New Release: "Hallelujah (feat. Nicolas Laget)"

Arun Shenoy: Singer-Songwriter and Producer

There's a new Contemporary Christian sound coming out of Narked Records, the label known for today's most exciting fusion music.  Led by 55th GRAMMY(R) Nominee Arun Shenoy, whose love of blending genres drives the label, his current band -- Arun Shenoy and The Maverick Express -- has produced a gem of a song that will shine as we head into the holiday season.  

"Hallelujah (feat. Nicolas Laget)" is a heart-opening work of praise, exultation and bliss that clocks in at 7:04! It is part of a new EP, The Unplugged Songwriter Sessions, which serve as Shenoy's singer-songwriter debut, and what a debut it is! The shy artist's deeply-resonant voice and polished singing technique is a welcome surprise, and the EP, while not thematic like his former albums, serves its purpose to present a broad scope of his abilities. One can't help but sing along, and a lyric video of Hallelujah is available for the enjoyment of praise and worship music audiences worldwide. 

Music critic Jonathan Widran reviewed the album in The JW Vibe, calling it, "A delightful, organically rendered singer-songwriter album featuring the guitarist’s lushly melodic melodies, simple yet thoughtful lyrics and, as a wonderful surprise, surprisingly graceful vocals..."

Industry reaction to "Hallelujah" has been so positive that Shenoy's management submitted it to the 61st GRAMMY(R) Awards for consideration in Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song.

Old friends and new join Shenoy for this project, which includes the introduction of THE MAVERICK EXPRESS, a musical group and rolling roster of musicians comprised largely of Shenoy’s long-term collaborators. Lonnie Park serves as co-lead vocalist on the music, backed up by the powerhouse groove section of Duke Purisima on Bass, and Jerry Chua behind the Drums.

The band also features Vahagn Stepanyan on piano, Owen Gurry on the guitar and Nahuel Bronzini on string arrangements; Ian Cameron on Violin, Ravichandra Kulur on the flute and Matthieu Avanthey as the lyricist complete the lineup.  Featured guests include Nicolas Laget on the saxophone, Jon Sterckx on percussion and Jody Ward on backing vocals.

To listen to "Hallelujah" and to add it to your Spotify playlists, go to: https://open.spotify.com/track/7JChhBlOoUWW9kkOCGQVda

Explore Arun Shenoy's music and productions at https://www.ArunShenoy.com.   

Beauty in Alt Rock?

Is there still substance in Rock music? Absolutely! The alternative band Lifehouse is probably one of the first rock bands I'll introduce to my young son, thanks to their ability to express love and positivity in their music and lyrics; the lead singer seems to embrace the ability to see beauty in the everyday, which this blog is all about!

The band caught everyone's ear years ago with their first hit "Hanging by a Moment" and then again when their music was used for the hit TV show Smallville. Back then, I'd been invited to submit music from some of the Warner music artists for that pilot as well, but when Lifehouse's "Everything" was chosen, it was clearly the right music for the show. Since then, the band release several successful albums, including Smoke & Mirrors in March 2010.

This is music that I love, too...could this be the rock band that helps you bridge the gap with your kids? Listen and read the lyrics on this video...