Hello Friends, fans, Fams!

It’s been quite a year so far. It’s hard to escape talking about politics and recent current events anywhere you go. Constant discussions, protests are frequent, and people are angry and vigilant. I have bumped into many friends who want everything to go back to normal.. I don’t think there was ever really a normal.

I believe as an American we spent a lot of time ignoring politics for the sake of avoiding conflict. I think conflict and resolution through dialog is what we need most of all right now. I am ecstatic about all going on because I think its great so many people are passionate and standing out! Looking forward, I believe if we continue to fight the good fight we will be a much stronger and more unified country… maybe not at first. Some arguments may ruin friendships, jobs, relationships. But it’s time to stop ignoring them and reach out. We’re all human beings. I try very hard to remember that. The only separation really is distance.

Well… That is my 2 cents.. I may start up another blog to write about more personal matters.. Lets get back to the music =)

I got back from India January 1st. Took some time to get back in the groove of things, but now I feel right at home! New York right now is so booming. Everyone is eager to start… something. Really.. just Something! It’s beautiful, I’ve had more vague conversations with friends then ever before.
“I Kind of think I should do this?”
“Book this gig, go on this tour?”
“Idk.”

Then a few months later, they’re doing it! Whatever it is! (something–>It–>Doing It)

This last Friday I played a double with my band and Alicyn Yaffee‘s band (Badass guitarist and singer..)

We were playing at this Coffee shop called FIKA. This music series has been beautiful, and it was my first one.. Sadly, also the last. Upper management decided to shut it down for no real reason… super bummer.

Back to the positives… The energy in the room was stellar. So many friends came out (musician and non). It really felt like a community event. Friends that you’ve laughed with, cried with, pissed off at times. Everyone there.

I came to New York and was thinking very tactical that first year. And everyone does… Don’t you lie!

Who to play with. Hire someone with a name. How to get this persons attention. Hang with this crowd of people for this gig. etc… etc…

It is so so so tiring. It is so disheartening seeing more genuine interaction and friendships fade away.

I’m not saying any of this is a bad way of thinking. We are in fuckin New York.. Competition is fierce. You HAVE to do some career planning. There is no way about it. You have to go through this type of thinking (I Think?). We have to think tactical. What I’m saying is make sure the end goal you have decided upon yourself is really what you want.

If you are DYING to play with this one musician (bigger name, special vibe, whatever). Then just go for it. If you’re doing it to get the attention of a wider community that you may not even like personally. I implore you to ask yourself whether it’s what you want. And whether it makes sense. Ask close friends. Have close friends.

I felt a real genuine love in the room Friday from a small community that is really bubbling and growing. I think right now New York is also just in just such a melancholy state. It is incredibly difficult to live here.. Very financially demanding. The rent hikes are not very realistic, barely do-able, but they are the reality. It is really hard to do this on your own, but if you draw strength from big enough well I think anyone can.

Because you’re really not on your own. You have friends who’ll sacrifice they’re time to play your music, vise versa. We all go through odd lengths to do that. Most often we are getting insanely under paid. Most often 3 people owe you money (or you owe people money -_-) This is everyone’s reality.

We do crazy things because we really believe in music. And sometimes that gets clouded. Venues get greedy, people get flakey. But everyone is human. We’ll all fuck up. piss off someone. But I think we’ll have each others back. Because we’re all human, and believe in music. And we’re crazy. We are fucking crazy to be doing this.

I have some cool things coming up that I’d love to share:

Playing a Yoga class at ShapeShifter Lab this saturday 4pm

Then playing with Alicyn’s Yaffee’s band at Bowery Electric 2/15 at 10pm.

Take care folks.

-Pravin

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