Hi! This is Rabbi Shergill, I'm an Indian pop musician. AMA!

Why doesn't bulla know anything?

'Cause he's suspicious of 'knowing' itself.

Do Jews ever ask you for advice?

Few of them around, where I am.

What are your thoughts on use of marijuana for creativity ? How common is it among the artists ?

One more thing.daler mehndi made us dance to punjabi.You sir, made us wanna learn punjabi.

Well it seems more benign than alcohol for sure. I haven't tried it. I mostly just see beer and rum when the musicians get together. Really.

Are you here because of priyanka chopra's ama?

Yes! I learnt of it from the newreporting of Priyanka's.

Why do you call yourself a pop artist? this is sort of insult to your kind of music because you are original and does not use repetitive patterns in your music.. it rather should be in line with Indian Ocean or Faridkot. what you say?

I'm not beyond repetition. Pop is not a bad word. I call myself pop 'cause I'm scared of being called a 'trained' singer. I'm not that skilled.

Thank you so much for 'Jinhe naaz hai'. How did you prepare for a topic that intense? Did you do any groundwork to educate yourself?

Also, thanks for the absolutely wonderful Delhii Heights numbers.

Thanks & thanks! I read up a bit and have some intelligent friends.

What's your take on the plagiarism in India? Why can't various music producers make their own compositions, rather copy international songs?

It's difficult to suddenly become original when 15 years of schooling have tried to make you into a poor western clone.

Your great song aside...

Do you know who Sachin Tendulkar is?

A god I'm not worth to kneel before.

Were you expecting such a success with Bulla ki Jaana song or was it a total surprise?

Nothing can prepare you for that kind of feedback. Nothing.

Thank you for doing this AMA! Would you ever consider coming out with an unplugged album of just authentic punjabi folk songs?

There's an idea.

Does wearing those beard cuts your chances with girls? I had a close Sikh friend, he always complained that he doesn't get it easy with girls because he had a foot long beard.

It's a filter. Blocks the riff raff.

Hey Rabbi! I just wanted to THANK you, for the remarkably awesome song - Bulla Ki Jaana Main Kaun. Even after SO many years, it remains one of the most frequently played song in my playlist.

Thank you so much for a masterpiece which touches our soul at so many levels!

Do you feel that the Indian pop-music scene is losing it's charm? In between the item songs and crazy demand for them by majority Indian population, are pop artists and their creations getting ignored by media and people?

I think circumstances, people, cos. have scuttled whatever little momentum pop gained. They stopped playing us totally in '07. MTV Indies has just given us a fresh lease of life.

It has, indeed! Couple of more questions, if you don't mind:

• Are you working on some new song/album scheduled to release anytime soon? Can we have a glimpse?

• What do you like to do in your free time, away from music? You seem pretty cool with reddit, which is rare occurrence, TBH. Are you lurker here, or just tech savvy?

Hmm...maybe a new album, if I get around to it or a video or two. I just discovered it after reading about PC's AMA. Thought I'd give it a go.

Why is so much popular music in India about love and romance. Are there not more emotions and themes that could be sung to ?

I really loved Bulla k jaana because it had an existential theme which was so different from normal Indian music. Would love to get your views on this

Well, the anthropology of popular music in India is essentially that of Film music. It had to sell so they used the ingredients most likely to appeal to the widest crossection.

Thats a very interesting explanation.

I've always wondered if musicians ever get a little tired by it? Does not sound like its a great creative canvass for people who want to express a range of emotions through their music

Well, you're only gonna sing what you live. So living come first.

Hi Rabbi, Thank you very much for this : Bilquis. Great song.The national anthem tune gives me goosebumps everytime I listen. You made me a fan for live with this. What research did you have to do for this ? Please continue the great work you do. Thanks !!

Well I read up. Thanks for the support.

I love your song "tere bin" its one of the most pure love songs of our age! Thank you for making this great song!

Here is a link with translations for you all : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFc60j-ohPE

Thank you!

What is that one thing that makes Pakistani coke studio better than the Indian version?

A true native heart.

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I was living in Mumbai when the Navleen Kumar murder happened. I remember being besides myself with rage. You're welcome.

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I think the malaise is deeper. Perhaps it's Civilisation itself.

Hi Rabbi, thanks for the AMA. Do you think folk music in India is dying a slow death? Any way in which musicians can contribute in reviving it?

Musicians can only sing, it's for the culture ministry to enable its dissemination. Musicians ought to agitate more.

Hi Rabbi! Great to see you here!

I'm a fan.. I covered 'Bulla ki jaana' in college and your song Tere Bin is so amazing!

Wanted to ask you about your music gear.. What guitar do you personally use?

