Four songs completed in rehearsals today: Dream, Waiting for You, Ode to Mediocrity and Consumption Disease. The band consisted of Derek Julien on guitar, Among Jamir on bass, Denzil Fernandes on Drums and me on vocals and rhythm guitar. Dream and Ode to Mediocrity aren't there yet, but the other 2 sound pretty good first up! Clip from Waiting for You is below. 7 more songs to go!
Saturday, January 08, 2011
Friday, January 07, 2011
Sunday, January 02, 2011
Influences 2010
Sachin Tendulkar: 50 test centuries. And a spotless career. Not a year goes by when Sachin doesn't do something that amazes the world. But the fact that he does all of this while retaining his humility and honest approach to life is a true guiding light.
Christopher Nolan: After Inception, I realized he is my new favorite director! Memento and Following were incredible movies, but after M Night's disappointing string of releases, one learns to be cautious with these things. Nolan has delivered memorable movies every time (The Prestige, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) - I come out thinking about the movie and it stays in the ambient several days after. Can't wait for "The Dark Knight Rises"!
Fran Healy: How do you resurrect a fading band? Travis should be bigger then Coldplay, but they aren't. The last 2 albums have not touched "The Man Who", or "The Invisible Band" or even "12 Memories". Fran Healy goes solo and releases "Wreckorder", which for me is MY album of 2010 - may not be the best one out there, but a great friend nonetheless. Wonderful, sincere work. And I hope Travis comes back bigger than ever in the coming years.
Anthony Bourdain: He's been around a long time, but I only delved into his work this year. Halfway through season 5 and after reading "Kitchen Confidential", there is no doubt he is special, and a rare mix of superficial irreverence and an underlying respect for what is good in the world. Bourdain is entertaining, thought provoking and frankly, I just envy the man.
Jon Stewart: NPR and Jon Stewart are my biggest sources of information on what is going on in the world today. What makes Stewart a great watch is how almost everything he says finds a sympathetic resonance in me, like no other media figure I have followed or watched. While Colbert is funnier, Stewart strikes the chord. Bless the two best anchors on TV and those 40 minutes of daily DVR'd joy.
Barack Obama: Like Stewart, there is little Obama says that I disagree with. Of course, words come easy, and he is the best at delivering them. Actions have proven hard to follow-up with, and I struggle with that in my little world too. Yet, I believe that in time, sound fundamentals will win out. Obama was an inspiration to many in 2008/09, but for some he continues to remain one, and the fact that things are a whole lot tougher only means he now has a greater opportunity to inspire, and I believe he will.
Dobby: I never read a single Harry Potter book to completion, but just finished a 2 week marathon of catching up on all the movies. I emerged at the end of the Deathly Hallows Part I with one character in my mind: Dobby. His death in the movie is moving as hell and his character as a slavish, poor house-elf only magnifies his contribution to saving Harry and Co. A very memorable character, and will remain my favorite of the series.
The Big Bang Theory: Who could've predicted the success of a show like this? From "Knock-Knock-Knock, Penny", to a newfound interest in finding my favorite spot in the living room with the right airflow, this show has provided several snippets of fun that I use for deriving my own laughs.
Olivia Dunham/Fringe: To a fan of the X-files, Fringe reflects several of the same concepts: an underlying "mythology" amid more generic shows about strange beings and stranger doings. The strong female lead, played by Anna Torv, is what makes Fringe special for me. The physics seems even more impossible than the X-files, but the intensity is at a higher level, and the agenda more personal for the lead stars, something X-files only delved into late in their run. Here's to a long run for Liv and the Bishops!
Christopher Nolan: After Inception, I realized he is my new favorite director! Memento and Following were incredible movies, but after M Night's disappointing string of releases, one learns to be cautious with these things. Nolan has delivered memorable movies every time (The Prestige, Insomnia, Batman Begins, The Dark Knight) - I come out thinking about the movie and it stays in the ambient several days after. Can't wait for "The Dark Knight Rises"!
Fran Healy: How do you resurrect a fading band? Travis should be bigger then Coldplay, but they aren't. The last 2 albums have not touched "The Man Who", or "The Invisible Band" or even "12 Memories". Fran Healy goes solo and releases "Wreckorder", which for me is MY album of 2010 - may not be the best one out there, but a great friend nonetheless. Wonderful, sincere work. And I hope Travis comes back bigger than ever in the coming years.
