Sharon Mathai is a 19 year old, South Indian girl from Dallas, Texas who recently took her chances and auditioned for NBC’s The Voice. Sharon was born into a family of doctors, but decided to break away from the norm and pave a new path for herself in the music business. Mathai chose to compete on Adam Levine’s team after winning the attention of three out of the four judges.

AE: What has the experience been like, working with top artist judges?

M: It’s incredible, a dream come true. I can’t even believe it sometimes. To even just be in their presence is definitely a blessing. I’m trying my best to reassure every single moment because it’s so surreal.

AE: Many of us are so thrilled to see a fellow Brown Girl on TV. What has the support from the South Asian community been like?

M: I think it’s blown everyone away, I’ve been getting tweets from my brown girls…and guys too saying things like, “you’re the Jeremy Lin of the music industry.” I just want to do well and represent our culture and show everyone that there is talent throughout all cultures.

AE: How have your parents and family been handling the whole thing?

M: They’ve been good, I think back to high school, freshman year and they wouldn’t allow me to wear sleeveless shirts, or skirts and slowly over the years they have opened their minds, especially to this. They are focusing more on the motivations in my heart rather than the things I do and what people in our society will think.

AE: What does music mean to you?

M: Music is everything. It’s everywhere, it’s part of us, it arises out of every emotion, it’s a remedy, music is the language of the heart, as cheesy as that is.

AE: Do you think you will ever go back to school or medicine if you make a name for yourself in music?

M: I really believe I will. That’s always been an expectation for myself. The Indian inside of me won’t be satisfied until I do.

AE: What made you chose Adele’s “Rumour Has It?”

M: It’s sassy and fun. I’m not a sassy person but I thought I’d bring something different, something that would move the crowd and get them going.

AE: What made you chose to be on Adam’s team?

M: It was honestly, impulsive. I decided to just go with my gut feeling at the time and stop thinking and overanalyzing and just go with it. First instincts are a lot smarter than we give them credit for. I thought Adam and I aligned really well in what he wants and I believe I have that.

AE: What advice do you have for South Asian girls, like you, wanting to pursue a career in music?

M: If you truly believe you have a dream or a talent and you know you have the passion for it, then you need to fight lovingly and gently with your parents and fight for your dreams if you believe you’re supposed to.

To keep up with Mathai, watch Mondays at 7 p.m. on NBC. Follow her on Twitter, ‘Like’ her fan page on Facebook or visit her website  www.mathaimusic.com  for more information.

 Headline photo via Pam Lennard

Deer Park Avenue is a band of two, well-travelled sisters with a penchance for high-energy, power-pop and punk music. Their sophomore album, Stop & Go, was released in October.

BGM: You’ve traveled everywhere from Switzerland and New York to Germany and California, all with an Indian mother. What kind of music did you grow up with? 

DPA: Music was always playing in our home, from Bach, Beethoven, Albinoni, to soundtracks by our favorite composer John Barry. Both our parents were fans of rock and pop, so we heard a lot of classic rock like the Rolling Stones, the Who, the Doors, and the Eagles, to Bon Jovi, Bruce Springsteen.

We also listened to the music they brought over from when they lived in Europe — German, French, and Italian pop music. And of course from our mum’s side, we had a lot of Bollywood influences from movies she had grown up with like Yaadon Ki Baaraat and Bobby, and other Indian artists like Ravi and Ananda Shankar.

Growing up, we were also into these amazing bands on the radio like Green Day, No Doubt, the Foo Fighters, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Weezer, Oasis…the 90’s were a brilliant decade for music.

BGM: How and when did you formally decide to create DPA and pursue a career in music seriously?

DPA: We started Deer Park Avenue a couple years ago. We’d been playing music since we could remember – we were in a cover band in Switzerland called the Bandits with some friends of ours, and were having a great time making music.

After we moved from Switzerland back to the US, we had these songs that we’d written together and our cousin Gregg (Bissonette), who had gotten us into playing music together, told us, “You guys should record at my brother Matt’s place.” So we did! It was our first time in the studio and Matt is an amazing musician and producer, and he’s been our producer ever since.

BGM: Do both of you have different styles/preferences in music? How does this affect your song writing process?

DPA: What’s great about being sisters is that we always know what the other is thinking. Sometimes one of us will have lyrics, and the other will have a melody, and we’ll just put the two together and they fit perfectly. That’s what happened with Over Again, the first track we ever laid down. It seems to be a formula that works well for us!

BGM: Your sophomore release, Stop & Go, came out this past fall. How is it different from your older material?

