Shaheen
 

Revolution
Shaheen Sheik

Shaheen Sheik’s sophomore album sees the artist reaching untold heights. She has her roots in India and that influences her very urban sound here and there.

“Coconut” sees Sheik playfully emulate a radio-friendly sound and pen a conscious lyric about racial prejudice. The spoken word bits used really add to the songs message of being proud of who you are. “Dainty Lady” has a clear Indian feel and is geared at the dance floor as Sheik sings angelically. “In You” is sensuous and sweet, Sheik’s siren-voice lost ion soft beats, the frantic part only heightens the songs appeal.

“Here we go” features a lead vocal that reminds me of Neneh Cherry and an antiwar message that’s easy to agree with. The melody’s supple and lovely and the music pours forth like a river. Shaheen Sheik’s new album is a strong statement and a good record all in one.

Copyright © 2008 Anna Maria Stjärnell

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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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My dear friend, Varun Soni, recently got appointed as the Dean of Religious Life at USC. He’s the first Indian to hold the position, not to mention the youngest, and it’s already made headlines at the LA Times and the Washington Post. Varun also happens to be a lawyer, a patron of the arts and a DJ for LA’s progressive independent radio station, KPFK.

Early this morning…and when I say early, I mean 1:45am, I went down to KPFK’s station house to meet up with Varun and be a guest on his last Indica show as presented for the past year. With the new USC position, Varun will have to figure out a new way to continue his DJ gig. He reminded me that I was his first guest a year ago and his last today. Life always comes full circle.

We talked about the new album, REVOLUTION. We also talked about the Muslim women’s collective I’m a part of. It’s called Deeyah Presents: Sisterhood. The aim of Sisterhood is to help inspire other Muslim women to move beyond the resistance we face in our community as performers and artists. It’s an oddly held belief that if a woman is on stage, she is too seductive for any type of productive output for society. Much better if she stays indoors and has babies. Nothing wrong with having babies. Hope to have some someday, but I’d like to think that having babies and a family can coexist with being an artist! Imagine that novel idea?!?

Varun highlighted Sisterhood’s Kiran Zamman and Jus1Jam, both UK-based artists. He also talked to Elly of Elly and Khai up in the Bay Area.

Varun then sent a little message for all of you.

I got home around 4am this morning. For now, I’m signing off.

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Kid Fresh on the Desi Mixtape Show rolled in rEvolution.  Lovin it.  I look forward to meeting him when I’m out in London this summer.  The UK music scene is mighty fine.  Only thing is that I will need to learn how to speak like them.  They have their own language.

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This is a recent message from DJ Elayne in the UK.  It’s very exciting!  "Circle" is climbing up the charts.  If you can email her and request "Circle," maybe we can get it to #1!!!!

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Just to let you know, your track ‘Circle’ is been played on Colourful Radio and is currently in my Top 30 chart; up 2 places from last week’s 18 to this week’s 16. Please ask as many of your friends who likes ‘Circle’ to email my show afternoondelight@colourfulradio.com and request that it be played this will move it up the chart.

Elayne
Afternoon Delight

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dear friends,

my song "wildflower world" (co-written by rick neigher) is up for a spot on the star lounge cd.  also if i win, i get to perform live on star 98.7 fm.

but it will take your vote to make it happen.  here’s how to do it:

1)  stop by star987.com

2)  scroll down to "wildflower world" by shaheen

3) click the button next to the song and enter your email address before you hit submit.

4)  you’ll get a verification email to the address you entered.  there will be a link there.  click the link so that you’re vote is counted!

one vote per email.

thanks so much!

love and peace,

shaheen

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