Catch the song and tele chat between 6pm and 7pm Indian Standard Time.
- W.O.A News Desk
http://www.woarecords.com - Home To The World's Best Independent
Artists!
Goa, India - January 25, 2009 – W.O.A International, through its
management division W.O.A Management, signs on Lenny Deneb, a St.
Lucian born singer/songwriter, a to a three-year management and
marketing deal. . This partnership will see W.O.A Management represent
Lenny Deneb and his band across India and the Middle East.
"Signing on this artist was a very easy decision for the A&R division
due to the high energy and infectious music they make", says W.O.A
International Marketing director Wanda Alvares. "Lenny joins ranks
with the select few top notch reggae rock acts that are now with W.O.A
Records".
At the age of 10 Lenny migrated to England from St. Lucia. In order
to cope with life's changes and the new environment, he would frequent
the local youth and community center, affectionately known as 'Saxon'.
"This is where my love for music was first aroused and my first music
outfit 'Cygnus' was formed", says the singer.
As a solo artist now, Lenny's success knows no bounds. In 1987 Lenny
released three songs for his own LED Records, the third single 'Who or
what turns you on' made record of the week in the Echoes music paper
and recently turned up on the Discog website as a collector's record.
Following this Lenny recorded a Zouk - Soca song for another London
based Jamaican producer named Bill Campbell titled 'Shakedown
Suzanne'. Some of the other eminent people in the music industry who
he has worked closely with include Judy Boucher, Lindel Lewis and
guitarist JJ Belle of Tina Turner, Lionel Richie, Arrow, Judie Tzuke,
Bob Marley fame.
"My current brand of reggae music has been described as reggae-rock,
bringing together the styles of Bob Marley, Steel Pulse, Peter Tosh
and the rock influences of U2, Bruce Springsteen, the Police,
Radiohead, Ocean Colour Scene, Maroon 5 and R.E.M", says Lenny, who is
slated to tour India very soon.
The W.O.A Records India tour 2009 which is an annual production of the
W.O.A International group and India's only Independent artist tour of
such a grand scale to be organized is slated to be bigger and better
than the W.O.A 2008 tour, which saw history being created by W.O.A
International and some of the World's best Independent artists. Lenny
Deneb is now slated to join ranks with these select artists.
ABOUT W.O.A INTERNATIONAL
Formed in 1998 by World Music star Oliver Sean, W.O.A International is
a global entertainment company that continues to lead the way when it
comes to how music should be promoted. They are pioneering
international music in India and Asia and are now synonymous with the
region. Their enviable reputation at opening up new possibilities
means that they are the go-to company for independent artists wishing
a truly international presence.
For additional information, please contact:
Irene Sequeira
W.O.A International
+91 9326126670
info@woarecords.com
Further details about W.O.A International is available at www.woarecords.com
SynchDub is an electronic musician. She first started off with Percussion for about 5 years. With this experience of using different percussion instruments, she begin to experiment with using beats and her own sounds made with many kinds of softwares. Using the computer as a tool, she has been mixing self-recorded sounds with software instruments and a mixer. Her musical ideas appear from different things - experimenting is her biggest inspiration.
She has made quite a few guest appearances for live performances at Digital Art Festivals in South-America. She has also toured Europe with other artists in Belgium, Austria, Italy and Switzerland, with a kind of semi-live and semi-DJ-set.
For additional information, please contact:
Irene Sequeira
W.O.A International
+91 9326126670
A video mix tape of Oliver Sean's hit Music Videos, Live Shows and exclusive footage.
- W.O.A Records
Press cuttings from the 2008 W.O.A Records India Tour.