Also, any tips to improve singing? I've been singing for years but now feel like I have plateaued

Cheers

Well, I have Fender Strat, LP, Flying V, Godin and some others. Then there's Marshalls, Fenders and Cicognani amps. I mostly go direct. For singing, go to the Bruce Lee of singing--Ananth Vaidyanathan.

Well, I have Fender Strat, LP, Flying V, Godin and some others. Then there's Marshalls, Fenders and Cicognani amps. I mostly go direct. For singing, go to the Bruce Lee of singing--Ananth Vaidyanathan.

You said that you came to know about reddit from PC 's AMA. Werent you scared of question here given that her IMA was total failure?

I'm not that big to invite rudeness.

hey rabbi..big fan!! so what's ur view point on AAP now?

I feel let down.

Are you involved with AAP? if yes, in what capacity?

Not involved with them in any capacity whatsoever.

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Yes! I campaigned for them in Delhi & Punjab.

Hey Rabbi, What do you think about Yo Yo Honey sing's songs?

I'm so sick of my brothers playing his songs all the time.

Do you think, he'll win the Grammy Award?

Well some lyric of his does churn the stomach but I believe he has a genuine song in him.

I am a big fan, According to you what should be done with Indian music industry to produce & distribute thoughtful music like yours?

Well, be nice if Indian languages were promoted, if making cultural products in Indian languages were made easier. Be cool if Tagore, Vivekanand, Sarmad etc were taught in schools/colleges.

The TV/radio have to be made to play more Independent content by legislation.

Would you be singing any more kaafis (mystical poems) by Bulleh Shah ?

Perhaps.

Which is your favourite band?

There's many: Beatles, JH & The Experience, Led Zeppelin, Police, U2....

Rabbi: Thanks for Kitni der tak my go to humming / whistling song. I love how playful, simple and contemporary the lyrics are.

Also, thanks for shining like an absolute rockstar in this AMA. I cannot tell you how relieved I feel that you did not come across as a jerk in the AMA. It would have been very disappointing if you had because then it would have colored your music for me.

Now a question (or three) for you:

• Do you write all / most of your songs?

• Do you compose most / all the time?

• Would you mind creating a few behind the scenes video of your recording sessions and such. You probably don't realize that there is a LARGE legion of people who absolutely adore you (in a fanboy kind of a way). We need more content where we see Rabbi laughing, pranking, trolling and of course singing, composing, strumming etc. It may be a low cost effort for you, but it would be a great appetizer for a few for us for whom your songs don't come quick enough!

Thanks! The people here have been super cool. Yes, yes, sure mate -- respectively.

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Well, I'm going to US for a fundraiser for the very same problem.

Which Indian/international singer/music conposer who be your dream be to work with?

Mark Knopfler, Wadali Bandhu.

Who is A.R.Rahman to you?
What project are you working on right NOW?

He's a composer I admire. An album.

Your views on music piracy? You must have lost quite a bit of revenue because of that.

Can't fight piracy now. The moral argument for it seems to have collapsed.

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To be an artist is to ride an emotional roller coaster. It's delirium. Sometimes there's rewards.

'Tere bin' is one of my fav song. how did you come up with this song?

Well, there's great songs floating in the air, you just gotta have the right intention to catch 'em.

how do you like your paronthas - aloo or gobi?

Aloo.

Wow! I cannot believe it. Am a big fan of your first album. Not just the title song Bulla ki Jaane, but other songs too.

I want to ask you, do you feel that you created such great expectations with Bulla ki Jaane that you would never be able to surpass that?

Not really. Give indie music the same airplay and then see.

What are your beliefs regarding god?

I'm still trying to solidify mine.

What did you think of the movie Slumdog Millionaire? Did you like it? Serious question

I didn't dislike it.

HI Rabbi!

Who is Bulla Shah?

Edit: Just a metaphorical question. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bulla_Shah

Wish it were clearer.

1. Do you have any plans to adopt another form of music into your own?

2. Any favorites among contemporary musicians?

Yes. I like Sumith Ramachandran, Niladri, TAAQ, Indus Creed.

Hi Rabbi - Have you ever considered letting people download your music for free?

Well, I've never really distributed my music before, have been TOTALLY oblivious of the business end of things.

could you share a photo of bala, ayru and sangha?

Will do that on my website rabbishergill.com soon.

Do you like Eddie vedder?you should collaborate with Eddie vedder or Zack wylde.It would be great.

I like Eddie. Inshallah!

Best food that you like?

Choori.

Loved Challa and Bulla. any more -lla songs coming up?

:) Suggest something that rhymes.

