The Star Online: Entertainment: Music
The Star Online: Entertainment: Music |
| The philosophy of Mr Rock ‘N’ Roll Posted: 05 Aug 2011 04:03 AM PDT Riding against the tide, Mr Rock 'N' Roll has put together a collection of songs that boasts exquisite songwriting and catchy melodies. ROCK 'n' roll is about equal parts talent, heart and attitude. Of course, the coolness factor can make or break a band. And a name with a ring to it matters big time. That just might be the Achilles heel of Mr Rock 'N' Roll, though, but when you pick up on the band's philosophy, the name means a whole lot more. And when you learn the band has a song with that title, it mutes the damning assessment completely. The four-piece is somewhat of an anomaly in today's indie music scene, and that's not even because of its name. Helmed by Hooman Ajdari on rhythm guitar and vocals, the band is made up of a mixed bag of nationalities. The frontman himself is from Iran, likewise bass player Maziyar Khavajian (Mazz), while drummer Bong Jung Min is Korean and guitarist Nabil Nor Azmy is a born-and-bred Malaysian. The "M" in Mr stands for "musician" while the "r" is an abbreviation for "responsibilities". The rock 'n' roll bit is self-explanatory, but put it all together, and this rock quartet rates itself as a socially-conscious outfit. While the band's vision is clear, Mr Rock 'N' Roll's genesis was far from a walk in the park. "I used to perform with another band consisting of Iranian guys and we basically played what the audience wanted ... which is rarely what a band wants. After a while, I just had enough and wanted to write songs of our own and this bunch of guys I'm with now feel the same way," said the effervescent Hooman during a recent interview. Having been away from Iran for a few years, the singer found himself a stranger in a foreign country but some speedy networking via the Internet led him to Mazz, whom he had known from back home. "I let him hear my songs when he came here and we were both on the same page." Things came together quickly with Mazz roping in fellow Universiti Malaya music student Bong, but Nabil's arrival took some time ... and some searching, too. "He doesn't say much, but he's a great guitarist," Hooman praised his young guitarist with a smile. The democratic band set-up soon found itself honing its songwriting skills and working towards releasing a collection of songs, the fruits of the band's labour ultimately captured on its five-song, self-titled EP. "I wrote the songs, but the other guys helped with the arrangements, naturally. We work well together and are always open to each other's suggestions," informed the singer. All four members come from varying musical backgrounds and the pool of influences include an eclectic mix: the Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Creedence Clearwater Revival, etc. "I like my rock n' roll, especially American rock. Classic bands aside, I also like newer groups like Alter Bridge and Creed," Hooman confessed. Mazz digs fusion and funk while Nabil enjoys his rock. "I'm not really sure what Bong likes best but I can tell you that a monster comes out of him when he sits behind the (drum) kit and plays rock," he smiled recalling his drummer's enthusiasm. There's simply no substitute for good songwriting and Mr Rock 'N' Roll the EP is an exercise in this exquisite craft. From opener Mr Hero all the way to closer Mr President, Mr Rock 'N' Roll's tunes are infectiously singable and hummable. From the pop edifices of the title track to the dreamy soundscapes on Time Of Happiness, this is a piece of work by a band that clearly embraces the concept of timelessness. The band writes about love, hate, social awareness and the meaning of life. And particularly debilitating to Hooman is the way his nationality is viewed as the scourge of humanity and worldpeace. "Our songs are about life experiences ... recognising the difference between what's good and what's bad. Like on our song Mr President, we really wanted to write and tell everyone that we Iranians are not terrorists. It's the government who's responsible for all the bad rep we've been getting," he professed, the smile previously plastered running away from his face. The frontman also revealed that an Ustad in Iran was instrumental in setting him on his path of enlightenment. "He influenced me and was responsible for changing my life for the better." Music isn't just a hobby for the boys in the band. Heck, if it was, they'd be collecting stamps or first-day covers. This musical pursuit means everything to Hooman. "I am trying my luck and I hope it works. My goal is to die on stage. This is the most important thing in my life. On stage, we are alive, otherwise, we just live," he pointed out poignantly. Prior to arriving in Malaysia, Hooman had little knowledge of the country. "A friend told me about rock music being widely accepted here. As I walked through the turnstile at the airport when I first got here, I heard some fancy guitar licks on a song that was playing on the piped in music and I knew I was at the right place. Malaysia is very musically-cultured ... it has heritage. The cultural acceptance makes it some kind of Utopia. And you respect artistes here. It's also a very peaceful country," enthused the amiable singer. Hooman drew a cultural contrast between his native Iran and Malaysia. "The government controls the music industry there. Rock musicians are viewed as Satanists. We are only allowed to sing about government propaganda. There are about 10 or so singers who are accepted as artistes there. As far as shows go, there are only about five or six concert organisers and it takes about six months to get a permit for a show," he intimated, his frustration evident. Much of his struggles have allowed Hooman and his cohorts to fashion their music and represent the part of the world they come from. "The influence of where me and Mazz come from will always be in our music. I was not sure what to write about when I got here, but the subject matter eventually spoke for itself. It's so much better here in Malaysia. I really hope musicians here appreciate what they have," Hooman advised. The band's ambitions for the time being are humble – it just wants its music to get out there. "It's been a struggle for us, given that we're foreigners and we lack the right connections, but with the music, we'll throw caution to the wind and die trying," Hooman concluded. In the face of adversity, music has always come out tops, and it's Mr Rock 'N' Roll's undying faith in its craft that continues to carry it from one concert stage to the next, sharing the gospel of its rock sounds with all who are willing to listen along the way. Only if the band knew that if it continued this way, a global audience awaits it, too. All hail rock 'n' roll! Mr Rock 'N' Roll the album is available via the band's Facebook page, facebook.com/mrrocknrollband. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search. |
| Winehouse, Tony Bennett duet to be charity single Posted: 04 Aug 2011 10:37 PM PDT LONDON (AP) - Amy Winehouse's final recording, a duet with Tony Bennett, will be released as a charity single for a foundation set up in her name, her family said Thursday. "Body and Soul" will go on sale in September, with proceeds going to the newly established Amy Winehouse Foundation. The two singers recorded the pop standard in March at London's Abbey Road Studios for Bennett's forthcoming "Duets II" album. Winehouse, who had struggled for years with drug and alcohol addiction, was found dead at her London home on July 23, aged 27. Her father, Mitch Winehouse, said releasing the song for charity was "the most fitting tribute of all" to his daughter. Her voice sounds "as amazing and beautiful as ever" on the recording, he said. After Winehouse's death Bennett called her "an artist of immense proportions" and said she "gave a soulful and extraordinary performance" when they worked together. Mitch Winehouse said the foundation would fund a range of charities for young people. "We intend to raise funds and distribute them to individual projects who apply for help," he said. "I couldn't be happier that everyone involved with Amy and this recording felt they wanted to contribute." The family also hopes to establish a drug rehab center for addicted youths. "Body and Soul" will be released by Columbia Records, a division of Sony Music. Full Feed Generated by Get Full RSS, sponsored by Used Car Search. |
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