- W.O.A News Desk
- W.O.A News Desk
W.O.A Records sue con men who posed as msuicians during the last W.O.A Records India Tour including Mana3, Xiren, Cuca Moreno and DaveJ - for defamation and breach of contract. W.O.A Artists, Partners and Associates are advised to beware of these felons and to email W.O.A International immediately if they are contacted by these felons. - W.O.A News Desk
W.O.A Records sue con men who posed as msuicians during the last W.O.A Records India Tour including Mana3, Xiren, Cuca Moreno and DaveJ - for defamation and breach of contract. W.O.A Artists, Partners and Associates are advised to beware of these felons and to email W.O.A International immediately if they are contacted by these felons. - W.O.A News Desk
International label W.O.A Records signs on 15 year old Maria Marsch to an International Record deal.
Goa, India – January 08, 2009 – W.O.A Records' A&R execs have discovered a new face and fresh talent that has the potential of reaching big heights in the music industry world wide. Here is the extremely talented Singer & performer Maria Marsch who is all set to take on the music world.
"We as a label have always stuck with the unconventional and Indie nature of music however this new singer we discovered is more main stream and we think she has the potential to break through the masses and be noticed in the current trend of main stream music" says W.O.A International President and Gen Next Rockstar Oliver Sean. "Maria has been signed to a 5 year Record & Management deal and I expect great things from this new artist"
Born in Helsinki this beautiful singer/songwriter from Finland has now made Goa her new home. This natural born musician has been composing and writing since a very young age with a strong passion for the stage and performing. As fate would have it Maria was introduced to the President of W.O.A Records Oliver Sean who recognized the immense talent in this stunner and invited her to sing live at the W.O.A Studios in Goa as an audition. "I have always wanted to be a singer and now I am living my dream", says the beautiful singer from Finland "being signed up to W.O.A Records has been a great experience for me".
Now signed on to W.O.A Records, Maria Marsch is currently working on her new album & music video, which is to be launched internationally on W.O.A Records later this year.
Stay tuned to the official W.O.A Records website for all the latest info on Maria Marsch
ABOUT W.O.A INTERNATIONAL
Formed in 1998 by World Music star Oliver Sean, W.O.A International is a global entertainment company that continues to lead the way when it comes to how music should be promoted. They are pioneering international music in India and Asia and are now synonymous with the region. Their enviable reputation at opening up new possibilities means that they are the go-to company for independent artists wishing a truly international presence.
For additional information, please contact:
Irene Sequeira
W.O.A International
+91 (832) 651-2569
The W.O.A Party on Salt n Pepper the Zee Music Show.
- W.O.A News Desk
The W.O.A Feature on Goa 365 - catch W.O.A Records Artists, Celebrated author Wana Alvares, Bollywood Superstar Jackie Shroff and Indian Rockstar Oliver Sean
- W.O.A News Desk
The W.O.A Records party n Zee TV's BNews. Catch Oliver Sean, Jackie Shroff, Wanda Alvares and other celebrities rocking on this video
- W.O.A News Desk
Event Faqs Magazine, December '08 -Redefining the words 'chilled out', Oliver Sean, at his simplest, is a man with a dream. Ten years ago, Sean began to make this dream a reality with a small studio in Dubai. Today, he is the president and founder of W.O.A International Рa global entertainment company that houses W.O.A Records, W.O.A Studios, W.O.A Management, W.O.A Events and very soon 'The Independent Musician - Magazine' (W.O.A Publications). The W.OA Records India Tour 2008 saw nine international independent artists and an audience of 3,000 people at their show in Goa on June 29, 2008. They also performed in Pune and at Hard Rock Caf̩ and nightclub Privee in Mumbai. Sean spoke with EVENTFAQS' Vanessa Rebello, about the W.O.A Records India tour 2008, the music scene in India and how it compares with the rest of the world.
Excerpts from Interview:
This is the first W.O.A Tour in India. What has the response been like?
Since the scene for independent artists has not yet reached India, people are not too sure about what to expect. We saw a large crowd in Goa, and even Mumbai seems to be treating us well. Sponsors are skeptical, but the media has been omnipresent and encouraging.
How big a component are live events for record labels such as W.O.A?
India has no concept of tours and live events when it comes to the music industry. Here, before an album is launched, there is a flashy music video released and that's about it. But abroad, touring is a very important element of music. It's essential for a band or an artist to get around and be known among the people. And the best way to do this is through live events. Videos are secondary.
How big are the divisions of WO.A International?
I have a few main people who take charge of important things, and they have people under them who help them out. Right now, there are about 10 to 15 people in each section of W.O.A International. We are looking to expand sometimes soon.
Do all the divisions of W.O.A International cater solely to W.O.A artists?
As of now, that is the case. W.O.A International functions in a circular manner. The artists are managed by W.O.A Management, they record at W.O.A Studios, their music is on W.O.A Records and their events are handled by W.O.A Events.
How many events have you done in India?
We've done a few events in India before – mostly in Goa. But we've never had anything on such a large scale. This is the first time we have taken so many independent artists to tour India.
In your opinion, how is the music scene changing?
It hasn't changed too much when it comes to independent artists. It is still very hard for them to find a place in the music industry. Today, people will listen to a Beyonce, only if a major music label like Sony tells them to listen to it. With this tour in India, we aim to change that. We want people to know that there is a lot of good music out there, and just because it is not backed by a major music label, doesn't make it any less than any other kind of music.
How different is the Indian market from other markets?
Even English music hasn't set in as much as it should have in India, leave alone Independent artists. Abroad, people like to explore new kinds of music. They enjoy going for live events and they love being the first people to know about a good band. The culture of independent artists has set in there. Also, getting sponsors is a huge problem here in India. Abroad, there are a lot of people with money who are simply looking for new talent to support. But in India, unless you are big, getting sponsors is next to impossible.
Is there such a thing as maturity of a market when it comes to music consumption and live events?
Definitely. But maturity only comes into play once there is exposure. And as of now the key focus is on exposure, so that people are aware of independent artists and live music events. Once people are exposed to these forms of music consumption, maturity can be easily reached.
With the online space offering popular forums for music, has the value of live events gone down?
Online space usually affects live events positively. If you're being heard and downloaded online, chances are that people are going to want to watch you live. However, from a producer's point of view, I obviously want my artists' music video to be sold and not downloaded.
What can people expect to see from W.O.A soon?
Most importantly, our artists' albums will be locally available in Mumbai by May 10, 2008. They will now also hear from other independent artists like Fumble from Finland, Daze of Dawn from Sweden and Jack Dalton from Australia, who plays with AC/DC's' guitarist. I'm working on a song in a movie called 'Cutting Chai Dreams High'.
ABOUT W.O.A INTERNATIONAL Formed in 1998 by World Music star Oliver Sean, W.O.A International is a global entertainment company that continues to lead the way when it comes to how music should be promoted. They are pioneering international music in India and Asia and are now synonymous with the region. Their enviable reputation at opening up new possibilities means that they are the go-to company for independent artists wishing a truly international presence.
For additional information, please contact:
Irene Sequeira
W.O.A International
+91 9326126670
One of India's biggest Rockstars Goan local lad Oliver Sean is getting ready to be the pin-up boy of music with the release of his new album Getting Around. He also runs his own recording label company that handles musicians worldwide. He strums a guitar for Hi!
Hi! Blitz Magazine, 18 December 2008 - He's got the gall, the gumption and he has a combination of Italian and Goan Portuguese looks. Add that to his music and here's a charmer from the land of the sea and the sun.
Of Goan Portuguese (mother) Italian (father Sicilian) lineage, Oliver Sean singer/songwriter/producer began his musical career in 2003 with his self-produced debut English album I Like It (W.O.A Records/Times Music) that speaks about love and happiness. Apart from singing, Oliver also plays the keyboard and guitar. His eclectic music with a Latin influence is referred to as an alternative acoustic rock and world rock in the international music scene. His first album fuses mainstream rock with classical Indian instruments and Latin rhythms. Talking about his musical leanings, Oliver gives credit to his late uncle Victor Alvares, the acclaimed Goan bass guitarist who introduced him to various facets of music.
