I wanted to share you a new song that I worked on with SoulAvenue, the same producer who remixed Wildflower World. This is on his new album. Do let me know your thoughts! We’ve named it One by One.
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Not long ago, I sat down with DJ Mason of Below Zero Beats to chat about music, life and things that move us. Mason played the interview on the show last month, but was kind enough to send me the file so I could share it again with all of you. So here we are. Me, Mason and Music.
After taking nearly a year off since my last gig because of studio time, I can’t take it any longer! Jesse and I continue to work on the new album, but I miss performing for all of you. I will be part of the Bohemian Shindig @ Cinespace. Please save the date!!!
See you soon and don’t forget to tell them you’re there to see “Shaheen”!
I was raised an Indian Muslim in a small suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. Like many, I have faced ignorant racism. At age 7, a woman and her elderly mother shouted at my and my mother, “Go back to your own fucking country.” Even then I knew she needed medication. At age 25, I was in San Francisco when 9/11 happened and similar yelling and harassment became a common occurence in my life. I do not shy away from hatred. I stare it down. In my lifetime, I never thought I would witness my President addressing the 1 billion Muslims in the world. But it has happened. And I feel heard.
I sit here staring blankly at a blank piece of paper, but for the faded blue lines that help me write straight across the page. My task is simple - to come up with 8 lines which when all said and done will make up 2 versus of a song. This canvas stares back at me pushing me to find poetry in explaining one word: Truth.
Word association games leave me with new words: fear, danger, strength, courage, compassion. Are these not some of the most complex human emotions? And what I have is 8 lines. I will massage the words and hopefully find poetry.
Arabian…thank you for your patience.
Serendipitously, Jesse took me to a Reason event back in February. This peculiar, hidden soiree of music tech geeks was an adventure for me as one of the only female music producers present at the event. But it’s typical in the world of musicians and gear - women are generally the minority and certainly so in that hip hangar of the Santa Monica Airport.
When I arrived, I was early or everyone else was late - so I quickly stuck out my hand to the closest guy standing next to me and introduced myself. He said his name was Arabian. Well, I got Sheik for a last name so figured we might have something to talk about. Mostly, I did the talking. For 30 minutes, I went off about water rights and its cut-throat, dirty politics throughout history and the plight of the Palestinian people. And since Arabian has an understanding of just how dirty this world can be, he listened - though he quickly admitted to me that he’s an avid golf player and probably couldn’t say much about water rights. I forgave him, partly because I figured I could slowly convince him to be more water mindful if we ended up becoming friends and I had more opportunities to harangue him on the topic.
Typically, I forgot I was at a music event until Arabian asked the right question in such a setting, “So what kind of music do you do?” After replying “World Dance Music”, he said, “Well, I’m the guy you should know if you’re into dance music.” I’ve been in this business long enough to know that they ALL say that. Not one to be too quick to judge…(clearing of throat here)…I handed him my CD and asked him about his musical journey.
Turns out, Arabian could in fact school me on music and after 3 days in a studio with him, I’ve had the privilege of getting some music history lessons - particularly on electro-funk. See, Arabian produced a little track called Supersonic for J. J. Fad back in the day and was a founding member of a little group some folks like to call NWA. So who knew? Sweet, folk songwriter who got her start in a gay bar in San Francisco would one day be working on dance tracks with her new friend, Arabian Prince. But then, didn’t we always figure it would turn out this way? Arabian and the Sheik.
It’s official. On a rainy day in February, the band joined forces in cubby surrounded by every drum imaginable, courtesty of Michael. With a timed heater on, we set out to write the new album - at least sketch a few ideas.
The world is on our mind - liberation, sexy politics - these are the words that swam through the air. Playful we were but I felt shy at the first time creating in a collaborative world. These are how artists learn to trust - one session at a time. Swirling around what’s floating in our minds - hoping to come up with the next piercing moment to change the world - one song at a time. Jesse show us his version of the process below.
I had such a blast singing the National Anthem at the Staples Center last night. Unfortunately, the Clippers lost against the Magic, but on the other hand I got to treat my parents to second row seats in exchange for them watching me sing! Happy that this was my third year singing for the Clippers!!!
Here’s a recording…not the highest quality, but the best Harpal could do with our little hand-held camera.
To Mumbai and all my Mumbaikars, my heart goes out to you. A Chennaikar by right, but a Mumbaikar by choice, no words suffice. My humble prayers are with you.
How you raised me to love India and its people with your joy and chaos, laughter and love for life. You allowed me to step beyond the boundaries of my parents’ India to find my own home away from home. You welcomed my music, my curiousity and my tukda Hindi with open arms. I am forever yours and send loving prayers of peace and healing while you rechannel your anger and confusion to effect incredible change. We are with you - though we are thousands of miles away.
I leave you with a few words I use to console myself in troubled times.
When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers and for a time they seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall.. think of it, always.
- Mahatma Gandhi
Harpal and I finally made our way to Seattle last weekend. We had a chance to visit Natasha, my dear friend and publicist, and a bunch of our old friends from my time in San Francisco. It was heart-warming to be with all of them. They have been there from the beginning of my musical journey, from the days I started as weekly regular at the Lush Lounge in San Fran. Very healing. Very sweet.
We started our weekend catching up in Natasha’s condo and on Saturday, we made our way to Solomani’s before dinner. A guitar magically appeared - courtesy of Munira. What soon followed was an impromptu performance of Wildflower World. Hope you enjoy.
p.s. The update on the third album…we’re having production meeting #2 on Sunday, November 2. Me, Michael and Jesse. I still need to decide what this album will be about…Journaling abounds.