Hi Rabbi,

I am huge fan of your work. Thanks for all the amazing songs. What do you think are the steps that can take to ensure a better distribution system for indi/pop artists that don't get enough exposure in Bollywood. On the same note, what would be the best way to break the hegemony of Bollywood on the Indian music scene?

We must force the govt. to give us an equal footing in the broadcast media.

Could you please elaborate on what would that entail?

TV/radio must play a certain percentage of non-film content a la Canada that insisted on Canadian content. That policy produced Celine Dion, Bryan Adams, Rush and countless others.

what is your viewpoint on real talent making a struggle and filth writers making it big in the music industry nowadays ?

That question really should be put to the TV/radio bosses. It's they who're the gatekeepers.

What are your roots in music?

Sting, U2, Led Zeppelin, Dylan, 'Steen....

Thanks for the AMA- Any advice for young Indian's out there who want to pursue music? Also how was working on JTHJ?

I hope young Indians reflect a little more on the word 'Indian'. JTHJ was educational. It's not often you're in a room with YR ji, AR, Gulzar saab and Adi.

Hey. So, what advice would you give to an independent musician in India right who doesn't write songs in Hindi or English?

Stick to your guns!

I understand your reasons for not working in Bollywood more often. Don't you think that more indie artists like you, Papon, RDP etc should come together on a tangible platform, not only to stop Bollywood from composing shit and labelling it 'music', but also to promote amateur songwriters and beginners who wish to follow your footsteps and need an alternative to not sell out to mainstream music?

Well, I am alongwith some friends trying to get a collective IAIM off the ground.

What is the chief difference between working independently and working for Bollywood composers?

What was it like working for ARR?

Freedom and wage labour; educational.

Can you please make an official post on your facebook page to verify that you are doing this AMA?

Done.

Rabbijee, I have only listened to a few of your songs, but your cover of Shiv Kumar Batalvi saab's 'Ek Kudi' is among my all time favourites. Will you be covering other poems of his too? Please say yes.

Cheers! And thank you for stopping by.

I keep going back to Raat Gayi Fir Tara Tara & Eh Mera Geet. Perhaps one day.

Amongst all your songs which one is your favorite?

Tu Avin Bandra

It is a beautiful song. What inspired you to write it?

Nafisa Joseph's death, 'hooraan pakhe lamkiaan'...

Do you think you have a talent for music or it's just hard work? Can anyone become a great musician or a talent is required?

Hard work's everything.

I am a big fan of your songs, but theres so few of them. Why is that? Why are you not singing more music. Even Priyanka Chopra can release singles, why not you?

I just released a song Tun Milen : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDtlJK_e4kI

Hey! I love your music.

Can you please do some live shows in Mumbai? Would love to hear you live!

Your fav genres and bands?

All it takes is a phone call.

Do you think AR Rahman is overrated?

He's pretty good, I just wish he (or his team) put out Hindi songs that were more sensitive to the contours of Hindi. Right now, it can sometimes seems a bit awkward.

How do you see the music scene in India evolving over the next decade or so?

Either we'll all become American and listen to Juvenile or the many ancient Indias will stand up.

Hey Rabbi! Big fan here
I love all your songs, great work..
Who's idea was the video for Jugni? It's so deep

It was mine and Gurvinder's.

Love your music, though I have a slightly different question. Your video for "Bulla ki jaana" song was very interesting and unique for it's time. Who directed it and what prompted you to use that particular style (stop motion, time-lapse) for the video. Are you creatively involved with the video production side of the music video at all?

Bulla was all Anand Surapur. I co-directed Jugni and Tun Milen videos.

Huge fan of tere bin.

Rabbi do you consider yourself to be a sufi singer/pop singer/indian singer, british singer or under some other category?

Indian versifying-meets-rock.

What are your thoughts on Narendra Modi? Do you think the intellectual climate in India has changed after his arrival?

He scares me. Let's give it some time and see how it pans out.

I've always been good at covering songs, but never been good at creating my own music. I can't seem to figure out where to start from and where to stop. How does one write songs? How do a few pieces of music come together and become complete within themselves? That is something I've never been able to achieve

Go deeper.

Hi Rabbi, how do you feel your music has changed since you started out?

Can't say. If anything, I feel I'm more 'direct' now.

Does your family know you're doing this AMA? :P

Yes! Been getting stares all evening (& morning).

what can we expect from u in ur new album?

Love songs.

Bulla ki Jaana Main Kaun is an amazing song. The parts where you stretch your voice induce goosebumps.

Have you ever tried Spanish Guitar and would you incorporate it in your songs?

Also, any chance of using Haiku poetry in your songs? :)

Well, to my knowledge all guitars are Spanish in their origin except the Hawaiian one that you lay flat in your lap.