Two ventures coming up for the enterprising entrepreneur: music launch for the crossover film Cutting Chai being directed by Flavin Lucien, an Anglo Indian, and his own album Getting Around, which should be released by early February 2009. "My English albums are not written commercially. I put in songs written over months and years because it is almost like a book of experiences," he reiterates. He lists some of his favorite tracks from the CD: I've Been Waiting, Movies, Come On Move On and the title track Getting Around, Somebody, Alone, which is dedicated to his mom and all the single mothers. Oliver's repertoire between his English albums boasts of commercial releases – a Hindi album, Christmas singles, background scores and more.
Oliver Sean dreams big and works harder. When his first album I Like It was released, he found little help coming forth from recording companies. It was his gumption to take on the task of releasing his album himself, which led to the creation of W.O.A International in Goa. "It's to help the many talented musicians around the world who have no avenue or clue of how to go about releasing their music," says Oliver.
W.O.A International is a global entertainment company that houses W.O.A Records, W.O.A Studios and W.O.A Management, which has a background in conceptualizing and organizing world-class live concerts and festivals. A marketing division has now been incorporated as a separate entity, and the W.O.A Music marketing service has been made available to all independent musicians, labels and management companies across the world. Those who want to avail of these services to promote their music and artistes in these regions, without having to tie up with a management company or record label from this region now can do so, thus retaining complete control of their music, live performances, entertainment, revenues, etc.
With over a hundred artists already signed by W.O.A, it has some of the world's biggest international acts as a part of their roster, including Oliver Sean, the founder of W.O.A , Grammy-nominated rockers Tiger Tiger, Russia's biggest metal band ANJ, Finland's Rockstars Fumble, Ireland's no 1 Gypsy Jazz Band Blue Jar and various other independent and major label artistes.
Growing up in the land of the sea and sand, Oliver talks fondly of Loutolim, the place where he grew up. This breathtakingly beautiful and landscaped land is his inspiration; also a search for true love and gratitude for his family. Lost in his dream world he notes, "I spend a lot of time alone, watching a sunset on the beach or driving on an open highway in Goa, because I can be in my own world and this is what brings my music to life. I get most inspired when I'm with my dogs Buddy and Sam, a Labrador and a German Shepherd." Most of all he finds comfort in his single mother Wanda Alvares' love.
Handsome, young and eligible, Oliver's search for his lady love is going on. "I love beautiful women and this makes it hard to decide. Seriously though, I think when the right person comes along I'll know."
ABOUT W.O.A INTERNATIONAL
Formed in 1998 by World Music star Oliver Sean, W.O.A International is a global entertainment company that continues to lead the way when it comes to how music should be promoted. They are pioneering international music in India and Asia and are now synonymous with the region. Their enviable reputation at opening up new possibilities means that they are the go-to company for independent artists wishing a truly international presence.
For additional information, please contact:
Irene Sequeira
W.O.A International
+91 9326126670
Further details about W.O.A International is available at www.woarecords.com
Dont miss the exclusive worldwide broadcast.
- W.O.A News Desk
www.woarecords.com
Home to the world's best Independent Artists
Sent from my iPhone
Wanda Alvares, Oliver Sean¹s mother, recently released a book written by
her. Bollywood actor Jackie Shroff did the honour.
The event was musical with WOA artists Llyod Paul, Lavina Soares, Elvis Kahn
and Saurabh Som taking the stage. Interacting with one of the guests Jackie
was overheard saying that he (Jackie) came all the way for the function
because Oliver was doing this for his mother.