DPA: Stop & Go is probably a more complex collection of songs than our first EP – it’s darker, grittier, while still maintaining a lot of pop elements, and a bit of punk, a genre we’ve always loved as well. All of the songs in Stop & Go are from experiences we’ve had – relationship stories like Hey Maria or Say Goodbye, or something less tangible like breaking away from something that’s holding you back, like Darkness Hides Me or Millionaire.

BGM: If you could write a dream list of other artists and producers to work with, who would be on it?

DPA: We are incredibly blessed that the top people on our list are people we actually get to work with on a regular basis! Matt Bissonette (who has played bass with people like Brian Wilson from the Beach Boys and Don Henley from the Eagles – he currently tours with Rick Springfield) is an amazing musician and musical genius.

Gregg Bissonette (they’re brothers) played double drums (with Stephanie) on our song Millionaire, which was another huge honour for us. He’s played drums with Ringo Starr, David Lee Roth back in the 80s, Santana, and he’s also been a mentor to us.

BGM: I’ve seen that you’ve performed quite a bit in California. Any upcoming tours or shows in 2012 our readers should know about?

DPA: We were one of the winning bands in a competition to play at the Hard Rock Café in San Francisco. The show is Friday, March 9, at 7:00 p.m. Our next ‘home’ show in Sacramento is at the Boardwalk on Saturday, March 24, at 8:00 p.m., which is presented by Myki Angeline of Backstage Pass and sponsored by local rock radio v103, who will also be streaming the show live! So no matter where you are in the world, you can be a part of that one.

There are also some tour plans in the works for 2012, either a west-coast tour or cross-country trip. The best way to keep up to date on our tour plans is on our Facebook, or our website.

When the New Year rolls around, everyone’s always so busy picking up new, practical resolutions such as working out more, eating right, managing their finances, whatever. But not me. Don’t get me wrong – I tried to be one of those normal people.  Instead, I’m literally hemorrhaging money from buying ridiculous, impractical things.  I don’t know what’s gotten into me the past few months but I’ve literally purchased things I probably won’t be wearing in oh, I don’t know – a month. For example, this ring:

Ring: Asos, $10ish

One of the first times I wore it, someone asked me not to get mad and punch them in the face (which was kind of awesome).  The second time I wore it, someone asked me if I had my finger pierced.  Now I won’t lie and say I don’t love the conversation starting-ability of this ring, but let’s be honest, it’s kind of effing ridiculous.  More ridiculous? It comes in neon yellow.  Which I totally want. Duh.

And then look at these satin pants (yes.  Satin pants):

Shirt: Kohl’s, $15 (purchased years ago)

Pants: H&M, $35

Shoes: Charlotte Russe, $35

Okay this may not be so bad.  When I initially bought them I was still hurting from the fact that I missed the opportunity to purchase satin leggings (they would have gone so well with everything! The one time – the one time - I showed some self restraint…) but I was pleasantly surprised. They actually do go with everything although I kind of like them dressed down.  And maybe with my Satin blazer? Eh.  We’ll see about that one.

And then since it just makes sense:

There was really no question about whether I was going to buy these fake studded shoes. It was just a matter of when.  They’re like a pair of knock-off Louboutins that all celebrities were wearing a couple months ago.  Except they were a billion dollars less and will probably only last me for 6 months, 12 if I don’t wear them until summer.  It’s a compromise I was willing to make.

Then I got this skirt:

Shirt: Forever 21, no clue on the price, I’ve had it for 5 years

Skirt: Asos, $50

Shoes: Vera Wang for Kohl’s, $20 (Black Friday sale)

Purse: Shi by Journey’s, $30

Neckalce: Forever 21, $10 (maybe less…actually probably less)

And I mean with this pose, what’s not to love?  It’s an asymmetrical hem, a lace skirt with  a little bit of hot-pant-style lining underneath.  And the minute I saw it I loved it.  I fear that it’s a bit Spanish-flamenco dancer-y.  But I’m going to go with it (I really really really cannot wait to wear colored tights with it.  I’m literally jumping up and down in my chair at the thought).  Also those shoes blow my mind.  They’ve got this strappy-ness that I’m dying for and the heel is not too high.  They’re actually kind of practical.   Shocking.

But this – this is the one piece I’ll never regret buying:

This purse.  God….this purse.  No lie – it’s a knock-off the Alexander McQueen clutches that I’ve seen on every runway.  But again it was $30 and not a million-something.  So I feel totally fine about it.  I want to marry it.

And because I love it so much:

It’s all about the detail.

And then, because this “photo shoot” was turning out to be hilarious and awkward, my friend forced me into another outfit:

Dress: Asos, $50

I have nowhere to wear this dress (except in my living room, for pictures for this blog).  But I bought it anyway way back in October.  I like to see it as the beginning of my buying crazy things phase.  It’s cape-y on one side, asymmetrical in the hem, belted on the other side, and made of a indecipherable shinny fabric.  And I love every inch of it.

The hard part about buying these kinds of things is the practicality factor.  You want it you want it you want it – but do you need it? The answer is of course always: NO.  But here’s the thing, and I don’t know about anyone else, I get this endorphin rush from buying something I know no one else will have, no one else would think of buying, or no one else thinks they can pull off.  Because anyone can pull ANYTHING off- its 100% just doing it.  And it’s my job to spread that message.

Finally, and I’ll end on a sane note here – Jason Wu for Target hits stores Febuary 5th.  AND IT’S AMAZING.  So many stripes, just so many stripes….and its all perfectly simple.  Check out the collection, mark your favorites, and get in line….behind me of course.

[S/O to MZ, PZ, and McZ for making this photo shoot absolutely awkward and hilarious.]

You can read more of Simerjeet’s fashion musings by visiting her blog, www.ohfash.onsurar.com.

Meet Prita Chhabra, an up and coming South Asian artist taking the music scene by storm one performance at a time! Prita was born in Canada but at the age of fifteen, she moved to Orlando, Florida. She returned to her hometown and obtained a psychology degree from Concordia University. Chhabra started her singing and songwriting career in both Orlando and Toronto. Prita strives to blend both a Western and Indian style in her music to appeal to both audiences. In only the past year, Prita has been given the opportunity to perform with artists like, Jay Sean, comic Russell Peters, and Grammy nominee Eric Robertson. Chhabra was nominated for Best Female Act at the 2010 Toronto Independent Music Awards and received a 2010 Excellence in Entertainment award from the National Association of Indo-Canadians.

I recently had the privilege of interviewing Prita. You can check out her music on her MySpace as well as Facebook page.

BG: Who inspired your music career/ who are your influences?

In grade 1, I told my teacher I was going to be a star (because I wanted to be the cartoon character Jem!) but in grade 2 I heard Bette Midler singing and a flame was lit in my heart that has yet to die. Throughout the years I’ve had many influences ranging from pop to rock to R&B, and I love all sorts of music. I love that you can be moved, inspired and healed through music; it truly is a beautiful thing!

BG: What advice do you have for other South Asian girls aspiring to make it in the music industry?

To be the first you and not the next somebody else. Make sure you’re making music for the right reasons, and don’t worry about what others are doing or saying about you. Whether it’s your family or your competition, just spend all your time and energy on yourself and get yourself to where you want to be. All is possible if you have faith that it is possible.

  BG: What’s something not many people know about you?

That I’m a big high-energy dork! Haha!
BG:  What are some of your upcoming goal and plans?

I’m working on releasing my next CD and my intentions are to move as many people as I can. I have a few more videos that I’ve shot that I will be releasing and I’d like to get into some acting! I’m also working on furthering my own HIV/AIDS awareness campaign!

BG: If you could be a fruit, which one would you be and why?

I’d be a whole fruit salad diced and prepared, ready to go!

Only a fellow brown girl knows how hard it is to make it. And by make it, I mean, strip ourselves away from the tensions and insecurities that arise from being immigrants, and turn it one of our biggest strengths.

An emerging and supremely talented young artist, Anjulie Persaud (This isn’t official, but it sounds like a variation of “Anjali Prasad”) is slowly making her way onto the music scene. The Canadian singer’s parents who are of Indian descent were originally from Guyana, who then moved to Canada. Talking about turning her weakness into strength – our spotlight brown girl who is slowly “making it” got her first break in the music industry right after being fired from her job at a record studio. Uh.. what?!

She’s got a unique voice for sure – frank lyrics, and deep, catchy melodies that makes you pay attention. If listened to carefully, the lyrics can unravel a very introspective, smart woman. “I think I have something to say lyrically” she writes on her website (www.anjuliemusic.com) “My background is in songwriting, so I’m really invested in melodies, song structure and payoff choruses, but on this record, I tried to loosen up and just express myself how I wanted to. I really write for myself.” And her self-titled debut album suggests, she really does.

On my first look, she reminded me of Amy WInehouse, on my second, Nelly Furtado, on my third a little bit of Lauryn Hill. That makes sense because she has been influenced by an  array of different artists – from Alanis Morisette to Annie Lennox to Kanye West, and it shows in how different and eclectic her music really is. People across the world, are starting to really dig her music, and so we might just be looking at the Next Music Sensation. Her debut album reached Number 2 on Billboard’s Heatseeker Albums and number 108 on the Billboard 200 Albums chart. The single ‘Boom’ reached Number one  the US Dance Charts.

Here’s a brown girl to watch out for and take inspiration from, and hopefully, one day she will be big enough for us to tell everyone that we knew about her first!

Check her music at www.myspace.com/anjulie

In January 2008, Dr. Renu Khator became the thirteenth president of the University of Houston and the eighth chancellor of the University of Houston System. She joined a handful of female presidents of major universities and is the first South Asian president of a major university in the country.

Dr. Khator is certainly an inspiring woman for the South Asian community to be proud of. I had the privilege to interview her recently on behalf of BG. She took the time to answer my questions about her current position, the criticism and obstacles she faces, and the role of her Indian heritage in her life.

What exactly does the position of President of University of Houston and Chancellor of the University of Houston System entail? Can you describe a typical day at work?

As chancellor, I oversee the University of Houston System, which includes four separate universities – the University of Houston (UH), the University of Houston-Clear Lake, the University of Houston-Downtown and the University of Houston-Victoria.  Each of these is a distinct institution, not just branch campuses, with its own president.  In addition to being chancellor, I also serve as president of UH, the largest university in our UH System with 37,000 students.

Describing a “typical” day is hard because this job is so multi-faceted.  You are the CEO of a large business – the UH System has a $3 billion impact on the area’s economy each year – and the chief educational administrator and a student advocate and a major fundraiser and a cheerleader and a community leader.  I wear many hats – and that’s what makes this position so demanding and so satisfying.  So … a “typical” day might start with early morning meetings with some of my vice presidents and other administration leaders, followed by my observing a class, followed by giving a luncheon speech to a civic organization then visiting with an international dignitary visiting our campus followed by an hour or two returning phone calls and e-mails and performing other office work then attending some sort of social or athletic event – sometimes both – during the evening. Back home, I will probably spend some time catching up on university-related reading.

How do you develop a relationship with the student body to ensure that you are addressing their concerns and remaining aware of the issues that they are being faced with at the University?

From my very first day at the university, I have made it clear that Student Success is my top priority and everything my administration does must support that commitment.  I think my official policies reflect that. But it’s also important to establish a personal connection, which is a challenge with a student body as large as ours.  I make it a point to maintain a relationship with our leaders in the student government association and other prominent student organizations as well as make myself available to the student newspaper. Beyond that, I visit a number of classes each semester – and drop in at places like the coffee shops and restaurants, the bookstore and the residence halls.

I am sure that a position of such magnitude and influence also comes with a lot of critics. How do you go about handling the criticism that you must deal with on a regular basis.

Criticism is unavoidable.  If you are not getting any, you are not doing anything.  If it is constructive criticism, I try to make good use of it.  If it is destructive, I try to ignore it.  The challenge, of course, is recognizing the difference.

What are some of the most unexpected obstacles you have been faced with and the greatest challenges you have had to overcome in order to reach the position you are in today?

One unexpected obstacle, if you can call it that, was my own reluctance to recognize my early aspirations to become a leader.  Giving myself permission to follow my ambition was not easy.  As for the greatest challenges I had to overcome… well, as an immigrant woman, I always have known that I had to work harder to climb the ladder.

In your article, Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling, you write about self-imposed barriers and the limits and misconceptions that sometimes come with Asian cultural heritage. Has your Indian upbringing ever given you an advantage at any point? Have you ever felt that you needed to resort to the values, traditions, and lessons from your youth to get you through a certain situation?

Always!  I have always viewed my Indian heritage as an advantage and have always used my values and lessons to form my leadership and management style.  The biggest mistake people make is to either hide or deny their own heritage.  People often label my leadership style as inclusive, people-oriented and consensus-building.  I believe it is the result of watching my mother navigate through multiple players in a joint family and eventually accomplish her agenda. As examples of my pride in my heritage:  I frequently use stories from Indian history and quotes and poems from Indian authors.  My fashion style is also a fusion of Indian and American styles.

Dr. Khator with her husband, Suresh Khator.

South Asian culture obviously places a large emphasis on family values, and many times an individual’s identity is greatly distinguished by their relationships and who they are to other people. As a mother, do you feel as though your children have contributed to your success? Are there certain lessons that they have taught you that have helped you along your journey?

My daughters are a big part of my life, both personally and professionally.  It always felt like we were all part of a team with each of us pushing others to achieve their maximum potential.  Today, they are my soul mates and brainstorming buddies when it comes to difficult situations.  They have certainly helped me grow socially and culturally.  They truly are my eyes when it comes to seeing the world of today’s youth. Their pride in me is an inspiration in itself.

If you could give one piece of advice to young South Asian-American women about anything, what would it be?

If you are going to dream – and everybody should dream – dream big.   If a teenage immigrant girl in an arranged marriage with no knowledge of English can become president of a major American university, who is to say you can’t achieve what you set out to do as well?

What is your favorite or most memorable experience you have had while being University President and University Chancellor?

