"The path from dreams to success does exist..." - Kalpana Chawla

At last, Dhwanii hits the airwaves or should we say the electronic waves!

We would like to thank our columnists and writers for their support, contribution and encouragement, in their love for music and spirit of generosity. The core editorial team of Dhwanii is essentially a coordinating team, which will act as a link between fans and artistes, readers and writers...

more

Main Feature - Dee Dickinson

How Technology enhances Musical Intelligence

The development of musical intelligence can be enhanced by technology in the same way that verbal fluency is enhanced by word-processors. Fledgling composers can hum a tune into synthesizers such as the EPS 16 from Ensoniq or the SZ-1 from Casio, for example, and have it sound like one of many instruments, fully accompanied by an electronic rhythm section. The Musical Instrument Digital Interface, or MIDI, makes it possible to compose for and orchestrate many different instruments through the computer. Pyware's "Music Writer" and Activision's "Music Studio" are examples of software programs that also make such magic possible.

more

"Sooner or later, one of us would be a successor of Rahman or Harris one day. And the rest of us would still be creating unique Indian sound and putting India on the international music scene..." Dr.Pradeep Immanuel pens an encouraging and inspiring article.

more

Personality of the Month

Ilaiyaraaja - The Man, the Music and the Myths - I

The author is an ardent fan if Ilayaraaja, and has had the privilege of sharing the same roof with him. The author has extensive links with the industry in India and chooses to remain anonymous for personal reasons. Here is Part I of the Main story that we had advertised - the Life and Times of one of India's musical geniuses - Ilayaraaja.

more

"One aspect about Remembering Shakti that stood out was their coordination. Each person was sure what he had to do and everybody got their cues right." Shyam writes a lucid commentary of the 'Remember Shakti' concert that he experienced in Chennai and boy! does he take you there!

more

Special Report - Event covered by Umesh

SEASCAPES - A unique sight and sound show in Dubai

Seascapes was an unique event that happened in Dubai on the evening of January 3rd, 2003. The event was a combination of artistic vision and musical creativity.

Manupriam Seth - architect and painter, Anurag Tripathi - marketing and leasing manager, a percussionist and composer, Kaushik Gupta - market researcher and saxophonist fused their talents and provided an evening of stimulating creativity

more

"What's not known to much of the film music audience is that there is a lot more of musical talent in India..."
Dr. Pradeep provides thought-provoking comments on the alternative music scene in India.

more

Featured Artist - Praema talks to musician Mike Lane in Perth

Gift of Song

Ever thought of composing and writing your own wedding song?
Or creating your own family song, or theme music for your company's corporate presentation? Have you ever fantasised about presenting your loved one with your own tailor-made song for your next wedding anniversary?

Well, these magical musical dreams may be closer to home than we think. For those with no musical background or training, there is still hope thanks to the concept of The Gift Of Song, formulated by musician Mike Lane (picture), based in Perth, Western Australia.

more

Vijay Iyer provides an interesting tid-bit of inside information . Praveen and Karthik take your through a maze of questions in an interesting chain that will have you coming out with a good knowledge of the north and south Indian music scene.

more

Genesis for New Beginnings - Interview of Ranojoy through email by Umesh

"Composing is a continuous learning experience..."

Ranojoy, a budding and much talked about composer and music programmer based in New York, is the first upcoming composer to be interviewed for Dhwanii's Genesis section. The 22 year old, who is completing his Masters in Mechanical Engineering at University of Illinois, hails from Calcutta, India. He answers the questions put forward to him by the Dhwanii Editorial Team.

more

"What I like about Kaadhal Virus is that the album is balanced. It contains six tracks, three very melodious, and three catchy, rhythm-based, mass appealing numbers." Swapnil Mistry reviews AR Rahman's Kaadhal Virus and makes some interesting discoveries.

more

Compose Yourself - by Dr. Pradeep Immanuel

Are you a budding 'Recording Musician' or aspiring 'Sound Engineer'?

How many of us know that most of the film and commercial pop music that we listen to everyday is recorded using 'rhythm loops? Well! Don't be surprised if I tell you that even A.R. Rahman uses such readymade rhythm loops for programming his music tracks.

I don't mean to say (like how Ilayaraaja criticised Rahman once) that computer music is easy and anyone can program music. My point here is that if you are already a musician and are planning to record some music seriously or rather for fun, you can get started!

more