Episode 13 - Dream Out Loud

A few years ago while channel – surfing, I heard a few bars of acoustic guitar on Vh1.  A soaring Eagle voice and phenomenal acoustic guitar snatched my attention. As the video ended, I came to know the song is “It’s Raining now” by Dream Out Loud. I jumped to the conclusion (who wouldn't?) that it must be a USA band. When I googled them, I found out to my great joy and surprise that they are an Indian band – a Mumbai band.

The ultimate test of a rock band is their acoustic songs and this one of the best. It ranks with ‘Love of my life’, ‘More than words’, ‘Patience’, ‘39’. So I went out and bought their album ‘Human Race.’ The CD came with a lyrics booklet. Its poetry and extremely good poetry at that!

Fast forward a few years, and the guy who sang “No more tears to cry, no more need to lie” is now belting out “Bhaag Bhaag Bose D.K!”

Quo Vadis Dream Out Loud? This band, according to me should have been playing stadiums by now all over the world. What happened? They had the Dream, the Ambition, and the Potential. I don’t care about what happened, but I bet every rock lover would have loved to see this band dominate the international rock scene. They are a gazillion times better than Coldplay!

So Who? Where? When? Why? What happened? Why didn't a major record label sign them? Because I’m damn sure they would have sold like 20 million copies ALL OVER THE WORLD!

Episode 12 –   Friendly Neighbourhood Guitar Shops

The best thing about living in Borivali (w) is the number of guitar shops. You can buy a US Tele, Ernie Ball strings, and Tech 21 pedals and give you guitar first class service- all within a radius of a few kilometers.

There are so many options to spoil you! There’s S.B Music, Good Shepherd’s and Mr. Sunil Shinde – the luthier par excellence.

The best thing about S.B Music is the owner of the shop, Mr. Ashish Modasia, is himself a guitarist. So whenever you go there, you get advice from an expert. The establishment has a very friendly atmosphere and a pleasant ambience. It’s not just business; it’s about guiding a musician about the best that is available in the market at a price you want. And if the shop doesn't have the product you are looking for, Ashish can get it for you. I bought my Jackson WRXT from S.B Music when I was 13yrs old. Even back then, he told me, after I played Sunshine of Your Love (just the riff) – “Someday you’ll have to buy pedals” and then he gave me a BOSS pedals booklet. After 7yrs, his prophecy has come true. So the next time you go gear hunting, this is the place you visit!

Shepherd’s in I.C Colony is a 10 mins walk from my place. It’s a family run establishment that has a warm atmosphere and a friendly smile. Uncle Steven D’cunha has supported me with encouragement (and occasional discounts) I bought my Hoolahan slide from him some 5yrs ago. He once let me try a Gibson acoustic to check its action and always says – Play some more.

If there is one person I absolutely trust with my guitar, it is Mr. Sunil Shinde. I recently got my Jackson re-fretted from him. He used Dunlop frets and my guitar sounds better than the original. Mr. Shinde breathes life into guitars from India and abroad. Mr. Eshaan Noorani sends his guitars to Mr. Shinde. It’s a very comforting thought that this wizard has his workshop in Charkop, only a few kms away from my place… Whatever the problem, Shinde kaka HAS the solution!

North, South, East, West – Borivali is the Best!!! ;)