Friday
Penn Masala Rock The White House
Bravura writer, Monica Patel, recently had the chance to sit down and interview Penn Masala after their performance at the White House! It was quite the musical experience, so say the least! Check out the interview and let us know what your thoughts are on Penn Masala!!
It’s so great that we were able to get in touch with you! After falling in love with Mere Sapno Ki Rani, Aap Jaise Koi, and a few other songs, I knew there had to be fans out there dying to watch your performances. I know Bravura fans will be excited to read about you guys. Let’s keep this interview short & sweet!
Tell us a little bit about the origin of your group! Who was the founder and how has the group been able to keep the group alive?
Penn Masala was formed in 1996 at the University of Pennsylvania by four guys who thought that the concept of an A Capella group singing Hindi music was novel and was a way in which they could represent their Indian culture on campus. With support from the University and other performing arts groups, the Penn Masala became the world’s first Indian A Capella group. Through on and off campus shows, recruiting new members and of course and most importantly, support from our fans, we have been able to keep the group alive and successful.
How many members are in Penn Masala? How often are tryouts for the group? Bravura fans are curious of how you guys function in the group?
Currently, the group has 14 members. We hold auditions every semester but our busiest tryouts are usually in the Fall. In addition to singers, we also hold interviews for Business Managers that handle all business related matters of the group. In addition to the Business Manager, our creative/musical side is headed by our Music Director, while our President works with both the Music Director and Business Manager on both creative and administrative issues.
Continue…
Author Archive
no responses - Posted 04.28.09
Indy Sagu has been working on the Bhangra scene for nearly nine years. His album The Debut, launched his career in spectacular form (2001). In 2004, he released his second album, Indystructable, furthering him as a household name in the U.K. and abroad. Despite having established himself as a producer, this time around he is hoping to break the mould and this album could well be the gateway to that haven. 2008 bought Indy his third installment to the Bhangra industry; the album titled Reincarnated released worldwide through iTunes, and again showcases his talent as a music producer, as well as, his ability to fuse music from East & West with his own twist. This has bought much interest from around the globe furthering his grip in this music market.
DJ-ing & producing remixes since the age of 17, this young man has been influenced by personal experiences, like all good artists. He bought his first set of turntables before age 16; his influences vast and closer to home than one would imagine. At an early age, Sagu learnt to play the dholki and tabla from his father. Now owning his own professional music studio, as well as, record company (www.lioncorerecords.com), he’s established a firm foothold in this ever changing music industry.
Since picking up his award for BBC Best Newcomer 2003, Sagu has concentrated on the production of sound and has spent time learning percussion with the view to bring new sounds and flavors for everyone. Recently Indy Sagu was down in New Jersey for a ‘wicked’ (as they would say in the U.K.) performance with RDB so yo know I had to snag my interview right away!
no responses - Posted 04.26.09
Rapping is their forte, and dancing, well…it’s something that they’ve just recently become introduced to! Well in case you were wondering who I’m talking about, it’s artists known by the names: Hard Kaur & Lil’ Kim.
Both these talented ladies are Hip-Hop artists in their respective communities, but besides that, they are both contestants on two of the most watched shows in the American & Indian community: Dancing With the Stars and Jhalak Dhikla Ja.
When Kaur and Kim began on this show, the only knowledge they had of dancing is what their choreographers would have them do for their music videos – and when you’re a rapper, you know there isn’t a lot of dancing involved! But both of these ladies were determined from the get-go, to strut their stuff and make it known that they CAN dance!
Both contestants have attained some of the highest scores possible by the judges, and have broken free from their shells! Last week Hard Kaur showed off her dance skills as she graced the dance floor with an amazing performance to one of the hardest dances possible – paso doble! But she got some high scores from the judges and that’s what been keeping her in the game thus far…not to mention that all her fans are calling and sending texts for her!
Lil’ Kim, though she might have had a few bumps on the way (cough, cough…wardrobe malfunction), we won’t be the ones to hold that against her. Just the other day she performed an awesome dance to the Tango and her partner wasn’t a ‘womanizer,’ that night because it seemed like Kim was calling all the shots!
So I wanted to ask the readers of Bravura Artist, if Lil’ Kim & Hard Kaur were to have…
continueno responses - Posted 04.24.09
Is it a mistake to skip the morning breakfast? It is a good mistake or bad mistake? Well one of the biggest nutritional mistakes that many people make is skipping the breakfast meal, which is the first meal of the day. There are many reasons why individuals do this and the reasons are endless. Some skip because they are too busy and don’t have time to prepare something. Some believe that by skipping morning breakfast, calories will be saved from the meal which will help them with weight loss. There are also those that just don’t appeal for breakfast foods.
no responses - Posted 04.24.09
Refractive surgery for vision correction has made many significant advances since its start as radial keratotomy. The concept was first used in the early 1960’s by Sato in Japan. However, the original procedure did not work for most people. It is the earliest form of vision correction surgery. Over time in the 1970’s the procedure was corrected by the Russian, ophthalmologist Fyodorov and it was performed in the United States of America in 1978.
