News Category

This post is in response to a pretty impressive blog I came across from someone who is by all means brilliant in many measured things. A specialist in design economics, Aza Raskin’s site is a reflection of his philosophy and tall legacy.

In one of his entries he proposes a “Remix Challange“, an oppertunity for his readers to try thier own hand at improving upon a poster released by the Muenster City Public Planning Office.

The original poster consists of three pretty compelling shots of a street with sixty people, and their choices in transportation.

Aside from the use of Comic Sans as the font, Aza asks his readers if they could design a better message.

Anyways, I thought I would take a shot at it…

(Here is the Original Poster)

Yes we are still on the casting couch of Bollywood waiting to spearhead our own film, but at least we’ve been blessed with being able to work with some major voices on some pretty monster tracks!

So let me (re) introduce you to our latest batch of 10… yup 10 Official Bollywood Remixes!!!

(Some of them are updated versions from before…)

Sukran Allah - feat Apache Indian - Kurbaan

Mora Pia - Male Version - Raajneeti

Mora Piya - Kavita Seth Remix - Rajneeti

What’s Youre Rashee - What’s Youre Rashee

Kya Karu Summer Jam Mix - Wake Up Sid

Iktara Lounge Mix - Kavita Seth Version - Wake Up Sid

Tenu TV Calypso Mix - LSD

Tere Naina - My Name is Khan

Sadja - My Name Is Khan

Tu Hi Haqeeqatt Dremahouse Mix - Tum Mile

—–

I would also like to note that our remixes for the film Rajneeti feature on the official sound track!!!

“If you enjoy the original be sure to catch the two remixes appearing later in the soundtrack.

The first is “Trance Remix� with vocals by Kavita Seth. The second is “Twilight Remix�.

Both are wiked remixes by Deep and DJ Chantz.”  - PlanetBollywood.com

And special thanks to Apache Indian for tracking a vocal on the Sukran Allah remix!

Check it out all out in indiAudio radio!

Me and DJ Chantz (Chandu) were really excited to get commissioned for the Sajda and Tere Naina Official My Name is Khan Remixes…

Both of the tracks are so great to begin with, we knew the challenge was we had to make our mark in a meaningful way.

So in addition to adding a groove to connect with your body, we also added a new musical emotion to connect with your soul…

—–

It’s amazing how at this level (Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy) the vocal and presentation is already just impeccable, so it was easy to push them forward to drive the remixes along with the beats.

I really hope you enjoy our take on the songs, and find us up to the task : )

Check it out on indiAudio Radio, and look for it soon on Sony Music India…

I’ve been a music producer for 10 years… and I’ve sucked at it for 9 1/2… : )

—–

If you have read through any of my entries on this site you already know that I find more value in the lessons of failure, than from the pat on the back of success.

I’ve been meaning to initiate a discussion about music for sometime, but I’ve been too caught up in the actual act of producing to spare the time.

But it is from this very experience that I will base these entries (good or bad), as we dive head first in to making music for independent artists, labels, and mostly the massive mechanism of Bollywood.

—–

To begin with, being that I’m working in India, many people ask me what is the difference between a Music Director and a Producer.

For those of you in “Timber-Land” you must understand that Indian music isn’t defined by film, but films define ALL popular music.

(Just come Mumbai and try to release an Alternative-Rock Album, and you’ll have as much luck as you would in Afghanistan :)

So as I meet film directors, it becomes paramount that I convey exactly what we do, how we are different, and what the advantages are.

(I say “we” as one thing I’ve learned is that its quite advantageous to work as a team.)

—–

So what exactly is the difference between a “Producer” and a Music Director?

While we find the answer quite clear in the west, most people in India, even from within the industry, don’t have a clear understanding.

So lets begin our discussion of the craft with my own definitions…

“A Music Director creates and manages the musical requirements for a film including but not limited to the soundtrack and the score.”

“A Music Producer maintains a balanced responsibility between the Song, Artist, Genre, Mix, Intention, Distribution (Label/Film), Marketing, and Audience.”

—–

I’ll go into the specifics of this definition through the series of upcoming entries, as well as discuss specific studio, composition, arrangement, and production techniques, all while exploring the philosophy and strategy of how music production fits into Bollywood.

(I also reserve the necessary right to note and change the elements of this discussion as there is never an end to learning.)

—–

As Music Production is gaining importance, my goal is to document the industry’s and my own journey towards this destination, in hopes that it may help you on your own.

I’ve noticed that “production” is the defining factor behind what makes the top music directors great today…

Vishal and Shekhar, Shankar, Ehsaan, and Loy, A.R. Rahman, and Pritam as examples, all have an advantageous ability to produce their own material.

In no lesser terms, production defines the state of the art.

—–

I truly believe that we are at the beginning of a trend where filmmakers will prefer a “Music Producer” to come in and polish their OST (Official Sound Track), over the traditional team of music director, lyricist, and composer.

Also noted is that filmmakers are breaking from the sole music director approach, and using multiple sources for their soundtracks, which again creates an environment where good production easily stands out against the rest.

Some evidence is rooted in and will replace the obligatory need to include remixes to appeal to the weddings and masses.

And ultimately, in the end I believe this trend will spur on a necessary renaissance for music outside of film in India.

(My next entry will go into details about your role as a producer.)

Buzz18.com has posted an interview and some video footage of our performance at Del Italia on Feb 18th!

I can’t say enough about how much I really appreciate In.com, Buzz18.com, and Daddy for making this all happen.

While on the web, or ever in Mumbai, you have to make a point to check them out.

Cheers again for their supporting local music!

Click here to watch the video…

(Unfortunately even the Sea Breeze couldn’t keep me from sweating - what idiot wears a jacket in Mumbai Anyways? :)