February 23, 2009 in inspirational
I loved the new, more intimate format of the Oscars last night. It felt more inclusive and actually showed more of the films. I particularly loved, AR Rahman’s speech for “Slumdog Millionaire.” At the end of the day, after all the dresses, glitz, and glamour…it’s about the work. Or Content. Content is king.
February 12, 2009 in inspirational, Interview
It’s a small world after all. Seriously. When I first started out with auditioning in NYC, I would trudge from job to audition to class, and though it was rough at times, I could wake up in the morning and feel like I was alive. I mean, going for what you want is difficult, but when you’re doing it, you know deep down that you’re making the right decision because you’re following your gut instincts.
Anyway, I used to take vocal lessons (hence the obsession with karaoke) with Wendy Parr, a songwriter, vocalist and vocal teacher. She was definitely the kind of teacher who gave constructive criticism in a not-so-harsh way so you could work on your talents and weaknesses at the same time. We also wrote several tracks/songs together, but once I decided to make the move to LA, I thought we’d never cross paths again. Then, randomly, I bumped into her during the weekend of the Golden Globes because she WROTE A SONG for “SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE.” You know, that film that won Golden Globes, SAG Awards, and is also a heavy favorite to win an Academy Award. So ya know, I had to get an interview for the blog.
Wendy, what an honor to have you as an interview for girlatastartup. I’ve never interviewed anyone whose song is in a film that has been Golden-Globe and Academy Award nominated. So kick-ass. So, tell us a bit about your background. Where are you from?
I’m born in Northern California, raised in LA, moved to NY for NYU TISCH drama, and it seems the further East I go the happier I am. I’m living in Bombay & NYC now. And spend a good deal of my experience traveling — I am a happy nomad.
How did you get started as a songwriter? Were your parents supportive of your creative goals or did they want you to do something more stable?
I have always been a writer – a desire to share, tell stories. I’ve been entertaining since I was a kid when I would write & direct after-dinner performances for my family. I started working professionally as an actor and singer when I was 8. Many years of writing taught me a lot and honed my skills. Still honing. My folks I am grateful to say encouraged and supported my passions and talents by providing me training and education – voice with Seth Riggs,dance classes, NYU TISCH DRAMA…
You’re a lucky gal. I started taking vocal lessons with you in NYC via referral and remember being in a tough period of my life; auditioning and struggling. Going to your classes and working on my voice really meant something. What is it like when you teach students like myself?
I love teaching again, it’s an opportunity to share and empower others. Students like yourself –full of passion, drive, desire who practice & put it to good use — that makes teaching a fulfilling experience.
Aw thanks. So, How did you get involved with writing the lyrics for “Dreams on Fire,” for the soundtrack of Slumdog Millionaire? Amazing film.
I met AR Rahman a couple years ago, introduced myself and told him I want to work with him, finish my album with him. Kind, generous and unique man that he is he was open to meeting me. We met up in India and after listening to my tracks asked if I wanted to write on a project he was doing. YES! is the answer to that question. I spent three weeks in Madras working with him and one song turned into four songs for two films.
A few months ago I was in Bombay and AR was working on a couple projects. He pulled up the track for Dreams on Fire and said he wanted lyrics… I took the pad and went to it. I did not know the film and in fact didn’t see it until long after we recorded. I asked questions about the story line, characters to lead me to themes I would put into the song. I wrote and we finished the recording the same night — in 3 hours.
Wow. Only 3 hours? I’m impressed. Tell us, what is your songwriting process? Are you more structured or stream of consciousness?
Both. In this case I have a melody to write to — given melody and meter. And for a film there are characters and themes to consider. Then I weave in personal experiences or points of view which expand the concepts. I allow myself to write anything that comes — the rewriting and editing is the craft but to mold something we need lots of clay to play with. I often write pages which boil down to a 3 minute song.
Really cool. Have you worked with M.I.A. and A.R. Rahman before? What was it like working with these two artists/composers?
I have not met M.I.A. AR and I have been working together. He is a special man, an incredible talent with a solid spiritual core. We talk about the divine, the world and then we laugh and are silly. So it’s fun and uplifting. And I have learned a lot and improved as a writer working with him. He’s a good editor.
As a creative person, what advice would you give to someone out there who is still struggling to achieve their goals or trying to figure out their talents? Words of inspiration?
Follow your passions. You have them for a reason. Add to that A LOT of dedication, training — talents must be respected and discipline is required to give them true opportunity to fly and shine. Listen to criticism — not to stop you but to help you know where you need improving.
Word. And…the world, every single critic imaginable is embracing “Slumdog Millionaire,” and you must be so proud to be a part of it all. Last time I saw you, you were in LA for the Golden Globes!! How was that? Tell us all the details!
I am thrilled about the film — it’s an incredible work of art with a strong point of view. The Golden Globes — I was just proud for the cast & crew & AR — happy for India to be spilling it’s gifts to the West. The musicians and life there is amazing. I’m excited for more people to experience it. Oh and I felt beautiful.
What projects are you currently working and also what’s next for the future?
I am writing with an artist in LA for her up coming album, Hypnotribe a Rock band in India is recording their first album and I wrote a number of tracks with them. I’m also writing for my own project… Heera in the Raw — a Global Pop album — Western Sensibilities with Indian rhythms, sounds and grooves.
You’ve already achieved so much, but what’s one more thing that you hope to do in the near future?
