album review
Album: Make Believe
Band: Weezer
Even though they appeared on the music map at a time when the grunge movement was in full swing, Weezer found home in a different section of alternative rock. The band’s take on indie emo in their self-titled debut album, commonly referred to as The Blue Album didn’t go unnoticed, primarily because of the single Buddy Holly and its accompanying video.
Although their sophomore album was named the “second worst of 1996” by Rolling Stone magazine, Pinkerton has now become a standard of sorts, not only for the newer bands which are trying to embrace that sound, but more so for Weezer itself. All of Weezer’s albums since 1996 have been continuously compared to their second set and under that light, have ended up bearing the “not good enough” tag. Make Believe, their fifth studio album, is suffering the same response as all other post-Pinkerton Weezer releases.
Make Believe is an enjoyable record, pleasantly different from the more serious rock albums that can be found on the modern rock charts. It is lined with some infectious melodies, sealed off with Rivers Cuomo’s (often sardonic) take on fame, life and drugs, and his ongoing quest to find peace — something that seems to be just as elusive to him as his Harvard degree.
The album opener and first single, Beverly Hills, sees Cuomo walking down the (by now familiar) path of self-depreciation, the very thing that has endeared Weezer to their fans and, at the same time, made them so infuriatingly unbearable for their detractors. The single, which reminds one of The Good Life days, was an instant commercial success and deny it as we may, the song is insanely addictive. Song two, Perfect Situation, is one of the stand-out tracks on the album, offering that classic Weezer feel, that too in perfect rhyme. Next on the disc is This Is Such A Pity, followed by the rather melancholy Hold Me and the introspective musings of Peace.
We Are All On Drugs, or We Are All In Love — as MTV would want us to believe — is supposedly an anti-drug song, completely ruined by the lyric change, no thanks to the American censorship policies. But this is where the album starts to derail. Halfway through the disk, the monotony starts to set in: everything from The Damage In Your Heart to Haunt You Every Day offers little surprise. While not necessarily of the bad variety, the songs that follow are somewhat predictable, and it’s probably this monotony that has resulted in listeners filling in the complaint forms. Plus, at times, it becomes a little too saccharine to swallow. Case in point: My Best Friend, the track that is said to have been written for the Shrek 2 soundtrack but was later replaced by The Counting Crows Accidentally In Love (and thank heavens for that!).
On the whole, Make Believe offers some good moments and some not-so-good ones, and although the disc might not be the best album that came out in 2005, it certainly isn’t the worst either. If fans can only stop comparing everything to Pinkerton for, like, a microsecond, they’ll see that Make Believe isn’t such a bad record after all. As for those of you who can’t stand Weezer’s previous releases, stay as far away from this album as possible!
- By Sameen Amer
Images, Dawn - 19th March, 2006
Monday, March 20, 2006
Make Believe
Saturday, February 25, 2006
Conquering the world - Atif Aslam
interview
After the massive success of his debut album Jal Pari, and after his music was included in the soundtracks of Bollywood movies, Atif Aslam's songs have now been featured in the international production 'Man Push Cart', the film that was recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and also won the 'FIPRESCI Critics Award'. We caught up with Atif to ask him about his latest ventures...
Us: How does it feel to hear your songs in Indian movies and be recognized on the other side of the border?
Atif Aslam: Alhumd-o-lillah, it feels great. People call me from across the border and say that when they are sad my music relaxes them and helps wipe off their tears, and it's a blessing if you can make people happy and make them forget their sorrows. Secondly, it makes me feel that I have done something for my nation; beside your own recognition, people also recognize your country, and this has proved that our pop industry has the potential to create waves in Bollywood. I also feel that music has no boundaries and the more music markets you explore the more you learn, so it was a wonderful experience. According to their local channel Zoom, my song Woh Lamhay, is among the 'ten most evergreen songs of Indian film industry', which is an honour for me. The remix version is being played all over the world in all the clubs, discos, and theatres, which makes me feel very satisfied.
Us: How did the 'Man Push Cart' project come about?
Atif: We were approached by Ramin Behrani, the director of the movie 'Man Push Cart', from Hollywood. He got hold of my album through the hero of the film, and listened and understood my songs. The movie is basically the story of a singer, so I thought we must go for it. The story basically revolves around a Pakistani guy trying to settle in USA, who gives a positive turn to his life by exploring his talent of singing and that's where my songs come into the movie. The film got a tremendous response at the Venice film festival and was greatly appreciated by the president of the festival. Almost all the Hollywood celebrities attended the film festival which gave an extended exposure to my voice, and of course it's a matter of great pride for our nation as well that after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and the Strings, God gave me this opportunity to show my talents there.
Us: New album: progress? When will it be released?
Atif: I'm working on it ... don't have a precise release date yet.
Us: Your videos have received a lot of criticism. Is there anything you want to say in response to that?
Atif: Well, I admit that the quality of my videos was not that good. Some people were stealing my songs, so I had to make the videos in a rush in order to save and register my other songs. But Insha Allah you will see some good videos now.
Us: Any particular directors you'd like to work with?
Atif: I think everyone is doing a great job. I don't have any priorities; anyone who can handle the subject of the song artistically would be a good choice for me.
Us: Looking at the music industry right now, where do you think it stands?
Atif: I think everyone is doing great right now. Our industry is just flourishing. It will take another five years or so for it to have a proper professional shape. Channels are helping newcomers in establishing their careers. But I would like to say to the newcomers that don't come in the industry just for fame and other benefits; try to satisfy your inner passion for music if you really have it.
Us: Are you interested in acting? Any chance we'll see you in a film or TV drama/play anytime soon?
Atif: Right now I'm concentrating only on singing. No ideas about acting yet, but I guess if I receive a good role, I may try it.
Us: Rumour has it that you've sold the rights of some of your songs. Is there any truth behind this whatsoever?
Atif: Rumours are rumours. Just don't trust them. My songs are mine.
Us: You've won the award for 'Best Upcoming Singer' at the Sahara Sangeet Awards, and the Indus Music Awards for 'Best Song', 'Best Composition', and 'Best Lyrics'. How much importance do awards and award shows hold for you?
Atif: It feels great to have won these awards. But I guess the biggest award and reward is your personal satisfaction and the love of the people you get in response to your music. Awards are a great tool to encourage artists, but I guess awards should have some merits and authenticity to some level through some experienced and honest judges.
Us: Any message for your fans?
Atif: Love you all! Keep praying and continue supporting me like this. We have to go a long way together. Your prayers have led me to this height and place. And I would like to express my profound wishes to my parents, brothers, friends, and fans.
Us: And our readers have chosen you as their favourite artist of 2005 in a poll that we conducted a few weeks ago...