Anthony Bourdain: He's been around a long time, but I only delved into his work this year. Halfway through season 5 and after reading "Kitchen Confidential", there is no doubt he is special, and a rare mix of superficial irreverence and an underlying respect for what is good in the world. Bourdain is entertaining, thought provoking and frankly, I just envy the man.
Jon Stewart: NPR and Jon Stewart are my biggest sources of information on what is going on in the world today. What makes Stewart a great watch is how almost everything he says finds a sympathetic resonance in me, like no other media figure I have followed or watched. While Colbert is funnier, Stewart strikes the chord. Bless the two best anchors on TV and those 40 minutes of daily DVR'd joy.
Barack Obama: Like Stewart, there is little Obama says that I disagree with. Of course, words come easy, and he is the best at delivering them. Actions have proven hard to follow-up with, and I struggle with that in my little world too. Yet, I believe that in time, sound fundamentals will win out. Obama was an inspiration to many in 2008/09, but for some he continues to remain one, and the fact that things are a whole lot tougher only means he now has a greater opportunity to inspire, and I believe he will.
Dobby: I never read a single Harry Potter book to completion, but just finished a 2 week marathon of catching up on all the movies. I emerged at the end of the Deathly Hallows Part I with one character in my mind: Dobby. His death in the movie is moving as hell and his character as a slavish, poor house-elf only magnifies his contribution to saving Harry and Co. A very memorable character, and will remain my favorite of the series.
The Big Bang Theory: Who could've predicted the success of a show like this? From "Knock-Knock-Knock, Penny", to a newfound interest in finding my favorite spot in the living room with the right airflow, this show has provided several snippets of fun that I use for deriving my own laughs.
Olivia Dunham/Fringe: To a fan of the X-files, Fringe reflects several of the same concepts: an underlying "mythology" amid more generic shows about strange beings and stranger doings. The strong female lead, played by Anna Torv, is what makes Fringe special for me. The physics seems even more impossible than the X-files, but the intensity is at a higher level, and the agenda more personal for the lead stars, something X-files only delved into late in their run. Here's to a long run for Liv and the Bishops!
Friday, December 24, 2010
New Original Home Video: One of Us
One of Us
Music and Lyrics: Dhruv Bhate (c) 2010
Lyrics
Take a look in the mirror, I don't like what I see
Head out to work now, but is this who I really want to be?
Push and pull at the workplace, do I have the right stuff?
Head out to the wine bar, but am I white enough?
Pulled over by the flashing lights, show them all of my papers,
Tell them I work 5 to 5, I'm just a bottom scraper.
“Man” he said, “how do you live? And are you straight or are you gay?”
I said “Man, why do you give a fuck? Leave me alone and walk away.”
It wasn't me, who took away all our happy days
It wasn't me, who made us change all our careless ways,
It wasn't me, it was all of us, and now it's hard to see,
That all we ever wanted to be, all I ever wanted to be was, one of us.
I've put on all these fronts, I've tried to wear all the smiles
Only to discover: the prettier the face, the deeper the lies.
We've got problems, always have, but now I’m the reason,
And all those great ideals, let's change them by the season.
It wasn't me, who took away all our happy days
It wasn't me, who made us change all our careless ways,
It wasn't me, it was all of us, and now it's hard to see,
that all we ever wanted to be, all I ever wanted to be was, one of us.
All I ever wanted to be was one of us, one of us.
Saturday, December 18, 2010
Album Recording Dates Booked!
Dates:
Rehearsals: Jan 8-10, 2011
Recording: Jan 11-13, 2011
Mixing: Jan 14-16, 2011
Location:
Sound Ideaz, Pune, India
11 songs are on the shortlist, the goal is to record at least 8 of them, and all 11 if time permits.
Sunday, November 28, 2010
New Home Video: Terrorist?
Recorded 11/27/2010 with the Zoom Q3HD
Music and Lyrics: Dhruv Bhate (c) 2009
Born into a playground, isolated island
Living in a tea-cup, insulated by tin,
Tearing down the ceiling, with a hammer and a knife
People called him crazy, all he did was nothing
Drank his milk daily, threw it up while flying
In a crowded airplane, on a lady in deep sleep
He has a voice, but nobody listens, when he speaks,
When he loses his words, what will he seek?
Born into a playground, isolated island
Living in a tea-cup, insulated by tin,
Tearing down the ceiling, with a hammer and a knife
People called him crazy, all he did was nothing
Drank his milk daily, threw it up while flying
In a crowded airplane, on a lady in deep sleep
He has a voice, but nobody listens, when he speaks,
When he loses his words, what will he seek?
In verses and visions, and revelations, we all believe,
Then who's to stop him, from believing, from deceiving -
till his Maker gives him back, his voice.
Stupid bloody sunshine, takes the night away,
And when it is raining, it is only gray,
For he who has no color, sees light only when he prays.
He has a voice, but nobody listens when he speaks,
When he loses his words, what will he seek?
In sinners and saints, and holy paints, we all believe,
Then who's to stop him, from believing, from deceiving -
till his Maker gives him back, his song.
Then who's to stop him, from believing, from deceiving -
till his Maker gives him back, his voice.
Stupid bloody sunshine, takes the night away,
And when it is raining, it is only gray,
For he who has no color, sees light only when he prays.
He has a voice, but nobody listens when he speaks,
When he loses his words, what will he seek?
In sinners and saints, and holy paints, we all believe,
Then who's to stop him, from believing, from deceiving -
till his Maker gives him back, his song.
This thing called religion, man it's killing me,
And I am no believer, with nothing to seek,
But love and truth and wisdom, is all that I need to be free.
It's all that you need to be free,
It's all that we need to be free. Yeah.
Saturday, November 20, 2010
"Intel's Got Talent" Finals (Nov 12, 2010)
I won the "Intel's Got Talent" contest, below is the recording at the Intel Studio in Santa Clara, CA. Bungled a few chord changes, but otherwise enjoyed the performance thoroughly.
Music and Lyrics: Dhruv Bhate (c) 2009
How would it be, if all that was right was all that was wrong?
Then would we see, all we can be, simple and free?
It was a long time coming, but I made up my mind, I did what was right.
The best laid plans of men and mice, all fall apart, this God does play dice.
Teacher told me, "Read your books and you'll do fine"
I never saw the wonder that was right between the lines.
And now I am older, these words are burnt in my brain.
But where there was wonder, only regret remains, and this damn refrain.
Dream, is it okay if I dream tonight?
Dream, is it okay? Can I pretend I'm right?
I wannabe a spaceman, wannabe superman, wannabe, I wannabe, I wannabe,
Dream, can you let me be me tonight?
Each of us, an entity, a soon-to-be
Tomorrow will be a better day, we tell ourselves and then we sell ourselves
The clocks on the wall, they keep ticking away, night and day
The race begins anew, but the lies are the same, they keep us safe from the pain.
And Papa told me, "This guitar is all fine"
"But if you wanna be a star, you ain't no son of mine"
Mama told me, "Your daddy's gonna break"
"Stop dreaming now". "But Mama, I am awake, I'm living my dream for God's sake!"
Dream, is it okay if I dream tonight?
Dream, is it okay? Can I pretend I'm right?
I wannabe a rockstar, wannabe a superstar, wannabe, I wannabe, I wannabe,
Dream, can you let me be me tonight?
Dream, is it okay if I dream tonight? (dream tonight)
Dream, is it okay? Can I pretend I'm right?
I wannabe a rockstar, wannabe a superstar, wannabe, I wannabe, I wannabe,
Dream, can you let me be me tonight?
Me tonight? Me tonight?
And Dream.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Promotional Opportunities in Arizona
With "Almost Unsung" set for an early 2011 release, here is a reference list of promotional opportunities for my first studio CD. Feel free to post other ideas:
- AZ Open Mic Venues: http://azopenmic.com/
- AZ Music Cafe (AM 960, Sunday 3pm): http://www.azmusiccafe.com/how-to-get-on-the-show/
- Four more coffee shop venues in AZ: http://www.coffeehousetour.com/database/listjoints.php?state=A
Saturday, September 18, 2010
"Dream" wins first prize at Intel Variety Show (AZ)
September 18, 2010
First prize, got to the finals of "Intel's Got Talent", to be held in Santa Clara, CA on Nov 12, 2010.
Thanks to all for showing up and cheering me on!
Video:
Sunday, June 17, 2007
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