Today, several different options exist to help the majority people who wear glasses or contact lenses reduce their dependence on their corrective lenses. Refractive surgery is mostly elective and cosmetic. However, most people today are depending on the laser vision correction procedure to correct their vision.
no responses - Posted 04.23.09
What is social anxiety disorder? It is one of the most common psychiatric illnesses. It consists of a persistent fear of one or more social performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. The individual begins to fear that he or she will act in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing.
Now let’s ask the question of what the causes of social anxiety disorder are. What are the causes of this disorder? Usually, it is developed in the childhood. The cause can be genetics if either of the parents had social anxiety as a child then the child is more likely to have it too. It can also be caused by the brain chemical imbalance. Where there is an imbalance of serotonin then it can be a cause of some disorders. Another factor would be the environment in which the child grew up in. This can affect his/her personality. If he is embarrassed in front of other people then it can trigger social anxiety. Also another cause in teenagers includes negative experiences; this is because if they were embarrassed at school or were scrutinized because of their body image, it can trigger this disorder.
continueno responses - Posted 04.22.09

A very gifted writer and a talented rapper, Lil Deep also known as Young Punjabi Soulja, the new generation’s next big artist. Originally, from the streets of Hoshiarpur, Punjab – India, Lil Deep migrated to the states in 1997 and currently resides in the city of Los Angeles, California. The young mastermind started writing at the age of 15. Initially, Lil Deep’s main focus was to Ghost Write (writing for other artists), staying out of the spotlight. After coming across many artists and friends who also were into music, they highly encouraged Lil Deep to deliver his own lyrics. He then realized this is truly what he wanted to do-to express his feelings and struggles of his people through music.
Lil Deep isn’t your every day Rap artist. He grew up listening to Punjabi and Hindi music. Lil Deep says, “I love Hip Hop and I love my Indian music. Music has played a big part of my childhood life. Coming from Punjab to United States, I was heavily influenced by the Hip Hop culture but I never lost my love the desi music.” Lil Deep noted that collaborations with such artists are also in the works. A most definite attribute observed in him is his individuality and he doesn’t fail to bring different flavors to his music.
Not only does he have the talent to write, he also practices, produces and records his own music straight out of the comfort of his bedroom with his own equipment. Aside from his own production, Lil Deep has had the chance to shine on the beats of producers such as Guess Who, DJ Ruff, DJ RBS, Amit from UK, DJ Kurioo (Soul Tap Records), Vicious Vic (Atlanta) and is currently working on a Happy…
continueno responses - Posted 04.19.09
I first was introduced through Gamble when I downloaded “Urban Desi Vol. 2” by Xplicit Desi Vibes which featured his tracks. I immediately knew that he was a stand-out artist, and someone who was very different than the rest of the artists in the South Asian scene. Since be began recording four years ago, this 19-year-old artist is quickly making quite the name for himself. Stating inspirational artists such as Will.i.am, Bengali Crown Family, and Jay Sean, there’s no doubt in my mind that he will go far!
Continue reading to see just what Gamble had to say during out interview…
continueno responses - Posted 04.18.09
How is it that your nails have the most bacteria? Is that why your mom yelled at you every time your finger was in your mouth, and your teeth were grinding against those filthy nails? Well the reason behind that is that we are constantly using our hands throughout the day with the various activities that are carried out which include going to the bathroom, opening doors, switching on the light, and many other activities. Therefore, gradually bacteria and other germs build up causing other illnesses or diseases within the human body. Also our bodies host a variety of microorganisms, some of which are beneficial to us. These microorganisms also include bacteria and fungi. Fungal infections are caused by microscopic plants that live in our skin and on the dead tissue of our hair and nails. So in order to prevent any nail diseases or other problems lets look into some tips for nail care.
Nail tips will provide helpful information about taking care of your nails. All it requires is 15 to 20 minutes of your time each week and nothing more.
Continue to read for some important tips that which should be considered when treating your nails…
continueno responses - Posted 04.16.09
Singer/songwriter Seril James loves performing – and with that said, which artist doesn’t love something which they are passionate towards. His bio quotes him as a, “savvy artist (who) has developed a three-pronged career in music, acting, and modeling, successfully merging his talents into one captivating package.”
And yes ladies, he is really multi-talented!
A native of New York, Seril has grown up in an environment full of inspiring experiences, people, and cultures including his own South Asian heritage. He began his musical journey from the start of his educational career and has continued since its completion. In college, Seril performed the National Anthem at numerous sporting events as well as singing at many of the universities cultural shows. Focused on his goal, he began to define his talents and steeled his passion and determination to produce his own musical sound.
Seril’s songs showcase his soulful voice with R&B/Pop Fusion songs, featuring infectious hooks, South Asian flourishes, and solid professional production. Currently in the studio, Seril is working on new songs for his upcoming album, but I had the chance to sit down with this super-star on the rise and talk about all his talents, and his future as a singer!
continueno responses - Posted 04.15.09
In between studying for Nursing School exams, DJing for Britney Spears, and preparing for one of the biggest event featuring RDB & Nindy Kaur, Shivas Gilotra…aka…DJ Shivvy, has a lot on his plate!
But that’s what makes him one of the most sought after DJs in the New Orleans area! He’s got the fun personality to keep people dancing all night long and the brains to back it up! Before DJ Shivvy got started to script his opening dialogues for RDB’s pre-album launch concert, I got to spend sometime talking to him about how be got involved in his industry and much more!