Atif: Thanks a lot! Thank you all for your consistent support. Young people are the most energetic in their response in any concert at any performance. I love performing for the kids - they scream a lot, and that's the real enjoyment of a concert. Most of my audience is related to the age group that read this magazine. Just follow your passion till you master it!
- By Sameen Amer
Us Magazine, The News - 24th February, 2006
After the massive success of his debut album Jal Pari, and after his music was included in the soundtracks of Bollywood movies, Atif Aslam's songs have now been featured in the international production 'Man Push Cart', the film that was recently premiered at the Venice Film Festival, and also won the 'FIPRESCI Critics Award'. We caught up with Atif to ask him about his latest ventures...
Us: How does it feel to hear your songs in Indian movies and be recognized on the other side of the border?
Atif Aslam: Alhumd-o-lillah, it feels great. People call me from across the border and say that when they are sad my music relaxes them and helps wipe off their tears, and it's a blessing if you can make people happy and make them forget their sorrows. Secondly, it makes me feel that I have done something for my nation; beside your own recognition, people also recognize your country, and this has proved that our pop industry has the potential to create waves in Bollywood. I also feel that music has no boundaries and the more music markets you explore the more you learn, so it was a wonderful experience. According to their local channel Zoom, my song Woh Lamhay, is among the 'ten most evergreen songs of Indian film industry', which is an honour for me. The remix version is being played all over the world in all the clubs, discos, and theatres, which makes me feel very satisfied.
Us: How did the 'Man Push Cart' project come about?
Atif: We were approached by Ramin Behrani, the director of the movie 'Man Push Cart', from Hollywood. He got hold of my album through the hero of the film, and listened and understood my songs. The movie is basically the story of a singer, so I thought we must go for it. The story basically revolves around a Pakistani guy trying to settle in USA, who gives a positive turn to his life by exploring his talent of singing and that's where my songs come into the movie. The film got a tremendous response at the Venice film festival and was greatly appreciated by the president of the festival. Almost all the Hollywood celebrities attended the film festival which gave an extended exposure to my voice, and of course it's a matter of great pride for our nation as well that after Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and the Strings, God gave me this opportunity to show my talents there.
Us: New album: progress? When will it be released?
Atif: I'm working on it ... don't have a precise release date yet.
Us: Your videos have received a lot of criticism. Is there anything you want to say in response to that?
Atif: Well, I admit that the quality of my videos was not that good. Some people were stealing my songs, so I had to make the videos in a rush in order to save and register my other songs. But Insha Allah you will see some good videos now.
Us: Any particular directors you'd like to work with?
Atif: I think everyone is doing a great job. I don't have any priorities; anyone who can handle the subject of the song artistically would be a good choice for me.
Us: Looking at the music industry right now, where do you think it stands?
Atif: I think everyone is doing great right now. Our industry is just flourishing. It will take another five years or so for it to have a proper professional shape. Channels are helping newcomers in establishing their careers. But I would like to say to the newcomers that don't come in the industry just for fame and other benefits; try to satisfy your inner passion for music if you really have it.
Us: Are you interested in acting? Any chance we'll see you in a film or TV drama/play anytime soon?
Atif: Right now I'm concentrating only on singing. No ideas about acting yet, but I guess if I receive a good role, I may try it.
Us: Rumour has it that you've sold the rights of some of your songs. Is there any truth behind this whatsoever?
Atif: Rumours are rumours. Just don't trust them. My songs are mine.
Us: You've won the award for 'Best Upcoming Singer' at the Sahara Sangeet Awards, and the Indus Music Awards for 'Best Song', 'Best Composition', and 'Best Lyrics'. How much importance do awards and award shows hold for you?
Atif: It feels great to have won these awards. But I guess the biggest award and reward is your personal satisfaction and the love of the people you get in response to your music. Awards are a great tool to encourage artists, but I guess awards should have some merits and authenticity to some level through some experienced and honest judges.
Us: Any message for your fans?
Atif: Love you all! Keep praying and continue supporting me like this. We have to go a long way together. Your prayers have led me to this height and place. And I would like to express my profound wishes to my parents, brothers, friends, and fans.
Us: And our readers have chosen you as their favourite artist of 2005 in a poll that we conducted a few weeks ago...
Atif: Thanks a lot! Thank you all for your consistent support. Young people are the most energetic in their response in any concert at any performance. I love performing for the kids - they scream a lot, and that's the real enjoyment of a concert. Most of my audience is related to the age group that read this magazine. Just follow your passion till you master it!
- By Sameen Amer
Us Magazine, The News - 24th February, 2006
Monday, February 06, 2006
Atif goes international
After making his mark in Bollywood, Atif is all set to show his talent across the globe as his songs become part of the soundtrack of an international production
No matter what anyone says, the fact remains that the inclusion of his songs in Zeher and Kalyug soundtracks gave Atif Aslam substantial recognition in India. Ultimately, they ended up playing those remixes so loud that one could easily hear them from across the border. But now things are about to enter a whole new level and his voice is going to reach an even wider audience, as Atif's tunes have been featured in the movie that won last year's 'FIPRESCI (La Federation International de la Presse Cinematographique) International Critics Award'.
Atif's songs ended up in Man Push Cart after his album landed in the hands of the film's director. "The actor who plays the lead role in the movie (Ahmad Razvi) gave my CD to the director. Man Push Cart is an art movie on a Pakistani immigrant trying to settle in USA and how he rebuilds his life through his talent of singing. That's where my part comes in. The director, Ramin Bahrani, thought my music would be appropriate for the film, so he sent me an invitation and after the negotiations, three of my songs were included in the film."
The film depicts the life of a Pakistani immigrant who now sells coffee from his pushcart on the streets of Manhattan. The former rock star struggles for survival, eventually returning to music to get his life back on track. "The film was scheduled to be premiered at Rafi Peer Theater and Film Festival," Atif explained, "but due to some time scheduling issues, it wasn't. But it will be available here on DVD after some time." Man Push Cart is among the sixty movies (chosen out of some three thousand) selected for premier at the Venice Film festival.
When asked if he'd gone through the script of the movie before accepting this offer, Atif's very candid reply was that he hadn't. "As it was a matter of more exposure for Pakistan and for me, I signed it at a decent cost." But then, would he allow his music to be used in a film that he didn't like? He says he's at an early stage of his career, too young to be choosy when it comes to Hollywood movies. "I decided on this film keeping in view the story, but I guess if the production team is sound, then I won't have any objections to it, as they are more professional than we are."