I’m pleased to say there are so many to choose from, it’s a difficult question.  Certainly the investiture ceremony, which celebrated my appointment as president, is one of them.   Another was the voters of Texas approving an amendment that will make funding available for UH to become a Tier One, nationally competitive research university.  Watching the proud faces of 7,000 students being awarded their degrees at our latest commencement exercise was thrilling.  And, I must confess, UH being ranked in the country’s Top 25 football teams last season was very special, too.

You are a role model for scores of people of all different backgrounds. In your article, An Ode to my Mother, you graciously credit your mother for your success. Apart from your mother, do you have any other role models that have taught you valuable lessons to help you become the person you are today?

Without a doubt, my husband, Suresh, has been a beacon of wisdom and the architect of my career.  Beyond that, I have also received important guidance and support from my mentors in the academic arena.  I don’t think you can underestimate the benefits of having a mentor.

The magnitude of your position and the rigorous schedule it involves probably do not allow for much free time, but when you do have the occasional moment to yourself, what do you enjoy doing?

Practicing yoga.  Keeping up with my family and friends. Just taking a walk around the neighborhood. Cooking, when that’s possible.  As you say, there’s not much free time –fortunately, I find that most of what I do professionally is also very satisfying personally.

If you would like to read the full articles referred to in the interview, follow the links below:

Breaking the Bamboo Ceiling: http://www.uh.edu/president/about/articles/pdf-files/Khator_ACE_bambooceiling.pdf.

Mother’s Day Special: An Ode to my Mother: http://getahead.rediff.com/report/2010/may/08/renu-khator-an-ode-to-my-mother.htm.
**correction to last post. Dr. Khator is not the first female president of a university in Texas. There have been a few before her. However, she joins a handful of amazing women who run universities across the US.

Recently, I was able to interview Anand Wilder, a member of the increasingly popular indie band Yeasayer. Wilder plays guitar, keyboards, and contributes to vocals as well. Yeasayer has a greatly unique sound and their recently released second album, Odd Blood, has been generally well received and praised throughout the music community. Spin Magazine, in a review for the album, described the music as a “masterful mash-up of ’80s synth pop and tribal-beat tickles,” among other things (like I said, pretty damn unique).

In a about a week, Yeasayer will begin an international tour after finishing up playing all over the US (and selling out many of the venues). Personally, I’m a huge fan of the band, and being able to ask Wilder a few questions about his life and his music was a great treat. Although, I had to remind myself to not get carried away with the whole fan-girl thing and ask dumb questions like “zomg, like, do you have a girlfriend???”

Check out the interview (he gives some really interesting answers), as well as the video and their website, www.yeasayer.net. At the website, you can download their single “O.N.E.” (for free!), as well as get updates and touring info.

PP: How did you get your start in music? Early influences?

AW: I have always been interested in music as long as I can remember. I started playing cello when I was 4 1/2, so I had all that classical music as an influence, but I always had a love affair with pop music. From an early age, I was obsessed with all of my mom’s classic rock, The Beatles, Dylan, Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Simon and Garfunkel. The first contemporary music I discovered on my own was stuff like the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana, Beck, all that 90′s alt rock. My sister was really into TLC, Kriss Kross, Boyz II Men, so that was a big influence on me too. But it was really those rock bands that made me want to learn guitar, and in a totally different way than I had learned cello, all by ear, learning from friends in the hallways at school, or at summer camp around a campfire.

PP: Tell me a little bit about your background (you know — childhood, hopes, dreams, fears — typical life story stuff).

AW: I had a really happy childhood. I always loved performing, whether it was cello performances or school plays. I think I was just a big show off, still am. I always wanted to act or be a rock star.

PP: I know you have been touring regularly with the band these past few years — what has been your favorite city?

AW: I really loved touring in New Zealand and Australia. There are a few places that I never thought I’d enjoy, but have been pleasant surprises, and have become some of my favorite places to visit, like Austin, and Texas in general, and Minneapolis- the Walker Arts Center is a great modern art museum there. Of course LA and San Francisco area always fun to visit. Paris is great because I get to practice my french a little. Norway and Sweden are beautiful, and Italy and Spain are great fun too.

PP: And speaking of touring, how was Coachella? Did you have any favorite acts?

AW: I thought Fever Ray was amazing at Coachella. Great costumes, lighting, the sound was great, and I love her music.

