What does MADONNA, NILE RODGERS and Tom Silverman from TOMMY BOY Entertainment have in common? Other than being uber-successful in the music industry during the 80′s-90′s and beyond, they were all present at the New Music Seminar in NYC which was held at Webster Hall for two days this week. MADGE showed up on a vintage film that Nile so affectionately shared with the audience while he told his story of how he met her in the 80′s club scene and how they ultimately worked together.

We were really impressed with Nile’s vibe and natural style. He appeared unaffected by his major musical icon status. His signature is scrawled across an amazing array of music from Madonna, David Bowie, Eric Clapton, Diana Ross, Duran Duran to name just a wee few. He was voted “Top Producer in the World” in Billboard Magazine.

Tom Silverman, the founder of Tommy Boy Records, now known as TOMMY BOY ENTERTAINMENT is the co-creator of the NMS. He and a bunch of panelists including SPRINGSTEEN’S Little Steven sat on the stage, living room style deliberating on how to become a pop star in this time of almost impossible DIY promotion.

For two days we listened intently, networked and participated in the mentoring sessions directed within small groups for a mono-on-mono feel. In between we took a few long breaks to dine at this amazing raw food restaurant, QUINTESSENCE in the East Village.

You can get the full skinny on the NEW MUSIC SEMINAR NYC @ http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2010/07/22/how-do-you-make-a-pop-star-a-new-music-seminar-panel-tries-to-figure-it-out/

~ India

Share on Facebook

This post is dedicated to a rare, unusual and delightful individual who passed from this world two days ago. He was a transcendental madman, a fireball and visionary. He was found in his tiny room coined the “cave” early in the morning after a leaky gas canister took his life.

PLEASE READ ON…

Far off in an exotic, mysterious and spiritually charged ancient village called Vrindavan (land of Krishna) two hours from New Delhi, India lived a wonderful monk and musical genius by the name of Aindra. For 25 years he dedicated practically every waking hour conceiving and singing beautiful melodies dedicated to the Divine on his harmonium, a bellowed organ-like keyboard instrument. He was famous around the world for his kirtans, an ancient spiritual practice of devotional singing accompanied by musical instruments. In Vrindavan, trying to fulfill the deepest desire of his spiritual teacher Srila Prabhupada, he successfully established the 24-hour temple kirtan, non-stop singing of the maha mantra in dedication to the divine couple Radha Krishna. Maha means the greatest. Mantra means to deliver the mind from suffering.
He inspired bhakti (yoga of devotion) yogis and thousands of others from all over the globe to follow in his musical footsteps and perform congregational kirtan in their own town or city, temple, yoga center, festival…
You could say he is the founding father KRC, Kirtan Resurgence Collision.
If you practice yoga you might have experienced some time in a kirtan. It’s a powerful movement coming your way no doubt with Aindra leading through the hearts of those who believe in his vision of giving everyone a chance to experience a magical world beyond this earthly one. Chant, dance and be happy!

Share on Facebook

We are tickled pink and pleased to announce that Astronauts of Antiquity are featured on femmusic.com listed as one of “5 Artists Who Are Attracting Our Attention This Month”. Check us out @ http://femmusic.com/home.htm

Other note worthy A.O.A. news:

We have seriously upgraded our shop page to give you an even better breezy, happy purchasing experience.

Thanks for your support…Stay tuned, stay cool, stay inspired!

~ India

Share on Facebook

Recently we heard Erykah Badu perform at the Roseland Ballroom here in NYC. It is a beautiful, eclectic venue architecturally! The room was packed with collective enthusiasm as B, myself and our lovely friends, Mario and Laurie stood crunched in the back on our tippy toes to catch a glance of the star and her band over the multitude of heads.

Erykah is and always will be the consummate artist ignoring the herd’s version of what is suppose to be commercial in popular music. She reaches for the outer limits with grace, irreverence and honesty. You really do believe her when she sings, “ don’t want nobody sitting next to me”. Luv the moody blues hookability! (more…)

Share on Facebook