The film uses the songs 'Aadat' as well as portions of 'Ehsaas' and 'Yaqeen', and for all the songs, Atif has been given credit. "They have mentioned my name along with all others who have been a part of the film's music in one way or another." And how does he feel about this project? "I feel very thankful to God and at the same time, I also feel a kind of responsibility and added pressure for my second album". His sophomore set is currently a work in progress and "raw version of some songs have been recorded."
And Man Push Cart isn't the only addition to his already impressive resume. "Recently, BBC sent me a letter, asking for permission to use my music in one of their programs about South Asia. It's a documentary of some kind on South Asian music and is scheduled for February–March 2006. I have allowed them to use my music."
So after success in the Pakistani music scene, Bollywood, and now even a touch of Hollywood, what's next? "To be very honest, I have never set targets. It's all just a blessing of God coming my way but I will be extremely happy if I can do something good for my country in terms of fame. I would like to do some projects with international artists, to learn more music and expand my horizons. I would like to add," he continued, "that people should learn to accept new things. Experiments will craft the shape of music in Pakistan. Encouragement will help artists to do their best and be in their best form."
As for those who think 'Aadat' has already been overused, redone and remixed to death, Atif doesn't agree. "I guess music doesn't have any boundaries. Only the audience in Bollywood has heard it so far. It should be spread more, as it is a 'generic' song." And at this rate, one wouldn't be surprised if they're playing 'Aadat' on the moon in a couple of years. Alert NASA, should we?
- By Sameen Amer
Instep, The News - 5th February, 2006
No matter what anyone says, the fact remains that the inclusion of his songs in Zeher and Kalyug soundtracks gave Atif Aslam substantial recognition in India. Ultimately, they ended up playing those remixes so loud that one could easily hear them from across the border. But now things are about to enter a whole new level and his voice is going to reach an even wider audience, as Atif's tunes have been featured in the movie that won last year's 'FIPRESCI (La Federation International de la Presse Cinematographique) International Critics Award'.
Atif's songs ended up in Man Push Cart after his album landed in the hands of the film's director. "The actor who plays the lead role in the movie (Ahmad Razvi) gave my CD to the director. Man Push Cart is an art movie on a Pakistani immigrant trying to settle in USA and how he rebuilds his life through his talent of singing. That's where my part comes in. The director, Ramin Bahrani, thought my music would be appropriate for the film, so he sent me an invitation and after the negotiations, three of my songs were included in the film."
The film depicts the life of a Pakistani immigrant who now sells coffee from his pushcart on the streets of Manhattan. The former rock star struggles for survival, eventually returning to music to get his life back on track. "The film was scheduled to be premiered at Rafi Peer Theater and Film Festival," Atif explained, "but due to some time scheduling issues, it wasn't. But it will be available here on DVD after some time." Man Push Cart is among the sixty movies (chosen out of some three thousand) selected for premier at the Venice Film festival.
When asked if he'd gone through the script of the movie before accepting this offer, Atif's very candid reply was that he hadn't. "As it was a matter of more exposure for Pakistan and for me, I signed it at a decent cost." But then, would he allow his music to be used in a film that he didn't like? He says he's at an early stage of his career, too young to be choosy when it comes to Hollywood movies. "I decided on this film keeping in view the story, but I guess if the production team is sound, then I won't have any objections to it, as they are more professional than we are."
The film uses the songs 'Aadat' as well as portions of 'Ehsaas' and 'Yaqeen', and for all the songs, Atif has been given credit. "They have mentioned my name along with all others who have been a part of the film's music in one way or another." And how does he feel about this project? "I feel very thankful to God and at the same time, I also feel a kind of responsibility and added pressure for my second album". His sophomore set is currently a work in progress and "raw version of some songs have been recorded."
And Man Push Cart isn't the only addition to his already impressive resume. "Recently, BBC sent me a letter, asking for permission to use my music in one of their programs about South Asia. It's a documentary of some kind on South Asian music and is scheduled for February–March 2006. I have allowed them to use my music."
So after success in the Pakistani music scene, Bollywood, and now even a touch of Hollywood, what's next? "To be very honest, I have never set targets. It's all just a blessing of God coming my way but I will be extremely happy if I can do something good for my country in terms of fame. I would like to do some projects with international artists, to learn more music and expand my horizons. I would like to add," he continued, "that people should learn to accept new things. Experiments will craft the shape of music in Pakistan. Encouragement will help artists to do their best and be in their best form."
As for those who think 'Aadat' has already been overused, redone and remixed to death, Atif doesn't agree. "I guess music doesn't have any boundaries. Only the audience in Bollywood has heard it so far. It should be spread more, as it is a 'generic' song." And at this rate, one wouldn't be surprised if they're playing 'Aadat' on the moon in a couple of years. Alert NASA, should we?
- By Sameen Amer
Instep, The News - 5th February, 2006
Saturday, January 07, 2006
2005 - A look back
music in 2005
The year 2005 saw a lot of activity in our music scene, including some great new songs and videos. Not only did the Pakistani artists try to make their presence felt on the local canvas, but many of them also worked towards gaining international recognition. Here are some of the highlights of the year.
Albums
- Ali Azmat released his debut solo album 'Social Circus'. The videos of his songs 'Deewana', which was directed by Jami, and 'Na Re Na', directed by Saqib Malik, gained heavy rotation on music channels. Salman Ahmad also released his first solo effort, 'Infiniti', and the music video for his song 'Al Vida' became the first HIV/AIDS awareness music video ever released in South Asia.
- Call's debut album 'Jilawatan' was released in November. The album includes the songs 'Nishaan', 'Pukaar', 'Shayad', 'Sab Bhula Kay', and 'Bichar Kay Bhi', the videos for which are in the works. Call announced a lineup change earlier in the year, and Xulfi officially joined Junaid and Sultan as a member of the band.
- Noori's second album, 'Peeli Patti Aur Raja Jani Ki Gol Dunya' was released in September, and the album has yielded the videos for '(Kuttay) Te Tho Uttay' and 'Nishaan'.
- Other notable album releases included Shehzad Roy's album 'Buri Baat Hai' that hosted the song 'Sali', and Shiraz Uppal's 'Jhuki Jhuki' which has spawned the videos for the title track 'Jhuki Jhuki' and the song 'Bolay Mahi'.
Success
- The Strings won the 'Favourite Artist (India)' award at the MTV Asia Awards 2005, performed during the charity concert held at Mumbai as part of a fund raising telethon for the victims of the Asian tsunami, and released the videos of their songs 'Kahani Mohabbat Ki', 'Hai Koi Hum Jaisa', and 'Mera Bichara Yaar', all of which were directed by Umar Anwar. The band was appointed as UNICEF Pakistan's national ambassadors for HIV/AIDS, and performed in New York at the United Nations Secretariat to launch the global campaign 'Unite for Children. Unite Against AIDS'. The band also released the video for their new song 'Zinda Hoon'.