PP: What do you think of South Asian artists who have also broken into indie/mainstream music success, like Natasha Khan (Bat for Lashes), M.I.A., and yourself? Is there a different responsibility or consciousness involved with being South Asian and a musician in an industry environment where there are so few?

www.pinkushion.com - Photograph by Pascal Amoyel

AW: I love M.I.A. and Natasha Khan’s music. I would add that Das Racist engage South Asian and “brown identity issues” in the most sophisticated and hilarious manner of any contemporary artists. Truthfully, I don’t feel a burden of responsibility as a South Asian musician in an industry where there are so few. I am half Indian, so if I want, I can identify with the multitude of ridiculously talented mixed breeds out there: James Brown is part Apache, Bob Marley’s dad was white, Prince is definitely something weird. And Freddie Mercury is the greatest singer of all time, and he’s a Parsi, born in India. But, I guess you could say that those first guys I mentioned identified themselves as Black, and Freddie Mercury did everything he could to play down the whole Asian thing and is remembered as a British pop star.  But then there’s still trailblazers like Tony Kanal from No Doubt and Kim Thayil from Soundgarden. One could argue that those were sidemen though, and that’s what so great about Natasha Khan and M.I.A.- their brown faces are front and center.

I’m sort of halfway there. I’m not the frontman, but I’m not exactly a sideman because I do sing lead on a bunch of our songs, and I really try to put myself out there. If I wasn’t singing lead on at least a few songs I’d be really disappointed in myself. But I really think that’s enough, as far as my burden of responsibility. Indians who live in America are not a downtrodden minority. I could write a song about being brown but I would feel like I’m bitching about something that doesn’t really upset me. It’s fine as a subject for stand up comedy, and I think there are a lot of great movies about Indians growing up in America that haven’t been written yet, but it just doesn’t appeal to me as a subject for a song.

The problems facing Indians in America are what? Parents pressuring their kids to become professionals, parents valuing academics over social lives, parents pressuring their kids to marry. When you think about it in the grand scheme of things, these problems are really not that bad! I’m pretty sure Indians are America’s wealthiest ethnic group – I think if I was fully Indian, statistically I’d be a richer man! At least more educated. So the only thing holding us back from being in the spotlight is ourselves. Sure there’s probably some institutional racism out there, but I’ve been around the world, and there’s no place as open as America. Europe is an ass-backward, old school place. Everyone who wanted to do something new and interesting with their lives left Europe for America at one time or another. Don’t let all that supposed progressiveness fool you, they’re xenophobic as hell. And I love to visit India, but come on – it is a dusty, corrupt, and chaotic country, with an even more despicable gap between the rich and poor than America’s. Did I mention the dust?!

I embrace being different from your average white musician. That’s part of what I love about my band; we all have different personalities or backgrounds and we try to throw them all into the mix to create something new and interesting sounding. If I can be onstage and inspire some brown kid out there to pursue something artistic, something other than being a doctor or engineer, then I’m doing a good job. And if they want be a doctor or an engineer, good for them! Less competition for me.

PP: What is the one instrument you would love to learn but don’t know how to play?

AW: I would love to actually know how to play the piano.

PP: Do you get groupies? What is the fan-base like? Any crazies?

AW: We have some crazy fans that we sometimes have to kick out of the backstage when they come creeping in. But so far nobody’s been that crazy. We don’t have bodyguards yet…

PP: What is the most embarrassing thing in your iPod right now? Quick! No time for thinking — only first reactions count.

AW: Coldplay

PP: What is your opinion on the state of the music industry today? Has the internet hindered or helped Yeasayer and other indie bands?

AW: I don’t think we would exist without the internet.  I don’t think Yeasayer would have had the same rise without the exposure and support of bloggers, or webzines, or youtube. The internet was our first press, our first video, our first live recordings. The record industry is a sinking ship, especially the major labels, because of illegal file sharing and their unwillingness to cater to the shifting paradigm of how people access music. There’s this democratization in the music industry, where Independent labels can have as much sway as the Majors, and a small unsigned band can have nearly as much cultural significance as a huge pop act, if their music video or song becomes a meme.

So this shift is a good thing, but it also hurts record sales, which means in order to make a living, I have to tour my ass off. Now touring can be fun, and of course I’m grateful that people want to see my band play, but it’s difficult to make long term life and family plans when the only way you can make a living is if you’re away from home for half your life. So it’s a double edged sword I guess. I wouldn’t exist without the internet, but the internet will eventually destroy me.

PP: Do you have any advice for aspiring musicians/artists?

AW: Work hard, play live as much as possible, try to sound as unique as you can, wear something interesting onstage.

PP: If you weren’t part of a pretty kick-ass band right now, you’d be…?

AW: Working some crappy job and struggling to make people notice how amazing my unsuccessful band is.

PP: What’s the last song that was playing in your head/iPod/general vicinity?

AW: Ken Seeno’s unreleased album

PP: Favorite genre of movies? And do you have a Bollywood fave?

AW: I don’t have a favorite genre, different genre for different moods. Bollywood fave is Sholay for sure. (PP: Mine too! zomg)

PP: And finally, what is the one thing you miss from being a teenager?
AW: My mom’s cooking!