How do you fell about likes of Priyanka Chopra's calling themselves autotune singers (Err international artists nonetheless) and what they make as Music?

Where as talented singers like you don't get the attention needed in the mainstream media?

Well, I'm only guessing, but what you do if your management comes to you and says 'you've only 5 years more left of your stardom and there's a gazillion bucks to be had NOW if you record an English track'? As for me, I'd like Indian independent music to do well, I'll do well automatically.

What is it that interests you in Bollywood music ?
Do you have a favorite song?

I'm only mildly interested in it. Ever now and then there's an SEL tune that I like.

Hey man! you have some good music which we needed in the country.. I have a few questions. 1. how did you get into this music? 2. how did you get your big break? 3. what can we expect next from you?

Well I went to a Springsteen concert and come out a changed kid. Big break was Bulla. 'Future's wide open'...

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Yes. 1. Like A Rolling Stone 2. Sgt. Pepper 3. Born To Run

How much time do you take to compose, write and record one song?

Varies. Can be quick or take months. To do anything right, it takes time.

your track-gill te guitar sums up my current situation pretty much-"din te lang janda par shyam nai".. if not a singer,what would u hv chosen as ur career?

Maybe a travelogue writer, if were lucky.

what kind of music do you listen to lately ?

Beth Hart & Joe Bonamassa, Derek Trucks.

Would you ever do a cover of Beth Hart's My California in your own voice?

Maybe Your Heart's Black As Night.

Why do you think that Indie music from india does not get enough exposure on the main stream music channels?

Why do you think the don't get enough airplay on Radio stations?

If you were to work with any musician in the last 30-40 years, who would it be and why?

Thank you so much for the AMA!

It's because of Big Money's utter control over media. Radio is now beholden to Big Money. I'd like to work with Madan Mohan & SD Burman.

Kake, thanks for the answer.

A follow up, if I may - would you want to strart your own youtube music channel for Indie artists?

Also, I would not be doing my job if I did not ask you to stop by /r/India and say hello!

Sure.

Hi Rabbi, I enjoy your music a lot, Karachi Valiye is one of my favourite songs- what was the inspiration behind it?

Would love some thoughts on lal singh dil and what (if any) personal experiences prompted you to write tun milen.

Karachi Valie is the story of love between an Indian man and Pak woman. LSD is fantastic poet. Unignorable. Therefore Tun Milen.

Hi Rabbi, Rabbi was awesome. That album helped shaping my teenage years. Many thanks for doing it! When are you planning a live performance in Mumbai?

All it takes is a phonecall.

Hi Rabbi. Big big fan here. How did songwriting start for you? I'm a musician and I struggled at songwriting for many many years. Also, Does anything specifically help you to make music? Traveling, Meditation?

Well, I immersed myself in music, poetry and then it happened. Having new experiences helps.

Who are your favorite singers, people you draw inspiration from, and what are your favorite songs?

I've answered this elsewhere.

You usually have really good guitar solos in your songs. Which artists did you draw your inspiration from as you were learning? Also, you mention about liking the Beatles.. Who is your favourite of the 4? I have a sneaking suspicion that it might be George Harrison!!

Lennon.

What's your typical songwriting process? Do you need to be in a special place of your own before you can begin or is it something more spontaneous?

Hmm...it starts with the abstract emotions becoming a line, then I take that line around, hum it walking around, driving...it solidifies, then I go to work crafting it.

Do you follow any of the below bands? If you have to pick one which would it be?

Porcupine Tree

Tool

Opeth

Riverside

Nope!

Your song(cover) Jugni, was one of the first song of yours i heard as a kid, It made an emotional connect to me (the video and song both). Thank you

You're welcome.

could you please cover the issue of drug addiction in rural punjab in your next album?

Well, I've no control over it. If a song on that theme happens organically, I'll keep it.

Hi Rabbi!!!! I'm a huge fan of yours and thank you for doing this AMA. I'm about to ask you a very personal question- Why is your stage name 'Rabbi Shergill'??

I thought it had a snap to it besides Rabbi being my name and Shergill my clan name.

Hi Rabbi,

What kind of training have you gone through for singing?

Very good work with your music. Continue with it so we can get good music.

None. Thanks! Will try.

Rabbi, another big fan here (your songs make me pick up my guitar whenever i hear them :) ). How was it working with Papon on Khule da Rabb for The Dewarists?

It was a hoot. I love Brahmputra, Kaziranga and great wide Assamese outdoors.

A big Thank You for your epic songs. . What do you think about the low number of concerts for the youth regarding this genre of music w.r.t the western counterparts?

Well the event organisers must step up to the plate.