- Ali Zafar won the award for the 'Best Pop Music Album in Pakistan' at the Asian Bollywood Music Awards that were held in Dubai. Ali was also nominated for the MTV Style Awards in the 'Most Stylish Person in Music' category, and directed the video of his track 'Aik Pal'. He also performed at the Dubai Rain Dance Festival (and was the only Pakistani artist performing at the show), and in Norway, drawing one of the biggest Pakistani turnouts in the history of the country.
- Faakhir won the awards for 'Best Pop Singer' and 'Best Pop Song' for his track 'Mahi Ve' at the Sahara Sangeet Awards 2005 that were held in California. Atif Aslam won the 'Best New Voice' award for the song 'Woh Lamhey', and Jal won the 'Best Band' award.
Exports
- Atif Aslam's 'Bheegi Yaadain' appeared on the soundtrack of the Bollywood movie 'Zeher' for which he performed as a playback singer. His first international concert took place in Mumbai in May, and Atif also recorded a new version of 'Aadat' for the Indian movie 'Kalyug'.
- Jal released their debut album 'Aadat' in India.
- EP's album 'Irtiqa' was released in India. And the video for the song 'Irtiqa 3' also came out this year.
- And Ali Zafar also released his album, 'Huqa Pani', in India this year. He co-hosted the MTV Immies 2005 that were held in India last month.
Unity
- The 'Umeed-e-Seher' concert, a show organized for collecting funds for the victims of the earthquake that hit Pakistan on the 8th of October, was held in Lahore and featured performances by Jal, Call, Roxen, EP, and a special appearance by Ali Zafar.
- Salman Ahmad announced that the album sales from 'Infiniti' would go to the earthquake relief fund. His earthquake relief concert in Boston marked the first time a Pakistani artist had ever been invited to perform at the Harvard University.
- Faraz Anwar released the song 'Mere Khuda' which was dedicated to the quake victims.
- And many other artists including Fakhr-e-Alam, Abrar-ul-Haq, and Shehzad Roy, helped out greatly in the earthquake relief efforts.
- By Sameen Amer
Us Magazine, The News - 6th January, 2006
The year 2005 saw a lot of activity in our music scene, including some great new songs and videos. Not only did the Pakistani artists try to make their presence felt on the local canvas, but many of them also worked towards gaining international recognition. Here are some of the highlights of the year.
Albums
- Ali Azmat released his debut solo album 'Social Circus'. The videos of his songs 'Deewana', which was directed by Jami, and 'Na Re Na', directed by Saqib Malik, gained heavy rotation on music channels. Salman Ahmad also released his first solo effort, 'Infiniti', and the music video for his song 'Al Vida' became the first HIV/AIDS awareness music video ever released in South Asia.
- Call's debut album 'Jilawatan' was released in November. The album includes the songs 'Nishaan', 'Pukaar', 'Shayad', 'Sab Bhula Kay', and 'Bichar Kay Bhi', the videos for which are in the works. Call announced a lineup change earlier in the year, and Xulfi officially joined Junaid and Sultan as a member of the band.
- Noori's second album, 'Peeli Patti Aur Raja Jani Ki Gol Dunya' was released in September, and the album has yielded the videos for '(Kuttay) Te Tho Uttay' and 'Nishaan'.
- Other notable album releases included Shehzad Roy's album 'Buri Baat Hai' that hosted the song 'Sali', and Shiraz Uppal's 'Jhuki Jhuki' which has spawned the videos for the title track 'Jhuki Jhuki' and the song 'Bolay Mahi'.
Success
- The Strings won the 'Favourite Artist (India)' award at the MTV Asia Awards 2005, performed during the charity concert held at Mumbai as part of a fund raising telethon for the victims of the Asian tsunami, and released the videos of their songs 'Kahani Mohabbat Ki', 'Hai Koi Hum Jaisa', and 'Mera Bichara Yaar', all of which were directed by Umar Anwar. The band was appointed as UNICEF Pakistan's national ambassadors for HIV/AIDS, and performed in New York at the United Nations Secretariat to launch the global campaign 'Unite for Children. Unite Against AIDS'. The band also released the video for their new song 'Zinda Hoon'.
- Ali Zafar won the award for the 'Best Pop Music Album in Pakistan' at the Asian Bollywood Music Awards that were held in Dubai. Ali was also nominated for the MTV Style Awards in the 'Most Stylish Person in Music' category, and directed the video of his track 'Aik Pal'. He also performed at the Dubai Rain Dance Festival (and was the only Pakistani artist performing at the show), and in Norway, drawing one of the biggest Pakistani turnouts in the history of the country.
- Faakhir won the awards for 'Best Pop Singer' and 'Best Pop Song' for his track 'Mahi Ve' at the Sahara Sangeet Awards 2005 that were held in California. Atif Aslam won the 'Best New Voice' award for the song 'Woh Lamhey', and Jal won the 'Best Band' award.
Exports
- Atif Aslam's 'Bheegi Yaadain' appeared on the soundtrack of the Bollywood movie 'Zeher' for which he performed as a playback singer. His first international concert took place in Mumbai in May, and Atif also recorded a new version of 'Aadat' for the Indian movie 'Kalyug'.
- Jal released their debut album 'Aadat' in India.
- EP's album 'Irtiqa' was released in India. And the video for the song 'Irtiqa 3' also came out this year.
- And Ali Zafar also released his album, 'Huqa Pani', in India this year. He co-hosted the MTV Immies 2005 that were held in India last month.
Unity
- The 'Umeed-e-Seher' concert, a show organized for collecting funds for the victims of the earthquake that hit Pakistan on the 8th of October, was held in Lahore and featured performances by Jal, Call, Roxen, EP, and a special appearance by Ali Zafar.
- Salman Ahmad announced that the album sales from 'Infiniti' would go to the earthquake relief fund. His earthquake relief concert in Boston marked the first time a Pakistani artist had ever been invited to perform at the Harvard University.
- Faraz Anwar released the song 'Mere Khuda' which was dedicated to the quake victims.
- And many other artists including Fakhr-e-Alam, Abrar-ul-Haq, and Shehzad Roy, helped out greatly in the earthquake relief efforts.
- By Sameen Amer
Us Magazine, The News - 6th January, 2006
Friday, December 02, 2005
Making a difference. Together.
The '8:51' concert was held in Lahore on the 8th of November and featured performances by EP, Jal, Call, Roxen and a special appearance by Ali Zafar. Marking a month since the devastating earthquake hit Pakistan, the event aimed to collect funds for the earthquake victims. We talked to the organizers of the event and the musicians who participated in it about the show. Here's what they had to say:
Ali Zafar
It was great to share the stage with all my extremely talented colleagues for such an important cause. I'm honoured to be a part of it and pleased to see the spirit and results.
