January, 2018 – Dubai:
I was discussing a casual topic on music with my brother based in the USA, and in that lost moment, the discussion dusted a piece of an old memory, which reminded that I used to make music during my younger days.
Early Winter of 2000 or 2001 or 2002 – Bangalore:
I’am 23 years old, and greatly influenced by Electronic Dance Music (EDM), courtesy to the FM radio channel of my home town. It is of course, the favourite, Radio City.
Every Saturday at 7 p.m, it plays two hours of non-stop, electronic dance music hosted by India’s Number One DJ – DJ Ivan and the famous RJ, RJ Rohit Barker.
I prefer listening to Trance music, since, that was the genre of electronic dance music, which I ingested the most.
I record the Trance music on my Sony tape recorder. I like to play the recorded cassette, over and over again in the coming days, until next Saturday.
We have a rose plant blossoming, just outside our window.
1996 – Gauribidanur:
I listened to Oasis’s hit single, ‘D’you know what I mean?’ on Channel V and liked it. I decided to make it my favorite band.
The music was distorted as we had no direct cable connection. Our antenna used to run close to our house owner’s cable network that it pulled some of its waves, and as a result we used to view the channels for free. Dad would never allow us the luxury of a cable connection, as he feared it might affect our studies. We were bought up in a strict environment.
The closest rival to Oasis was the Australian band, Savage Garden. I liked their song ‘Moon and Back’.
1998 – Bangalore:
I rarely listen to radio shows. I had never heard of any English pop/ rock songs being played on it.
We do not have a cable connection here. Still, dad wouldn’t allow us a cable connection.
But, on a certain afternoon (not sure which day) I decided to play with my Sony tape recorder. I might have accidently switched on the radio peg of the tape recorder that it played some Hindi songs.
Suddenly, there came RJ Chinnappa. He played a good number of English pop songs for 30 minutes. The next day, I waited for the same time. But, to my disappointment it aired some other program. I realized that it was a weekly show.
I planned to listen it every week. It is a request show.
One day, I decided to send my own request. I requested for ‘Moon and Back’. Strange enough, I never thought of Oasis then. I penned my request on a post card.
A week passed. I waited for the channel to air the show. I’am ready with my Sony tape recorder to record my requested song, if played.
To my surprise, it played my song and RJ Chinnappa announced my name as well.
I proudly played the song to my brother, my friends, his friends etc.
My brother is learning Guitar. We purchased an acoustic guitar.
(Year unknown) – Bangalore:
My brother is a good guitarist. He plays for his college band and had been to some college fest where they played a gig. He showed me the photos later.
One day he informed me about FM being channeled on Radio for the first time in Bangalore. I’am introduced to Radio City for the first time, on my Sony tape recorder.
It played pop/ rock and all sorts of music. Gosh! for 24 hours. I’am the most happiest man on earth. We both listen to music together.
Again, brother informed me about an electronic music program being aired on Saturday. He said its too good and I should listen to it. I waited for Saturday and did listen to it. Then, came the transformation in me, slowly, but surely.
I hum the music and also, there was a strange effect in me. An earworm addiction. It was growing.
Late Winter of 2000 or 2001 or 2002 – Bangalore:
I’am still recording those trance songs on my Sony tape recorder. I have a deck full of old cassettes, which I brought from Mangalore. All old Malayalam film cassettes were now being replaced by Trance music and notable pop/ rock songs.
The rose plant is surprisingly growing towards, inside the window.
I’ve heard music having a notable effect on plants and animals. The plant grew towards our room and seemed to have a liking to the songs being played on our radio/ tape recorder. Strangely the thing, requires photosynthesis and music. Nature at work.
Recently, my brother bought a technology magazine, which usually comes with a free CD. The CD often has free trial version of software’s and games.
It had a trial version of a music production software. It has clips and presets and tones and much more. All I had to do was to assume and create musical tones.
After several attempts I created my first song. It is a vocal song. I’am not a keen listener of female vocalists. Surprisingly, my first song had female vocals on it.
The next song was hip-hop. I managed to do it quicker this time. I’am beginning to like the software now.
My brother tried a fusion. He recorded a prayer chant, uploaded it into the software and mixed it with RnB. It was a big hit.
We played our songs to friends. They liked it.
2004 to 2007 – Bangalore:
I’am a working man. I don’t listen to radio anymore. We have a cable connection now, and we listen to songs on Channel V and MTV.
I listen to all kinds of good music nowadays. I’am developing a new liking towards Alternative rock and its sub-genres, Brit Pop and Indie Pop.
I have an internet connection at home. I download the songs that I see on TV and play it on WinAmp.
2017 – Dubai:
I’am 39 years old. I now listen to Armin Van Buuren, the World’s number one DJ.
The world has taken a roundabout for me. I’am back listening to Trance again.
I like to listen Armin’s program ‘A State of Trance’ on YouTube. I also listen to other genres as well. I prefer good music.
I still hum. The earworm in me seems to be there. I still hum in my mind.
January, 2018 – Dubai:
After the discussion with my brother, a bizarre thought overpowered me. Why not make music again. Why not re-live those good old days?
I decided to start making music again. Want to continue it as an hobby.
After a thorough search, I found an online music production application. It is similar to the old trial software I used in 2000s. Same interface, same logic.
I composed my first song and published it online. I’am happy to see my name in the ‘Artist’ column.
Two more songs were composed. I have my own set of tracks now. My wife and friends liked it. I’am happy to be transported to my younger days.
I decided to pursue it seriously. I badly wanted to do something that I liked the most.
I still hum in my mind. The earworm in me seems to be there. But now, I’am an EDM maker.
The Log 