Ganesh aarti gets a World music twist

Kailasa band members, Sanket Naik and Sankarshan Kini, turn music composers with a fresh, new version of the popular Ganesh aarti, Jay Dev On the iTunes page for the single Jay Dev, a newly converted fan notes, For someone who was raised on Ganesh aartis in Mumbai, this brings back numerous memories. This version of the aarti places the old words in a new, more contemporary context. It feels fresher and surprisingly, more accessible.Sankarshan Kini and Sanket Naik have are regulars on the Indie music scene in the cityIt's that time of the year when, despite the harsh rains and terrible traffic, the city collectively turns towards its favourite deity to make their lives easier. Assisting us in our prayers this year are indie musicians -- Sanket Naik and Sankarshan Kini -- who have given the Ganesh aarti a contemporary feel.The duo are known for their energetic contributions to the Pop band, Kailasa (Sanket is a percussionist, while Sankarshan aka Shanks is a rhythm guitarist). Together the two play numerous instruments and this is their first foray as music composers.Playing with a Ganesh aarti that is sung in almost every home and at every Ganesh pandal was not easy, they admit. We kept two versions of the aarti in mind: the one that people usually sing at home and a version by Lata Mangeshkar, which is very rich in terms of composition. We knew we had to be different from these two, says Sanket, who has also sung the aarti.The challenge was to keep the aarti accessible in terms of lyrics but to also give it a new spin. Like most songs, this one begins with the strumming of the guitar as well. What we've changed is the melody and instrumentation but not the phrasing. So, the aarti has a Rabab, Saaz and Mandolin but with an Indian classical touch, says Shanks. The song has been created for an upcoming Marathi film, Vakratunda Mahakaya, and keeping the mood of the film was important too.Yet, the basic idea was always to maintain the soul of the aarti. We could have used a hardcore Drum 'n' Bass pattern but if the soul is lost, there is no point. Since it's a Ganpati aarti it has to have Dhol Tasha. Plus, we have acoustic guitar riffs, piano, etc, to take it to a World music platform, says Sanket.Shanks adds, There are many, many layers to the song but you will also hear percussion instruments that are part of the street procession during Ganpati celebrations.Download the song from http://www.hun-gama.com/, http://www.artistaloud.com/, http://www.smashits.com/, http://www.napster.com/ and the iTunes store.

Ganesh aarti gets a World music twist

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