Farhan Saeed Butt (Jal)
It was a great feeling that we could help the earthquake victims by donating whatever we could. We used our art to collect charity, and I was really happy to see such a huge turnout. So I think we all should continue these kinds of activities in order to collect more money to help the victims.
Goher Mumtaz (Jal)
We managed to collect approximately more than 4 lakh rupees by the end of the show in just 3 hours. It's always good to serve your nation, especially when it is really needed, and this was the right time to do that. And the bands other than Jal (EP, Call, Roxen) and Ali Zafar who showed up for this cause were amazing. The people at Kinnaird College bought the tickets generously to be part of the great effort as well. Everyone worked hard for the fundraiser. Thumbs up!! God bless our nation!!
Junaid (Call)
Participating in this event really made us feel proud. It was a great feeling that our music was being used for a very special cause. No matter how small did we contribute, it still makes us proud that at least we did something, and whenever we will be needed, we will definitely come forward.
Xulfi (Call, EP)
I did not know what the turnout was going to be for the concert, so was a bit confused but the attendance at the venue surprised us. I wish that this passion and motivation might last long.
Musti (Roxen)
It was an indescribable feeling when I came to know that we had raised over 400,000 rupees for the victims through this event. We have shown that we are a united nation and we stand tall.
Khurram Jabbar Khan (Jilawatan Productions)
Since the day this tragedy struck the nation, I was feeling guilty, as I was not able to participate in full. We contributed as much as we could, had already set up a camp at Mini Golf for two weeks, but I felt that something was still missing, and Mustafa of Roxen came up with the idea for this event, which we later named 'Umeed-e-Seher'. We started with a little hope and then things started falling into place and finally we were able to carry this out superbly. EP, Jal, Call, Roxen, Ali Zafar and the rest contributed greatly in making this possible.
- By Sameen Amer
Us Magazine, The News - 2nd December 2005
Ali Zafar
It was great to share the stage with all my extremely talented colleagues for such an important cause. I'm honoured to be a part of it and pleased to see the spirit and results.
Farhan Saeed Butt (Jal)
It was a great feeling that we could help the earthquake victims by donating whatever we could. We used our art to collect charity, and I was really happy to see such a huge turnout. So I think we all should continue these kinds of activities in order to collect more money to help the victims.
Goher Mumtaz (Jal)
We managed to collect approximately more than 4 lakh rupees by the end of the show in just 3 hours. It's always good to serve your nation, especially when it is really needed, and this was the right time to do that. And the bands other than Jal (EP, Call, Roxen) and Ali Zafar who showed up for this cause were amazing. The people at Kinnaird College bought the tickets generously to be part of the great effort as well. Everyone worked hard for the fundraiser. Thumbs up!! God bless our nation!!
Junaid (Call)
Participating in this event really made us feel proud. It was a great feeling that our music was being used for a very special cause. No matter how small did we contribute, it still makes us proud that at least we did something, and whenever we will be needed, we will definitely come forward.
Xulfi (Call, EP)
I did not know what the turnout was going to be for the concert, so was a bit confused but the attendance at the venue surprised us. I wish that this passion and motivation might last long.
Musti (Roxen)
It was an indescribable feeling when I came to know that we had raised over 400,000 rupees for the victims through this event. We have shown that we are a united nation and we stand tall.
Khurram Jabbar Khan (Jilawatan Productions)
Since the day this tragedy struck the nation, I was feeling guilty, as I was not able to participate in full. We contributed as much as we could, had already set up a camp at Mini Golf for two weeks, but I felt that something was still missing, and Mustafa of Roxen came up with the idea for this event, which we later named 'Umeed-e-Seher'. We started with a little hope and then things started falling into place and finally we were able to carry this out superbly. EP, Jal, Call, Roxen, Ali Zafar and the rest contributed greatly in making this possible.
- By Sameen Amer
Us Magazine, The News - 2nd December 2005
Friday, November 11, 2005
Ali Zafar: A legend in the making
interview
Ever since 'Channo' hit the airwaves, Ali Zafar has established himself as a pop icon and has received acclaim every step of the way. Not only has this multi-talented 25-year-old made his mark as a singer, actor, and model, but he has also proven his worth as a director through the video of his track 'Aik Pal'. His debut album, 'Huqa Pani', was one of the best selling albums of Pakistan in 2004, and won him multiple awards. The album was released in India this year, where it continues to earn praise. We caught up with Ali Zafar to find out more about his musical ventures.
Us: Were you at all surprised by the massive success of you debut album?
Ali Zafar: Well, I made it to be a success and I believed in it and put in everything I had. God likes those who believe in themselves and Him, and thus blessed me with the fulfillment of a dream.
Us: How long did it take you to make the album?
AZ: Brainstorming for three years and then finally recorded it in over a month.
Us: How's your second album coming along? When will it be released?
AZ: I am working on the second album these days. I've composed more than forty songs and am working on ten for the next album. I hate and love being a perfectionist, so I'll take my time till I think it's the best I can do for now.
Us: You were in Norway a few weeks ago. How was the experience of performing there?
AZ: One of the best shows of my life. They told me it was the biggest turn up ever in Norway's history because it had about 8000 people there and I was the only one performing. It was so touching that they were there for me. Lovely crowd. Would love to go there again.
Us: How does it feel to get such an overwhelming response from the international audience?
AZ: Well, overwhelming responses always overwhelm you. It's an amazing feeling to realize that your music has traveled lands and seas.
Us: And success in India seems to have gained a high priority for our musicians...
AZ: You need to set new goals for yourself and new milestones so that they inspire you to work harder. As you go international the competition increases and makes you work even harder.
Us: So are you keeping the international market in mind while you're working on your sophomore album?
AZ: Yeah, you can say that.
Us: You did the cover of 'Every Breath You Take' for New Year's Eve (the MP3 of which is available on your website) - are you planning to venture into the English music arena?
AZ: Well, you never know. Let's see.
Us: Have you decided which video you'll release next?
AZ: Now, I think the next video I release will be from my next album. We might do one more with our Indian record company for further promotion in India.
Us: How was the experience of directing the 'Aik Pal' video? And how has the response to the video been so far?
AZ: Well, I loved it. I've always been fascinated with film making and had wanted to apply it sometime in the future. Good that it happened now. I love taking risks and trying new things out, providing an outlet to my artistic endeavors. People have taken it better than I thought they would. It was something very abstract but surprisingly a lot of people came up with brilliant perceptions and angles of it that I had wanted them to.
