This past weekend in London has been filled with long chats with two musicians I deeply admire.  DJ Swami and Nitin Sawhney. 

Swami and I go back a few years and he melted my heart yesterday when said, “consider me and my family your family here in London.”   I spent Sunday afternoon with his wife and two children at Hampstead Heath, a sprawling Victorian park in inner London.  Four years ago, I met Swami and after taking a listen to Rock Candy, he told me that next time I should just do the album by myself.  As we sipped tea like proper British people, he asked me if I really self-produced REVOLUTION.  My response:  “You told me to!“ 

He stared back and said, “You really listen to us when we tell you something.”  I trust Swami and his musical ear/advice.  If he says something, I’ll listen.  His wife backed me up.  “I definitely remember you telling her to do the next album by herself.”  He was a bit in shock and also happy in a way a big brother can be.  I listened and I think he was proud that I as an Indian woman tackled the hairy world of production.  Not too many of us floating around.  Still, the constructive feedback followed.  Again, I listened.  I hope to make him proud again on the next album.

The day before, I spent the afternoon with Nitin Sawhney in his studio.  We listened to tracks from his upcoming album.  I shared songs from my album.  His positive and constructive feedback followed.  I am humbled that these guys care enough to spend the time to offer me advice.

After music talk, Nitin and I grabbed a drink at a local pub and talked politics.  I love it when musicians get together and talk about the world.  There is no shortage of rebellion and skeptism charging through the air.  Noam Chomsky and “common sense” are often used in a sentence together. 

The weekend was sweet and enlightening, but most of all, inspiring.  Travel has a way of refueling the soul.  Songs are emerging from within.  I can feel it.

When I got back to my computer this morning, had a gift waiting from Yuriyi.  He’s made a chillout mix and included the new Wildflower World Remix by Soul Avenue. 

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Enjoy, enjoy!  More news from London in a bit…also, check the Ashanti Omkar post.  My show with her is live on their site!

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UPDATE:  My show on South Side is live!!!

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After nearly 4 days in London, having battled jetlag and getting a local mobile, I had my first official music jaunt today.  Ashanti Omkar, of Desi Hits! South Side, had me as a guest on her show today (will air on Monday so stay tuned for the update post).

Quite honestly, I was a bit nervous for three reasons.  I knew Ashanti to be a serious music journalist - she is not afraid to ask the tough questions.  Then there was Ghetto Guru, master provoker - I could not be held liable for my defense.  And thirdly, today was my first trip on the tube by myself!  (you’re supposed to say “awwwww” now.  okay, fine.  i’ve been on the subway in NYC.)

With guitar on back, I headed to Eastcote Station.  Despite it being July, it’s gray, rainy and chilly here.   You can see from the picture below, sunshine is not to be found.

Of course, the Piccadilly line had a small fire alert and therefore, trains were delayed.  I texted Ashanti to let her know I was running late and that oddly, the tube kept randomly stopping in the middle of the journey - not at the stops.  Graciously, she waited for me at Acton Town, the nearest station to the Desi Hits! studio. 

When I finally reached and met up with Ashanti, I wondered how anyone could be intimidated by this lovely, sweet woman?!?  That’s us in front of the studio.  We hid the only woman on the wall because the artist and the guys at Desi Hits! thought it would be funny to make her “well endowed.”  To see how well, you will need to go to Acton Town.

All I can say about the day is that I had such a blast!  I can’t wait for you to hear the show.  We laughed for an hour straight.  Listened to great music.  And as far as Ghetto Guru is concerned…  Let’s just say I handled my business.

It’s pretty late here.  After dinner with Ashanti and live concert photographer Akin, I headed back on the Tube to Pinner where I’m staying with my aunt and uncle.  By the way, they are super sweet!  Getting to know this side of my Punjabi family is turning out to be illuminating and enlightening.  London, even with shite weather, captured my heart all over again.

More soon… 

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After 5 years of being involved with ArtWallah, once again, I had the privilege of performing at the Festival this year. My dear friend, Lakshmi Iyengar, and I performed a traditional Bharatanatyam piece. For music, I played acoustically on Saturday and with the band on Sunday.

My acoustic performance was also graced by Sandra Chatterjee’s lovely improv dancing. Here’s a rough recording of the piece we improvised to live on Saturday night. I’ve named the piece Mirage…enjoy!

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Thank you to Soumya, Sarita, Megha and all the volutneers for making the event so lovely!

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