*band photography – Alexander Wagner

• Go to the movies! If you really want to avoid the couples (although you’re too cool to care), go during the afternoon. Avoid ‘Valentine’s Day’ (here’s why).
• Dance Party with the girls! Jam out in the living room or go out! Either way, shake that groove thing.
• Get a manicure just for fun. Pretty nails, happy you.
• Relax! Take a bubble bath. Or, spring the dough for a massage.
• Volunteer one morning. This not only helps the community, it helps to take the focus off of you, you, you!
• Make a fancy dinner for you and the girls. Cook something you never have before.
• Go to a local museum – see, learn, and have fun. Many of us are regulars to the museum, but a few hours at the science or art museum can be relaxing and new.
• Clean. Yeah, we said it. Organize, clean, rearrange your room or apartment. You’ll feel oh so much better without the clutter.
• Shop! Well, don’t spend the big bucks to help you climb out of your “depression of being single”. That’s not what a V-Day Fun Chick is about. Shop to a limit and pick out one or two things to add to your wardrobe.

Most of all, have fun, its just another weekend. No big deal!

happy valentines day from the BG Staff!

In the 1980s, The Cosby Show was the most diverse show on television.  In the 90′s, two of NBC’s hit Thursday night comedies, Friends and Seinfeld, were criticized for their whitewashed view of New York.  But it definitely is not the 90s anymore and Zee TV isn’t the only channel to feature Indian actors.   NBC now has Indian characters on all four of its Thursday night comedies.  And Indian actors have popped up on new shows on all major networks this year. 

Maulik Pancholy plays the beleaguered assistant Johnathan on 30 Rock.  Ever protective of his boss Jack (played by Alec Baldwin), Pancholy’s character always offers a bit of comic relief with his frenzied personality.  Pancholy has also starred as the gay drug dealer Sanjay on Weeds.  He is a professionally trained actor as a graduate of Yale Drama School.

As Tom Haverford on Parks and Recreation, 2009 has been South Carolina native Aziz Ansari’s breakout year.  He starred in new king of comedy Judd Apatow’s Funny People, playing Randy. The character is otherwise known as “RAAAANDY,” an energetic stand-up comedian known for his offbeat jokes and outsized personality. The character is so memorable, Ansari is developing a movie starring the character.

Kelly Kapoor, played by Mindy Kaling is one of the most recognizable characters in a large cast of quirky characters on The Office.  Since the show started six years ago, the boy-crazy, gossipy, and celebrity-obsessed customer representative has been making The Office a lot more fun.  Kaling is also a writer for the show and is in talks to develop and star in her own NBC sitcom. 

Community, which premiered this year, features Danny Pudi as Abed, an eccentric film nerd who reveals a new talent each week.  Pudi is half-Indian, half-Polish and has displayed his Polish dancing skills on the talk-show circuit this fall. 

Other new shows which feature Indian characters this year are Glee with Iqbal Theba as Principal Higgins, The Big Bang Theory with Kunal Nayyar as Raj, The Good Wife with Archie Panjabi as Kalinda Sharma, and Royal Pains with Reshma Shetty as Divya Katdare.

Even more projects are in the works — a pilot called Nirvana starring Kal Penn, Outsourced, a comedy about an American sent to work in India, and a US version of the British Comedy The Kumars at No. 42.

These characters are important milestones for Indian Americans in the media.  None of them fit a Western stereotype of Indians — no computer engineers, nerdy doctors, or conservative women.  Thanks to these television shows, the American public is being exposed to a large and influential immigrant group. 

by Pooja Patel

Brown Girl recently had a chance to talk to aspiring musician Katie Gray, a while back. You may have heard her beautifully haunting song, “Set Free” sampled on an episode last season of the hit TV show, Bones.  Coming from a mixed South Asian and American background, this talented young woman originally moved to LA to become an actress.

Brown Girl: Good afternoon, Katie.

Katie Gray: Good afternoon. It’s such a beautiful day out here in LA the sun is shining, the birds are out.

BG: It must be beautiful in California this time of year. How did you foray between acting and music.

KG: I was always an artist. Originally, I wanted to be illustrator. I was always drawing, doing water colors. But as I got older I realized that no matter what I did I could always do art. I met someone when I was 18 who really encouraged me to move out to LA. Shortly after, I did it, I got an agent and started doing television, movies, voice over work, cartoons…but, I felt it wasn’t honoring my art. It was other people’s art, their creation. I felt that I had so much to share, so I started writing. Music intertwines all of it: the stage performance, writing, winds it all together in a magical expression.

BG: You have so many talents. Did you do the art work for latest CD?