Us: Do you plan to direct more videos?
AZ: I do, actually. But I haven't planned anything as yet.
Us: And what about acting and modeling? Any projects lined up?
AZ: Well, I have been offered a couple of movies from here and abroad. But I really wanna do something for our rotten film industry. Might just take up one, but then that depends on a lot of things. Let's see how it goes.
Us: Do you read the stuff that's written about you in magazines and posted on forums and websites?
AZ: Yes, I do. It's a lot of fun until something is printed about you that you never did or never said.
Us: So how do you cope with people spreading rumors about you? And just how annoying are rumors?
AZ: Well, it was the toughest thing for me to handle initially. I would sit down depressed with my head in my knees trying to figure out as to why somebody would make up such a thing and how could they have the time to try and waste other people's lives, but then I learned that they actually waste their own lives by doing that. I couldn't let that affect my work and figured that it's a package which comes with being in the limelight. You should just concentrate on good work. Everything else will fade away but the work in which you induce your heart and soul.
Us: And what about the endless criticism that 'Channo' is a rip off of an old Indian song? What do you say in response to that?
AZ: I have been accused that most of the songs on my album are copies. In return to that all I've asked is to bring me the actual songs from which they have been copied, but no one's ever done that. Have you ever thought why? Regarding 'Channo', people relate it to Burman's 'Dhanno'. I will not deny that I am a huge R.D. Burman fan like almost all the musicians I know to date, and have been listening to his songs since childhood. Now if that inspired me (like every other musician who is inspired by someone) to create something of my own that sounded a bit like it, then I don't see a crime in that. The song 'Channo' has given pleasure to countless audiences all over the world and recognition to a Pakistani artist internationally, and thus to Pakistan. Those who can't accept that or don't want to, can't be helped. Just some informal information: I made twenty different people sit and listen to both the versions. Nobody agreed that it could be called a copy.
Us: Any comments for those who say that you don't sing live during your concerts?
AZ: We have the footage of almost all of my live shows. You're most welcome to come and see it also and check for yourself that I've always sung live on shows even in the worst of conditions with fever, cold and sore throat, just to make sure that people are not fooled and I don't ever feel guilty. For shows which are being recorded for T.V., nobody sings live because it's being recorded for the T.V. On the other hand I take it as a compliment when people think I'm not singing live because they probably think so because I sound damn good, or they're just tone deaf!
Us: What can we expect from Ali Zafar in the next few months?
AZ: The new album!
Us: Any message for your fans?
AZ: There has to be a way to meet each one of them! I wish I could. I love them all.
- By Sameen Amer
Us Magazine, The News - 11th November 2005
Ever since 'Channo' hit the airwaves, Ali Zafar has established himself as a pop icon and has received acclaim every step of the way. Not only has this multi-talented 25-year-old made his mark as a singer, actor, and model, but he has also proven his worth as a director through the video of his track 'Aik Pal'. His debut album, 'Huqa Pani', was one of the best selling albums of Pakistan in 2004, and won him multiple awards. The album was released in India this year, where it continues to earn praise. We caught up with Ali Zafar to find out more about his musical ventures.
Us: Were you at all surprised by the massive success of you debut album?
Ali Zafar: Well, I made it to be a success and I believed in it and put in everything I had. God likes those who believe in themselves and Him, and thus blessed me with the fulfillment of a dream.
Us: How long did it take you to make the album?
AZ: Brainstorming for three years and then finally recorded it in over a month.
Us: How's your second album coming along? When will it be released?
AZ: I am working on the second album these days. I've composed more than forty songs and am working on ten for the next album. I hate and love being a perfectionist, so I'll take my time till I think it's the best I can do for now.
Us: You were in Norway a few weeks ago. How was the experience of performing there?
AZ: One of the best shows of my life. They told me it was the biggest turn up ever in Norway's history because it had about 8000 people there and I was the only one performing. It was so touching that they were there for me. Lovely crowd. Would love to go there again.
Us: How does it feel to get such an overwhelming response from the international audience?
AZ: Well, overwhelming responses always overwhelm you. It's an amazing feeling to realize that your music has traveled lands and seas.
Us: And success in India seems to have gained a high priority for our musicians...
AZ: You need to set new goals for yourself and new milestones so that they inspire you to work harder. As you go international the competition increases and makes you work even harder.
Us: So are you keeping the international market in mind while you're working on your sophomore album?
AZ: Yeah, you can say that.
Us: You did the cover of 'Every Breath You Take' for New Year's Eve (the MP3 of which is available on your website) - are you planning to venture into the English music arena?
AZ: Well, you never know. Let's see.
Us: Have you decided which video you'll release next?
AZ: Now, I think the next video I release will be from my next album. We might do one more with our Indian record company for further promotion in India.
Us: How was the experience of directing the 'Aik Pal' video? And how has the response to the video been so far?
AZ: Well, I loved it. I've always been fascinated with film making and had wanted to apply it sometime in the future. Good that it happened now. I love taking risks and trying new things out, providing an outlet to my artistic endeavors. People have taken it better than I thought they would. It was something very abstract but surprisingly a lot of people came up with brilliant perceptions and angles of it that I had wanted them to.
Us: Do you plan to direct more videos?
AZ: I do, actually. But I haven't planned anything as yet.
Us: And what about acting and modeling? Any projects lined up?
AZ: Well, I have been offered a couple of movies from here and abroad. But I really wanna do something for our rotten film industry. Might just take up one, but then that depends on a lot of things. Let's see how it goes.
Us: Do you read the stuff that's written about you in magazines and posted on forums and websites?
AZ: Yes, I do. It's a lot of fun until something is printed about you that you never did or never said.
Us: So how do you cope with people spreading rumors about you? And just how annoying are rumors?
AZ: Well, it was the toughest thing for me to handle initially. I would sit down depressed with my head in my knees trying to figure out as to why somebody would make up such a thing and how could they have the time to try and waste other people's lives, but then I learned that they actually waste their own lives by doing that. I couldn't let that affect my work and figured that it's a package which comes with being in the limelight. You should just concentrate on good work. Everything else will fade away but the work in which you induce your heart and soul.
Us: And what about the endless criticism that 'Channo' is a rip off of an old Indian song? What do you say in response to that?
AZ: I have been accused that most of the songs on my album are copies. In return to that all I've asked is to bring me the actual songs from which they have been copied, but no one's ever done that. Have you ever thought why? Regarding 'Channo', people relate it to Burman's 'Dhanno'. I will not deny that I am a huge R.D. Burman fan like almost all the musicians I know to date, and have been listening to his songs since childhood. Now if that inspired me (like every other musician who is inspired by someone) to create something of my own that sounded a bit like it, then I don't see a crime in that. The song 'Channo' has given pleasure to countless audiences all over the world and recognition to a Pakistani artist internationally, and thus to Pakistan. Those who can't accept that or don't want to, can't be helped. Just some informal information: I made twenty different people sit and listen to both the versions. Nobody agreed that it could be called a copy.
Us: Any comments for those who say that you don't sing live during your concerts?
AZ: We have the footage of almost all of my live shows. You're most welcome to come and see it also and check for yourself that I've always sung live on shows even in the worst of conditions with fever, cold and sore throat, just to make sure that people are not fooled and I don't ever feel guilty. For shows which are being recorded for T.V., nobody sings live because it's being recorded for the T.V. On the other hand I take it as a compliment when people think I'm not singing live because they probably think so because I sound damn good, or they're just tone deaf!
Us: What can we expect from Ali Zafar in the next few months?
AZ: The new album!
Us: Any message for your fans?
AZ: There has to be a way to meet each one of them! I wish I could. I love them all.
- By Sameen Amer
Us Magazine, The News - 11th November 2005
Monday, November 07, 2005
Rock Star – reality TV in excess
reality bites
Every once in a while, a star is born, destined to dazzle everyone who catches a glimpse of it, only to disappear just as quickly as it emerged. And Michael Hutchence was the very personification of this phenomenon. The main force behind the rise (and subsequent fall) of his band INXS, Hutchence was a captivating frontman, the likes of which are very hard to come by, and his untimely death effectively marked the end for INXS – or so we thought. Just like Alice In Chains, The Doors, Nirvana, and many other bands that have lost their vocalist, no one expected to hear from INXS again, but then a reality TV mogul stepped in. Mark Burnett saw the chance of cashing in on the opportunity and selling some more mindless junk in the name of reality television, and Rock Star was born. First season: INXS.
Elegantly wasted
The story of INXS began in Sydney in 1977 when high school buddies Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss started a band called The Farriss Brothers with Garry Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly and Andrew's brothers Tim and Jon. They eventually changed the band's name to INXS, just prior to the release of their self–titled debut album and first single 'Simple Simon'. Their international breakthrough came a couple of albums later in the form of their 1987 release 'Kick' that included the single 'Need You Tonight', the band's biggest hit to date. INXS was at the peak of its success during the late 80s and early 90s, but interest in the band soon dwindled and their popularity waned. A couple of commercially unsuccessful albums followed, and their comeback album, 1997's 'Elegantly Wasted', had just come out when tragedy struck and Hutchence was found hanging in a hotel room in Sydney. And it's been a downward spiral for the surviving members of the band since then.
Calling all nations
After Hutchence's death, INXS tried to continue with various temporary vocalists, including ex–Noiseworks singer Jon Stevens, who appeared with the band at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in a performance that went largely unnoticed by the international audience. Jon was officially named a member of INXS in 2002 but left in 2003, after recording just one song with the band. In 2004, INXS announced that they were going to find a new vocalist for the band through a reality television show called 'Rock Star: INXS'. Chosen by the band from all over the world, and housed in a Hollywood mansion, 15 contestants were to vie for the position of the band's lead singer. The show turned out to be everything that an INXS fan would label cringe worthy.
Fabricate. Emulate.
Irrespective of the mess his personal life turned out to be, Michael Hutchence was, without a doubt, one of the most charismatic frontman the world has ever seen. So the mere idea of having a whole Big Brother meets American Idol setting to find someone to fill Hutchence's shoes was enough to generate ridicule. But that didn't stop the surviving members of INXS from lurching clumsily down that road.
The news that INXS had signed on to do 'Rock Star' was met with disbelief, so the fact that the show initially generated low ratings hardly came as a surprise, and it's quite easy to see why the show got such a lukewarm response. To begin with, many have argued whether a reality TV show (and all the melodrama that comes with it) is a legitimate way for a rock band to find a new lead singer. Whatever happened to good old non–televised auditions that bands normally have? And to someone who isn't a big fan of covers, the very concept of the show appears to be highly flawed. Just how does the performance of cover versions of Rolling Stones, Queen, and Radiohead tracks merit a place as the frontman of INXS? And why would the rest of us want to hear someone else's rendition of a Pink Floyd classic when we (thankfully) have the original version?
Here's yet another thing that was wrong with the show – the hosts. Everything from Brooke Burke's outfits (or lack thereof), to her shrieking voice and tendency to over-pronounce every proper noun that appeared on the teleprompter, left one cursing the person who had picked her as the host. And one could easily spend half the show wondering what former Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro was doing there. They might as well have had Carmen Electra along with Dave instead of Brooke. It would've made more sense anyway.
As for the competition, well, as with all television shows, we'll never know if they even considered the votes or if the bottom three were actually determined by the viewers, not that it really mattered – look closely and you'll see how the outcome of the show was completely under the band's control at all times.
Old world, new world
The contestants on the show were a mixed bag. Some of them could transform a pop song into a haunting rock anthem, but, highlighting the pitfall of the plan, the others could just as easily make a rock classic sound like a pop ditty. And it finally came down to choosing between a former Elvis impersonator, a theater performer, and someone who has been termed the 'mad conductor'. Yeah, a really tough decision indeed.
Sarcasm aside, it was hard to picture most of these contestants fronting INXS, and it came as little surprise when, after everyone else had been told that they were 'just not right for the band', Jason Dean Bennison a.k.a. J.D. Fortune was chosen as the winner. Quite obviously, the fans of the other fourteen contestants weren't all too pleased about it, and conspiracy theorists even allege that JD had been chosen long before the show's finale, and that 'Rock Star' was nothing more than a publicity ploy by the now forgotten INXS members to return to the public eye. And in all honesty, I really can't think of any other reason the band would attach themselves to such a show either.
Are you ready for a new sensation?
So whether we like it or not, J.D. Fortune is the new vocalist of INXS, and their new album, 'Switch', their first album in eight years, will be out on November 29th. But I still think the surviving members of INXS should've moved on – in their own lives and in their own ways - just like so many others have. Look at how Joy Division morphed into New Order after Ian Curtis' suicide, and how Nirvana gave way to the Foo Fighters and Sweet 75. Perhaps it would have been better to bow out gracefully.
Quite predictably, the majority of those who followed the first season of 'Rock Star' were completely indifferent to INXS and more interested in the contestants than in the band. As for the INXS fans, they really don't want to listen to the back catalogue in someone else's voice, and they didn't want this show. Sure there was the "nostalgia from the time that INXS was at top of their game", as Dave Navarro put it, but the show left a bitter aftertaste for those of us who actually saw the band in its prime. Then again, it's obvious that the show wasn't aimed for that faction. For them there is no INXS without Michael Hutchence. And the 'new look' INXS might turn out to be a 'new sensation', but that's exactly what it'll be: a 'new sensation', not what we knew as INXS. The band has alienated a huge portion of their original fan base by doing the show, and for me, 'Rock Star: INXS' was nothing more than a marketing gimmick and a disgrace to Michael Hutchence's memory, for the INXS that we know died the day Michael Hutchence did.
- By Sameen Amer
Instep, The News - 6th November, 2005
Every once in a while, a star is born, destined to dazzle everyone who catches a glimpse of it, only to disappear just as quickly as it emerged. And Michael Hutchence was the very personification of this phenomenon. The main force behind the rise (and subsequent fall) of his band INXS, Hutchence was a captivating frontman, the likes of which are very hard to come by, and his untimely death effectively marked the end for INXS – or so we thought. Just like Alice In Chains, The Doors, Nirvana, and many other bands that have lost their vocalist, no one expected to hear from INXS again, but then a reality TV mogul stepped in. Mark Burnett saw the chance of cashing in on the opportunity and selling some more mindless junk in the name of reality television, and Rock Star was born. First season: INXS.
Elegantly wasted
The story of INXS began in Sydney in 1977 when high school buddies Michael Hutchence and Andrew Farriss started a band called The Farriss Brothers with Garry Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly and Andrew's brothers Tim and Jon. They eventually changed the band's name to INXS, just prior to the release of their self–titled debut album and first single 'Simple Simon'. Their international breakthrough came a couple of albums later in the form of their 1987 release 'Kick' that included the single 'Need You Tonight', the band's biggest hit to date. INXS was at the peak of its success during the late 80s and early 90s, but interest in the band soon dwindled and their popularity waned. A couple of commercially unsuccessful albums followed, and their comeback album, 1997's 'Elegantly Wasted', had just come out when tragedy struck and Hutchence was found hanging in a hotel room in Sydney. And it's been a downward spiral for the surviving members of the band since then.
Calling all nations
After Hutchence's death, INXS tried to continue with various temporary vocalists, including ex–Noiseworks singer Jon Stevens, who appeared with the band at the closing ceremony of the Sydney Olympics in a performance that went largely unnoticed by the international audience. Jon was officially named a member of INXS in 2002 but left in 2003, after recording just one song with the band. In 2004, INXS announced that they were going to find a new vocalist for the band through a reality television show called 'Rock Star: INXS'. Chosen by the band from all over the world, and housed in a Hollywood mansion, 15 contestants were to vie for the position of the band's lead singer. The show turned out to be everything that an INXS fan would label cringe worthy.
Fabricate. Emulate.
Irrespective of the mess his personal life turned out to be, Michael Hutchence was, without a doubt, one of the most charismatic frontman the world has ever seen. So the mere idea of having a whole Big Brother meets American Idol setting to find someone to fill Hutchence's shoes was enough to generate ridicule. But that didn't stop the surviving members of INXS from lurching clumsily down that road.
The news that INXS had signed on to do 'Rock Star' was met with disbelief, so the fact that the show initially generated low ratings hardly came as a surprise, and it's quite easy to see why the show got such a lukewarm response. To begin with, many have argued whether a reality TV show (and all the melodrama that comes with it) is a legitimate way for a rock band to find a new lead singer. Whatever happened to good old non–televised auditions that bands normally have? And to someone who isn't a big fan of covers, the very concept of the show appears to be highly flawed. Just how does the performance of cover versions of Rolling Stones, Queen, and Radiohead tracks merit a place as the frontman of INXS? And why would the rest of us want to hear someone else's rendition of a Pink Floyd classic when we (thankfully) have the original version?
Here's yet another thing that was wrong with the show – the hosts. Everything from Brooke Burke's outfits (or lack thereof), to her shrieking voice and tendency to over-pronounce every proper noun that appeared on the teleprompter, left one cursing the person who had picked her as the host. And one could easily spend half the show wondering what former Red Hot Chili Peppers and Jane's Addiction guitarist Dave Navarro was doing there. They might as well have had Carmen Electra along with Dave instead of Brooke. It would've made more sense anyway.
As for the competition, well, as with all television shows, we'll never know if they even considered the votes or if the bottom three were actually determined by the viewers, not that it really mattered – look closely and you'll see how the outcome of the show was completely under the band's control at all times.
Old world, new world
The contestants on the show were a mixed bag. Some of them could transform a pop song into a haunting rock anthem, but, highlighting the pitfall of the plan, the others could just as easily make a rock classic sound like a pop ditty. And it finally came down to choosing between a former Elvis impersonator, a theater performer, and someone who has been termed the 'mad conductor'. Yeah, a really tough decision indeed.
Sarcasm aside, it was hard to picture most of these contestants fronting INXS, and it came as little surprise when, after everyone else had been told that they were 'just not right for the band', Jason Dean Bennison a.k.a. J.D. Fortune was chosen as the winner. Quite obviously, the fans of the other fourteen contestants weren't all too pleased about it, and conspiracy theorists even allege that JD had been chosen long before the show's finale, and that 'Rock Star' was nothing more than a publicity ploy by the now forgotten INXS members to return to the public eye. And in all honesty, I really can't think of any other reason the band would attach themselves to such a show either.
Are you ready for a new sensation?
So whether we like it or not, J.D. Fortune is the new vocalist of INXS, and their new album, 'Switch', their first album in eight years, will be out on November 29th. But I still think the surviving members of INXS should've moved on – in their own lives and in their own ways - just like so many others have. Look at how Joy Division morphed into New Order after Ian Curtis' suicide, and how Nirvana gave way to the Foo Fighters and Sweet 75. Perhaps it would have been better to bow out gracefully.
Quite predictably, the majority of those who followed the first season of 'Rock Star' were completely indifferent to INXS and more interested in the contestants than in the band. As for the INXS fans, they really don't want to listen to the back catalogue in someone else's voice, and they didn't want this show. Sure there was the "nostalgia from the time that INXS was at top of their game", as Dave Navarro put it, but the show left a bitter aftertaste for those of us who actually saw the band in its prime. Then again, it's obvious that the show wasn't aimed for that faction. For them there is no INXS without Michael Hutchence. And the 'new look' INXS might turn out to be a 'new sensation', but that's exactly what it'll be: a 'new sensation', not what we knew as INXS. The band has alienated a huge portion of their original fan base by doing the show, and for me, 'Rock Star: INXS' was nothing more than a marketing gimmick and a disgrace to Michael Hutchence's memory, for the INXS that we know died the day Michael Hutchence did.
- By Sameen Amer
Instep, The News - 6th November, 2005
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