"Mothers are my weak point,² he said. Architect Anand Kulkarni was seen
speaking to the actor. Meanwhile, fashion designer Monty Sally was seen
catching up with friends. Just before midnight, Oliver jumped on stage and
sang Freddie Mercury¹s I want to break free... And as the clock struck 12,
Wanda and family brought in Oliver¹s birthday with champagne and cake. Well
done birthday boy... you gifted mum on your birthday. ³And am proud of him,²
Wanda was heard telling a friend.
Read the article here
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Goa/A_musical_book_release/articleshow/35
91078.cms
- W.O.A News Desk
- W.O.A News Desk
Featured in the picture: Maria Marsch (W.O.A Artist - Finland), Saurabh Som
(W.O.A Artist - Canada), Oliver Sean, Jackie Shroff, Elvis Kahn (W.O.A
Artist - India), Aryan (Big FM Radio Jockey)
Stay tuned to this blog for the party press coverage and party pictures.
- W.O.A News Desk
- W.O.A News Desk
--
http://www.woarecords.com - Home of the World's best Independent artists.
http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JR08vMjAwOC8xMC8wNiNBcjAxOTAx&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom
Comment: Life is beautiful: Wanda Alvares offers women a chance to connect with their inner grace through her first book.
Read the Times of India article here...
For AOL users: <a href="http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JR08vMjAwOC8xMC8wNiNBcjAxOTAx&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom">http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JR08vMjAwOC8xMC8wNiNBcjAxOTAx&Mode=HTML&Locale=english-skin-custom</a>
Watch it online on youtube - click here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68EOTcabfig
- W.O.A News Desk
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http://www.woarecords.com - Home of the World's best Independent artists.
This email is confidential and solely for the use of the intended
recipient. If you have received this email in error please notify the
author by return email and delete it immediately. Unauthorised
forwarding, printing, copying or use is strictly prohibited and may be
a breach of copyright. Any views expressed in this email are those of
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ed to you by mistake please reply to info@woarecords.com
W.O.A International through its Publications division releases Natural Beauty a book by Wanda Alvares
Goa, India – October 10, 2008 – W.O.A International proudly announces the launch of the first book by Wanda Alvares titled Natural Beauty on its W.O.A Publications banner. This move places W.O.A International firmly into the world of International Publishing.
"With this release, we're not only bringing a wonderful and insightful book that can make a difference in the lives of anyone who reads it, we are also making a firm statement that W.O.A International is all about quality and originality. We have and will continue to offer full support to original and excellent creative work not only in the music world but in other creative fields as well," says Oliver Sean, President / Founder The W.O.A Group, "we're also launching and releasing musical works on this occasion with the worldwide premiere of Alison Woods' debut 3D animated music video that's being supported by UNESCO and also showcasing for the first time in India four of our Indian artists on the W.O.A Records roster who are being launched this year."
With W.O.A Internationals rapid expansion across the world in the entertainment industry and now in the publishing world, this launch that is being organised on the 10th of October is slated to be a media blitz that is being backed by the Bollywood fraternity, Music Royalty and the media in general. This is emphasized with the release of the book at the hands of Bollywood superstar Jackie Shroff and a special performance by International Rocker 'Oliver Sean'. The release and launch party is to be a special TV feature on India's premiere television networks and news networks who will be present at the event.
Natural Beauty is the first book by Wanda Alvares who is a media and marketing guru and is also the E.V.P of the W.O.A Group. "I believe that a woman's beauty involves how she feels – her mind set, her attitude, her outlook on life – all reflects on her outward appearance" says Wanda Alvares. The author shares her secrets and tips in her first book that is already garnering great reviews in the pre release stage.
This event will also see W.O.A Records releasing 4 new singles by their new Indian upcoming artists Lloyd Paul, Elvis Kahn, Lavina Soares and Saurabh Som and also a release of a music video by their British artist Alison Woods thus keeping with their tradition of promoting new and exciting International talent and taking local talent to the International music scene.
W.O.A International's launches and tours are always full of glamour and glitz and the launch of their first book Natural Beauty and the launch of their new artists and music video promises to be no different.
