The Hindustan Times, based in Mumbai, previewed Live Earth India with an excellent interview of will.i.am. Behind the paper’s front page portrait (see below), will.i.am discusses what Live Earth has to offer and why Live Earth India will be such an influential event. Read excerpts of the interview below:
On will.i.am’s interest in working in the India music scene:
Are you clued into the Indian music scene at all?
Not much but I would really like to develop an international act here. Latin music has a Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Americans have Fergie and Beyonce. Australians have Natalie Imbruglia. But there’s no big youth Indian music star, which is unfortunate. There is so much talent there but no one knows that.When you come to Mumbai this year, will you sign any Indian artist for your music label?
I’m actually looking to help produce and develop a big international Indian act.Any studio collaborations likely?
It’s really my dream to sing with Asha Bhosle. I would love it… love it, love it, love it. She is a legend.Have Indian melodies ever inspired you?
We have used some traditional Indian music in our song Don’t funk with my heart (sings the tune). There is no reason why Indian music should be confined to India. It should be heard across the world.
Live Earth’s influence:
What makes India such an important destination that it has been chosen as the venue for the Live Earth concert?
India is very important because it is literally the centre of the world. Everything is around you guys… South-East Asia, Middle East and east Europe on top.How can music raise awareness about the Live Earth cause of climate change?
Music can really help save the planet. It can raise issues. Songs can touch people much more than speeches of politicians.Please elaborate…
If a politician were to speak in India in his or her own language, the message won’t be clear. But if I compose a song on an issue and it is a beautiful song…and if someone sings it in India, the message has carried through, inspiring people to change.Where do you think India stands in the changing scenario globally?
America was a dominating force from 1900 till today. But I believe from 2000 and beyond, India will play a huge role in shaping human civilization. The future of the world lies right there, in India.
will.i.am was interviewed by Nikhil Taneja for the Hindustan Times.
Click here for the latest Live Earth india press coverage.
November 24th, 2008 at 7:11 pm
The Indian music scene in the USA is gifted by the presence of a group of students from Penn State University who go by the name Penn Masala. They sing current US hits as well as time honored music from India. They have a very unique sound as they sing accapella. They currently have CD’s available on their website, Pennmasala.com, and I would urge everyone to listen to them for their own enjoyment and to further this group of talented young men. Thank you.
May 6th, 2009 at 2:32 am
Thanks very much for your blog. Will eb back!