http://www.mid-day.com/whatson/2008/oct/171008-Whats-On-Delhi-Jam-session-AR-Rahman-The-Big-Band.htm
While there are dozens of so called 'talent shows' on air, there is not even a single format that focusses on alternate music genres, barring the recently concluded Junoon on NDTV. Here comes The Big Band (TBB), a talent hunt out to prove that the best music isn't about crooning Bollywood numbers on pre-recorded karaoke tracks, but daring to hum unexplored tunes. You game? *Asia singing* To be telecasted on Doordarshan in December, this Pan Asian band hunt encompasses seven countries India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Malaysia, Singapore and Sri Lanka. The project endeavours to give cultural and modern musicians a credible platform to showcase their talent as well as allow India to discover sounds that will enliven its hopes, dreams and aspirations. The focus is on lesser known ethnic, regional and contemporary genres. *Rahmania!* TBB will be presented as a travelogue through maverick musician AR Rahman's eyes, as he journeys across 15 cities in search of new talent. The lyricist, composer and singer is the perfect choice for the show, wot say? *Fit the bill?* The main selection criteria is the participants' ability to create original and distinctive music. Only bands with two to 10 members with at least one lead singer can participate in the search. They need to submit three tunes the first tune has to be an original interpretation of a popular Bollywood, folk or regional piece, the second tune has to be based on the band's interpretation of Rahman's especially composed melody for the show, which will be released on October 24, and the third tune has to be an original composition. *Win-win deal* The winning band will get a three-year contract with Phat Phish Records, which includes end-to-end artist management, upto three albums and six music videos, tours and national and international concerts and ultimately a chance to get mentoring from leading music industry luminaries. The top band also gets prizes and cash worth a crore, awarded proportionately through a pyramid structure. Whoa! That's something! For information on rules and requirements for entry submissions, bands can log on to: www.bigbandindia.com The last date for receipt of applications is November 15. *Rahman rap* *What's the gap this show would fill?* Bollywood is not necessarily the ultimate parameter to judge flair. A pool of expertise lies in contemporary and ethnic bands too. That's where our show would be, which is unique in its own. *What would this platform be like?* TBB is a unique stage that gives local bands a chance to dive deep into their true artistic depth and create original music, which transcends language and that is universally accessible. *Is this only the talent that would be highlighted?* Every band has a story to tell. We want people to know what forms a band and binds it. We'll go backstage into practice sessions. *What according to you decides a band's mettle?* Band is not a group per se. It's an amalgamation of shared feelings and the zeal to create something that's thought provoking and engaging. A band creates magic till it's closely knit. *Then why haven't Indian bands arrived yet?* That's not true. If they are properly mentored, they can become world class talents. -- regards, Vithur ARR in my Heart; His Music in my Blood;