ABOUT W.O.A INTERNATIONAL
Formed in 1998 by World Music star Oliver Sean, W.O.A International is a global entertainment company that continues to lead the way when it comes to how music should be promoted. They are pioneering international music in India and Asia and are now synonymous with the region. Their enviable reputation at opening up new possibilities means that they are the go-to company for independent artists wishing a truly international presence.
For additional information, please contact:
Pete Saunders
W.O.A International
+91 (832) 651-2569
Further details about W.O.A International is available at www.woarecords.com
--
http://www.woarecords.com - Home of the World's best Independent artists.
This email is confidential and solely for the use of the intended
recipient. If you have received this email in error please notify the
author by return email and delete it immediately. Unauthorised
forwarding, printing, copying or use is strictly prohibited and may be
a breach of copyright. Any views expressed in this email are those of
the individual sender unless specifically stated to be the views of
W.O.A International. Although this email has been sent in the belief
that it is virus-free, it is the responsibility of the recipient to
ensure that it is virus free. No responsibility is accepted by W.O.A
International and its divisions for any loss or damage arising in any
way from receipt or use of this email.
ed to you by mistake please reply to info@woarecords.com
The W.O.A Management Division signs on Australian Electronic Wizards Osh10.
Goa, India – September 25, 2008 – W.O.A International's management team has been creating waves in this part of the world with the signing of Independent musicians on the brink of stardom and after introducing Alternative rockers from the US and Jazz singers from South America to the Indian market its time for the electronic wizardry of Osh10 to take the electronic music fans of India on an unforgettably journey.
"Electronic music mixed with adventurous song writing is something that Osh10 does seamlessly and their blend of music is a sound that can work wonders in the dance and electronic scene in India" says Pete Saunders, V.P. W.O.A Management, "this duo that forms Osh10 is destined for great success and W.O.A is here to make this a reality sooner rather than later".
Osh10 was born out of the adventurous song writing partnership of Mike Macgregor and Aimee Chapman. They have been described as "a supernova burning brightest before the star burns out" by industry insiders.
"Armed with a Big Voice and Styling Bass Guitar we challenged ourselves to create layered, eclectic, satisfying music using only this basic line up" says Aimee Chapman of Osh10; "through a period of incubation and exploration the music has taken on a life of its own and we still only use bass and voice and add loops and effects to create a whole universe of sound" chips in Mike Macgregor.
Osh10 is set to take on the world with their unique blend of music that's simple and complex at the same time. Having now signed on with the W.O.A International Group they are well on their way to take on the world. With the network of the W.O.A international Group that includes the major distribution networks of W.O.A Records and the marketing prowess of the W.O.A Marketing division – Osh10 are now armed with the backing their music needs to become a worldwide phenomenon.
W.O.A Events, a part of the W.O.A International Group is also planning on having Osh10 tour India in 2009 during the annual India Tour 2009. Stay tuned to the WOA Records website for more information on Osh10.
ABOUT W.O.A INTERNATIONAL
Formed in 1998 by World Music star Oliver Sean, W.O.A International is a global entertainment company that continues to lead the way when it comes to how music should be promoted. They are pioneering international music in India and Asia and are now synonymous with the region. Their enviable reputation at opening up new possibilities means that they are the go-to company for independent artists wishing a truly international presence.
For additional information, please contact:
Irene Sequeira
W.O.A International
+91 9326126670
These artists are under contract with us and cannot be booked directly. If
interested in these acts please get in touch with our Artist Management
division who will advise you on how to proceed.
Please note that this official statement is a public notice and will give
W.O.A International due cause to proceed with legal action if these artists
are booked directly and will also give W.O.A International full right to
stop the event if these artists are booked directly.