KG: The album that came out 3 years ago I did art work for that and for the new one too. When you create music, you record it, its like bringing this dream energy, into the musical realm…it has the essence of you it. The art work helps express it.

BG: How has your South Asian background influenced you, if at all?

KG: I had a mixed upbringing, a variety – it was really good and really challenging. My father was from India, and my mother from the US. Because of the difference of customs/traditions…in our situation, it wasn’t very nice. My mother, 2 sisters and I left my father when I was 4. It was really challenging. There was a fair amount of abuse. It was a lot of women go through. To save us, my mother moved us to Michigan, raised us alone, but so sweetly. I lived there until I was 17. It was a really nice. I had the shadowy night, and the sunny day of upbringing. My music has so much depth because of it…there’s so much emotion. All of it escalated to eating disorders, and also to a burning desire to create art, to release all those feelings that were held inside.

BG: You seem like such a great role model, turning around the experiences that you’ve had and make something to beautiful and so positive. Do you feel like your heritage gives an extra edge against peers?

KG: I think so. I really do. Especially growing up in a small town in Michigan. Aside from three other kids, I was the only other dark girl. Especially in the summer, I would get so dark. My other sisters seemed to inherit my mom’s genes they were so white, and I grew up so dark. I used to be really insecure about it, I used to feel different, feel like I didn’t belong. But, its part of who I am. To this day, no matter where I go I feel like its something differrent and special. The older I got, the more I realized that I stood out and there was something special about me. I tanned, I never burned, I looked exotic, and I could look Indian, Brazilian, Italian. I feel so blessed to have this beautiful chocolate skin.

BG: What advice would you give our readers, who are going through difficult times, to preserver?

KG: If I could give any good advice to any young women, is to come to terms with the fact that no one knows the answer. There’s not right, no wrong, it’s all perspective. The only perspective that really matters is your own. No matter what path you take, what direction you go, you’ll come across disbelievers, people that will think different than you.  What you feel in your heart, your intuition, you must follow it. You have to trust and listen to yourself and now that you’re right. Know that everyone person on this earth is equal, regardless of color or class. They just think different.

BG: What advice would you give someone was starting out in the music business, was it difficult to get your music heard. Was it nerve racking writing, to play your music at first?

KG: I think starting down any path where you’re exposing yourself and you feel vulnerable it’s natural to be nervous… I felt this way. Through my songs, I’m sharing my dairy…it can be so hard to share, but the more you do it, the easier it gets, and the more fluid your conversing gets. It takes practice. Keep sharing yourself with the world. And no matter what others say, you have to keep going ahead.

BG: How would you describe your own music?

KG: Rejuvenating lullabies for a world that’s crying.

BG: What king of music do you like listening to. Who are you listening to currently?

KG: I like all types of music. But, I really like melodic, electronic music. It’s my favorite music to sit back and listen to. Also, I like Anishka Shankar’s music list on Pandora – hip, electronic, groovy music.

BG: Top 5 songs on your iPod.

KG: Paul Simon, Cat Power, Thievery Corporation, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead.

BG: Any dates set for the US before you move to England?

KG: I’m returning in the fall after a small hiatus. My new album will be released in Winter. After that, I’ll do a tour.

BG: Any dates planned for Texas?

KG: I actually played a little in Austin, when I used to live there. I used to work for this non-profit the Global Youth Summit, where I worked with children all over the world. I will miss it this year, but I want to do a few dates in Texas when I come back. I went to South-by-Southwest this past year, but I didn’t get to go to ACL.

BG: Maybe we’ll see you there in the future. Is there any quirky or interesting that you would like to share?

KG: I think everyone should get involved with groups, gatherings, orgs, publishing that keeps you updated and inspired to open your heart a little bit each day and feel a little bit better in this world.

BG: Who are the biggest musical influences on your music, your sound? How long did it take you find your own voice? Who was it that influenced you the most?

KG: I’m most influenced by classic rock. When it was in heights, when the country was in dire need for change – the revolution in the late 60s, early 70s,  that’s when music had so much substance, purpose, and intention with its sounds – so acoustic, there was so much that was being said. That inspired me to want to get a guitar and want to make a change with music. Janis Jopplin, Bob Dylan, and once again Paul Simon would be my biggest inspirations.

BG: anything else that you would like to share.

KG: absolutely anything is possible. If you believe it will happen it will. I’ve seen it happen many times

KG: Thank you Katie, so much for your time.

BG: Thank you and have a beautiful day.

Check out her music on her MySpace page: www.myspace.com/katiegraysongs

Or for more info on her upcoming CD visit: www.cdbaby.com/katiegray

]]> http://browngirlmagazine.com/2009/09/the-soulful-katie-gray/feed/ 1