Music

YM: Who are you?
A: I've been working on that question :-)  This life is so dynamic, The "me" is constantly in transformation, this is what keeps me inspired and looking forward to life to come.     

YM: What makes you happy?
A: Music that inspires me, friends that inspire me, good food, tall trees, free spirits, bliss!!! 

YM: When did music first come into your life?
A: From my memories around 5-7 years old I remember being moved by music more so than a lot of family and people around me.  By seven I was writing songs and melodies, and dancing a lot!  By 14 I was recording and playing in venues I was not allowed into :-) ...   

YM: What instruments do you play? 
A: Many many, what I don't play...  reed instruments are not my forte....  most other instruments you give to me I can do something with.  Trumpet was my first, then guitar, then drumset, then tabla, then harmonium, etc..... 

YM: What makes your sound unique?
A: The main instrument I play is my voice, and that is hopefully what makes my sound unique thanks to the Most High.   I would say it's also unique (for the west) that I write many of my bhajans; in traditional style based on ragas.  I also have a Qawwali group Fanna Fi Allah we have been studying in Pakistan for years with the family of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, that has certainly influenced my sound.  Finally my group Arjun & Guardians doesn't really sound like anyone, there I write all the songs... pulling in reggae, electronic, indie, etc.   

YM: Why mantra?
A: I believe/experience mantra holds healing energy and sound vibration, even beyond concepts of philosophy and religion. Bringing people together to sing in devotion can be very transformational and powerful on may levels.   

YM:  What inspires you to sing?
A: Singing seems to be my main purpose in this life.  Even when I renounced it professionally for a while, it showed me the way back. Not only does it make me useful it fills me with joy and bliss.  

YM: Where and what has music brought you?
A: Music has brought me around the world. From international music touring to backpacking far and wide to find the roots of music which inspires me. It has brought me into the lineage of Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.     

YM: Why has kirtan become so popular in the last ten years?
A: Kirtan has been popular for thousands of years!  I think the interest in the west is people searching for an expression that inspires them.  The transendental vibration. The gaining interest in world music and yoga. The evolution of the planet. 

YM: Where is your favorite place to play?
A: The Urs of Baba Farid, Pakpattan, Pakistan. The biggest Qawwali festival in the world. 

YM: What does your spiritual practice look/sound like?
A: Bhakti shakti. Guide me divine mother , heavenly father.   

YM: What do you hope to convey and express in your music?
A: Honesty, tradition, healing, celebration, union. 

YM: What is on the horizon? Where can we find out more about you? A:  3 new CD's just released this fall 2008.   
Arjun & Guardians - Bhajan Anandi Kirtan Vol 5. 
Arjun & Guardians - Hotel Arjun.
Fanna Fi Allah Qawwali Party- Mehfil E Sama Vol 1. 

Winter 2008 Kirtan tour takes me to LA Dec 6,7,8 , then NYC in mid December, Florida in January, Southwest in Feb, and some countries in Europe in March.  Spring and summer look for Arjun & Guardians and Fanna Fi Allah tours. 
Find me at

www.arjunandguardians.com 
myspace.com/arjunguardians 
myspace.com/arjunkirtan   

LOVE -A