- W.O.A International
Kim D¹sa
W.O.A International
+91 9326126670
info@woarecords.com
Further details about W.O.A International is available at www.woarecords.com
<http://www.woarecords.com/>
- W.O.A News Desk
This is to be a radio show that will be a marathon session with Uday
on air for over a 100 hours straight and is slated to make it to the
record books.
Oliver Sean being asked to flag off the Olympics in Goa with this show
is a great honor to all at W.O.A International.
- W.O.A News Desk
-----------------------------
Sent by emoze push mail.
The business of music. It's a prickly subject, to say the least.
Independent label W.O.A. Records made its India foray with a six-city
tour, and is now the No.1 (Indie Label) in the country.
It threw light on The Great Indie Debate, a modern mainstay of informed
music discussion. Artistes are faced with a difficult question — retain a
sense of "authenticity" by rejecting corporate overtures, or jump on the
label bandwagon that undoubtedly guarantees a greater audience.
"When I started out my professional music career I was obviously an
independent artiste and through the years I realised that luck is a huge
factor in the industry. The support system for an independent artiste is
almost non-existent, especially in regions like India and West Asia," said
Oliver Sean, founder of WOA Records, and headline act for its first India
tour the past March. The Indian-Portugeser set up his label with a view
towards providing the very "support system" he was denied in his up-andcoming
years, and met with more than moderate success, as the India
tour proves.
Of course, abstinence from "going major" is often borne not of choice
but circumstance. Everyone starts off independent. It's a growing
resistance to sign on after establishing a reputation that's important
here, with disenchantment firmly at its core.
"A lot of good music doesn't get recognised because it's considered not
trendy enough. The majors as a whole are risk-averse — they look for
stuff they think they can sell. It's business, purely," said Jesus Aaron,
traveling folk rocker from Atalanta, USA. Speaking after the W.O.A Records
Tour gig at Mumbai's Hard Rock Café, he confessed to have enjoyed performing
across India, particularly Goa, and was quick to point out the enthusiasm
towards non-major artistes. From fans that is, not labels.
Having done just fine without a major helping hand for years however,
he's not about to change now. But specific cultural norms have made
the struggle much easier in his home country. Conduciveness to indie
music is not something a musical ethos attains overnight. And Aaron,
along with Sean and Japanese techno-rocker Sparky Quano — all agree
there's much to be done if India is to spawn an independent culture that
can support itself.
"Radio play is something that supports a lot of local, unknown artistes in
other countries. I don't think you have that sort of radio culture in India
as yet, I don't know," says Aaron. Maybe he does, for he makes a
damning observation. Airtime on our radio stations is largely preserved
for promoting established artistes. A none-too-irregular practice, but it
doesn't do anything for what could become a thriving community.
"In a way it's true that India is prohibitive in this regard. In the US and
Europe, having live concerts of independent artistes is huge and a lot of
people there have realised that the best music is heard there. There is
something really satisfying in discovering a new act and following it all
the way through. This culture hasn't really come to India," Sean says,
"No music company here has even considered supporting this."
Quano has attained a cult following in his home country, but it doesn't
deter his staunch opposition to the record companies. "The major labels,
once they see something they can sell they get after you. But it's all
money, money, money. Of course I need some to be able to eat. But all
that show business takes a lot away from my music," he says in broken,
heavily accented English.
In a sense the indie community maintains closest ties to the archetypal
ideologies of early rock 'n' roll. Rebellious, anti-establishment attitudes
may now carry a caricaturist connotation, but on a certain level, the
very notion that someone can survive armed solely with a guitar and
something to say is indeed heartwarming. If only for its unabashed
idealism.
Authenticity or success? Or both, if that's possible. As a flurry of
independent labels (Blue Frog, Counterculture, Chill Om, the list goes
on) seem to have realised the possibilities at hand, it's question we'll
have to face in the near future too. And perhaps just as well.
For more info on W.O.A Records please visit http://www.woarecords.com
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http://www.woarecords.com
Home of great music!
http://www.oliversean.com
The coolest music!