SO much! Writing for others is a real pleasure, so I’m excited to have hits in different countries and genres performed by others. As well as my own world tour performing with International artists.
One more Awards show question. How excited are you for the Academy Awards? What will you be wearing?
VERY EXCITED for AR! and all my Indian artist friends — this opens SO much up! I am most likely wearing a silk embroidered sari
In closing, we MUST hear what’s on your playlist. What are the tracks you’re listening to?
Right now it’s Slumdog — I’m learning the Hindi songs, I also love to stream radioteentaal — all day Bollywood! Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Abida Parveen, Rufus Wainwright….
Fabulous. I’ll have to stream these songs… Thanks so much for your time, Wendy, and we have to release those tracks in the near future. And GOOD LUCK AT THE OSCARS!!!
For more information about Wendy, check out her links.
February 2, 2009 in hollywood
Ce week-end dernier, j’ai re-regardé, «Slumdog Millioniare», qui poursuit son ascension dans Hollywood / Bollywood avec son histoire de nombreuses accolades et des prix, mais pour moi, je suis connecté avec le protagoniste et sa conviction que presque innocent, il serait vrai aimer. Dans ces bruts fois, quand il semble que si l’un sombre rapport économique suit un rapport de plus de news sur les mises à pied et de la hausse des sans-abri, il peut être difficile de trouver le bon côté.
CREAM. Ou si vous êtes un fan Wu-Tang, des règles de trésorerie tout autour de moi, et ces jours-ci, il semble que il ya de moins que pour tout le monde. Mon prendre sur ce n’est pas de fret, gardez une attitude positive, vous concentrer sur votre talent et de dons, et de travailler très dur.
Parfois, je prends mon avis un peu trop au sérieux et l’impression que je travaille moi-même à la mort; courir le matin, le travail à docstoc, puis écrit avec Mark dans la nuit. (Nous sommes finis notre scénario de la façon et ont des réunions à venir!) Je me sens comme un robot tous les jours, mais récemment, un sage m’a dit: “Vous avez de jouir des petites choses de la vie et ne pas les laisser passer par vous. “UGH. Je le fais toujours, malheureusement, ce … c’est ce que nous workaholiques ont en commun.
Sur cette note, la semaine dernière, j’ai été très encouragé par les réponses que j’ai reçues de docstoc les utilisateurs sur la manière dont le site a permis à leur entreprise ou des besoins personnels, en particulier compte tenu de toutes les mauvaises nouvelles ces derniers temps. Sent vraiment bon d’entendre / lire que des personnes autour du monde tel qu’il rend mon travail vaut la peine. (surtout que mon e-mail interactions avec les utilisateurs tournent autour de documents. Seulement) WORD.
Oh, et l’un de nos VC’s m’accueille avec un coup de poing. N’est-ce pas hasard? Histoire de ma vie.
January 30, 2009 in hollywood
Deep films for dark times. I read this article in the New York Times, about “Riveting Films for Dark Times,” and it is quite interesting to note that the films that are connecting with viewers are the ones that have to do with those whose protagonists have been through the wringer, only to come out either victorious or at least have broken through that human wall of disappointment.
This past weekend, I re-watched, “Slumdog Millioniare,” which is continuing its ascent into Hollywood/Bollywood history with its numerous accolades and awards, but for me, I connected with the protagonist and his almost innocent belief that he would find true love. In these rough times, when it seems as though one dismal Economic report follows one more news report about layoffs and the rise of homelessness, it can be difficult to find the silver lining.
CREAM. Or if you’re a Wu-Tang fan, Cash Rules Everything Around Me, and these days, it seems as though there’s less of that to go around. My take on that is not to fret, keep being positive, focus on your talent and gifts, and work REALLY hard.
Sometimes I take my advice a little too seriously and feel as though I work myself to death; running in the morning, working at docstoc, and then writing with Mark at night. (We’re finished our screenplay by the way and have meetings coming up!!!) I feel like a robot most days, but recently a wise person told me that, “You have to enjoy the little things in life and don’t let them pass you by. ” UGH. I always do this unfortunately… it’s what us workaholics have in common.
On this note, this past week I was really heartened by all the responses I received from docstoc users about how the site has helped them with their business/personal needs, especially considering all the bad news lately. Feels really good to hear/read that from people around the world as it makes my job worth it. (especially as my e-mail interactions with users revolve around documents. Only) WORD.
Oh, and one of our VC’s greets me with a fist bump. Isn’t that random? Story of my life.
January 13, 2009 in Music
So…I’ve written songs since I was in elementary school, though I cringe to think about the lyrics which were about “Cute boys,” and “My Mean teacher,” and Why I thought fruit snacks were the bomb. No, not fruit roll-ups, I’m talking fruit snacks.
I’d always scribble songs in my journals and notebooks, and hum the melodies during choir or Chorus class, but I was super shy growing up. (though no one really believes me when I say that. It’s TRUE!)
But.. I love music and singing, and took voice lessons with Wendy Parr, a songwriter and Vocal teacher, in NYC. She and I wrote several songs together, and it was so AMAZING when I found out that the song she wrote, “Dreams on Fire,” was on the soundtrack for the Golden Globe nominated, critically acclaimed film, “SlumDog Millionaire.”
So if you’re looking to be inspired or trying to stay positive amidst life’s hardships, I suggest that you listen to the lyrics of this song. Yah. I’m cheesy. So what?
Check it out:
