh Kale’s recent achievements Karsh Kale’s ensemble ‘Cinema Live’ open for AR Rahman at Hollywood BowlKarsh Kale and his ensemble ‘Cinema Live’ opened for ‘Journey to India with AR Rahman and the Los Angeles Philharmonic’ at the Hollywood Bowl on 10th July, 2011.
MPKK debut as music directors for mainstream Bollywood film, SoundtrackMidival Punditz-Karsh Kale (MPKK) debut as music directors on mainstream Bollywood film, Soundtrack starring Rajeev Khandelwal and Soha Ali Khan.
Karsh Kale performed with Alicia Keys,Will.I.Am, Norah Jones at Black BallKarsh Kale performed at the 8th annual Black Ball in New York in aid of Alicia Keys’s Keep A Child Alive Foundation. Kale performed with music superstars like Alicia Keys, Norah Jones, Will.I.Am, Usher, Richie Sambora as well as longtime collaborators Midival Punditz. This year, the foundation honoured Beatle, late George Harrison. Karsh Kale curated the finale ‘All Stars’ performance at Bacardi NH7 WeekenderKarsh Kale curated the finale ‘All Stars’ performance at the Bacardi NH7 Weekender festival in Pune that was held from 18th to 20th November, 2011. The spectacular finale saw a multi-genre showcase of mash-ups and covers with over 25 different musicians that performed at the festival. Karsh Kale performs with Imogen HeapFollowing the ‘All Stars’ performance, Karsh joined British Grammy-winning musician Imogen Heap on the tabla at a gig at Blue Frog in Mumbai in November. This series of performances in November concluded with a collaborative performance of mainstream Bollywood songs with music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman at a concert in Mumbai. Karsh Kale chosen to be part of The Dewarists by Dewar’s TV series Karsh Kale was chosen to be on a brand new music documentary-cum-travelogue TV series The Dewarists by Dewar’s in December, that saw two or more artists compose a new track – a potent mix of each artist’s sensibilities. Karsh collaborated with Sopana Sangeetham musician, Hari Govind and guitarist Baiju Dharmajan in Kerala for this episode.
DJ Cheb I Sabbah’s tribute album will feature four tracks by Karsh KaleWorld-renowned DJ Cheb I Sabbah’s tribute album will feature four tracks by Karsh Kaleincluding a remix of a Kailash Kher track and collaboration with Nitin Sawhney and Natacha Atlas. The collaborative track is a fusion of Spanish flamenco, Marathi lavani style-percussion and Atlas’ neo-Middle Eastern sound.
About Karsh Kale In the past 12 years as a solo recording artist, producer, composer, live performer and DJ, Karsh has set the world of electronic fusion on fire and has helped create a genre of new music and culture that continues to influence an entire generation. His body of work has been cause for fans and critics alike to claim Kale as a pioneer and a trail blazer, not only opening doors for his own career but for an entire scene to emerge in the world of electronica and fusion music. Karsh Kale has also developed a reputation as a genre bending collaborator and a world-renowned tabla player and musician, exploring the worlds of electronica, Indian classical music, rock, jazz fusion and hip hop which have led him to work with some of the most renowned artists from around the globe. Kale continues to reinvent his ever-evolving sound and has established himself as one of the worlds most sought after fusion artists.
As a kid I didn’t just read Marvel and DC comics, it wasn’t just about the adventures of Batman and the X-Men but something more, enter Amar Chitra Katha. These comics were different, they taught morals, ethics and authentic stories in a magical way.
Fast track to now and a fantastic new series of comics have been unleashed on to the market doing what Amar Chitra Katha did but telling the story through fantasy and stunning art without compromising morals and wisdom of the ancient stories.
In 2008, the pioneering comic book brand, VIMANIKA COMICS was launched giving these epics were given a massive face-lift bringing them into the 21st century. The brain behind VIMANIKAis Mumbai-based comic aficionado and entrepreneur, Karan Vir.
After the America based – Virgin Comics (now Liquid) released their Vedic inspired stories, VIMANIKA COMICS has made it their duty to bring the art of story-telling back to India. Through this media they want to enthuse the youth to read more about the antiquities of India and connecting them back to their rich heritage and culture.
So far, VIMANIKA COMICS has released titles such as SIXTH, based on the tales of Karna from the Mahabharata, Moksha, Dashavatar, and the latest addition to the portfolio – Lord Shiva and his legend which actually makes a foray into the world of music, providing chilled out tracks like Shiva Tandav and Shiva Mantra ideal for yoga, meditating or simply chilling out to.
VIMANIKAdefinitely has components of a seriously charismatic venture to win over our minds and ears.
NADA BRAHMA caught up with CEO, Karan Vir for an EXCLUSIVE interview:
NB: What was the inspiration behind creating VIMANIKA COMICS?
KV:It’s not one thing that motivated me but there are a couple of things to start with:
Educating the youth of our nation & around the world of our culture, heritage and most importantly our spiritual values.
Also to share the art of narration and visualization to the world which my brother indoctrinated in me from the childhood.
We want our graphic novel titles to be created into full fledged live action movies & animated movies. For example, Frank Miller’s 300/Superman & Batman.
Extrapolating our Indian Mythology mixed with the art of narration, colouring, art of packaging & presenting it to the people effectively. In other words, to create a platform to present our heritage of ancient India and not only the stories but pantheon of gods, goddesses and heroes. Presenting the Indian mythology in a very pleasing manner to the youth of India and the youth of world as well.
We at Vimanika thought of filling the vacuum that was created by comic publishers that were unable to create and present Comics & Graphic novels in a cutting edge style which is today present in countries like America, Japan and Europe, that’s how the idea and the dream came about to become the DC comics of India in next 5-10 years.
Comics are a platform where you can produce your own stories and watch them take birth in front of you in a short span of time as compared to movies, which take more time and money to be created as compared to a comic, only that in comics the pictures don’t move, otherwise everything is the same, and with that we also want to encourage two things to the youth today 1) A habit of reading 2) Inspiring them to have courage and hope .
Finally the main inspiration was the Legendary character Karna from Mahabharata I wanted our today’s Y & Z generation to know about him, initially I wanted to make a movie but the lack of funds or experience held me back to take a dive into it. So I thought why not make comics/GNs on him? The stories will be copyrighted & I will get the response from the market too! I use to read many Indian comics like ACK & realised that we needed a makeover because in comparison to the international market we were nowhere near.
NB: What makes VIMANIKAstand out from other comics like Amar Chitra Katha and Virgin (Liquid) Comics?
KV: 3 things -
The Art & Colour
Authenticity & Originality of the content
Our Imagination & the art of storytelling.
NB: Out of the VIMANIKArange, which one is your personal favourite and why?
KV:I have 2 personal favourites: The Sixth – The Legend of Karna & Shiva – The Legends of the Immortal.
The Sixth being the true story of the Legendary “Karna” from Mahabharata he was, has and will be my all time favourite. This is because his true life events is not just a story but and inspiration to me. Anyone can relate with Karna, he was the true underdog 5000-3000 yrs ago. So ancient yet so relatable, so courageous yet so emotional. His life has been a bedrock of setbacks but the best part was how he overcame them no matter what the circumstances a true example of a Self made Millionaire of that time. I can just keep talking about him and never stop this all for now. You will notice one thing in India there are more males with the name Karan like I than Arjun, there must be a reason behind this dont you think?
As for Shiva, he is my God and I full heartedly follow him. I love him, they way he lived his life. The part that he is so relatable inspite of being the God of Gods overwhelms me. I pray to him for everything in my life & he grants my wishes. He does not talk much but shows it through his actions, he is the all Bholenath who comes to you if you really ask for him. He is all loving & all destructible with a flick of an eye. I always envision him watching over countless universes with an ease of a Lion walking in his territory. I visualise him all the time around me, I am but a small part of him.
NB: What can we expect from VIMANIKAin the future?
KV:We have lots of things in pipeline for future plans. In the terms of titles we are getting ready to launch the graphic novels ‘Shiva The Legends of The Immortal Book II’ in June 2012 and ‘Dashaavatar Vol 2′ in July 2012. We are also launching The Vol 2 of ‘I am Kalki – The Red Book Vol 2‘ next month April 17th 2012 on our 4th year Anniversary! I am also authoring a Novel based on The Legend of Karna which again will be called The Sixth it will be in 3 parts the 1st part is set to be released in the next 2 month. We will also be coming out with our own Vimanika comics App on Ipad & Android platforms which will be powered by Cloud 9 Comix a leading Digital publisher in Australia. In terms of internet you will be able to read our Comics through our website too in the near future. We would be introducing more titles on various smart phones & tablets with our partner Zero Sum. We would also be getting into the Gaming industry, will update you more on that front in the near future.
We are in talks with leading production houses in India and abroad to make movies based on our titles in live action & 3D Animation. Since we have launched our apparel line too with our very own character based T-shirts this is just a tip of the iceberg & there will loads to expect from Vimanika in the near future!
NB: Do you have any advice for up-and-coming comic writers and artists?
KV:
Dare to dream big.
Believe in the power of visualization.
Do not get dejected what people say.
Take rejections positively as a new opportunity.
Never give up on your dream.
Never make the same mistake twice.
Always create a trend than to follow one.
Create a service or a product which is out of the box.
Be a good communicator.
Exercise 3 days a week!
Please shed the Attitude, when you reach a level then show it that too a little J
Finally earnestly believe in God because I believe nothing happens without his stamp of approval.
NB: Where can readers purchase VIMANIKA Comics?
KV:They can purchase us online through Flipkart Infibeam & Dial a Book .
Offline we are available in all Leading book stores Like Landmark/Odyssey/Oxford & Crosswords (India) we are also available in Railway stations & Airports in standalone book shops Pan India. We are in talks with leading publishers in Europe & soon will be available Pan Europe. Digitally we are available on Ipads & Android platforms also all Smart phones & Black berry play book Tablets. On the whole we are trying to have our presence felt everywhere.
If you are based outside of India, you can purchase these comics straight from the VIMANIKA COMICS site!
this all for now. You will notice one thing in India there are more males with the name Karan like I than Arjun, there must be a reason behind this dont you think? 
