Lost In Love - A Journey: My Post Concert Syndrome

So as we know, I posted my first blog on Air Supply almost a week ago. I consider myself a moderate writer, and so my intention was to preserve the memory of this ‘tour’; as I now call it, in best words I can. So, perhaps when I am older, I can read through the experience again & perhaps have Air Supply read it as well. And they did!!

Graham Russell & Russell Hitchcock Read the Blog

I wrote to Graham and Jodi just when I finished writing the first blog here. And the next morning, I woke up to the best message one can possibly get! Christine, who works for Air Supply, messages me that Graham & Jodi did indeed want to publish my story on Air Supply Facebook page! I did not expect Jodi to read my message I sent out – knowing she a busy actress, but I did think I had a story to tell. So thank you Jodi Russell, from the bottom of my heart, for reading the blog post! You are simply amazing and all my prayers and well wishes are with you & Graham!

So it unfolds the next day - a wonderful sight!  A personal message from Graham Russell on the Air Supply Music Facebook page just made my day even brighter! Now I stated before that I consider Graham my Mentor! Little that I know as far as music is concerned, I owe to Graham! Needless to say, whenever I am stuck in the studio, I often revert back to Air Supply's old albums just to clear noises in my head! I am guilty of reading the book "Across the concrete sky" quite often to get inspiration; there are a lot of words that somehow reflect back to me as a composer. But since I have a new signed book with me from Graham (Nearly Beloved), I would be reading that too, but that's once after I am back home. 
For people reading this blog, do also follow Graham's latest offering with OF EDEN. For now below's my favorite song from his solo album The Future: 

Again, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Graham and Jodi, for being so awesome, and the most humble humans in showbiz one can ever come across. Bless you both!

And then ... Russell Hitchcock Tweets!

Unfortunately, I did not get a chance to meet Russell Hitchcock. He is a person one can’t help but admire! Needless to say he is undoubtedly one of the “finest voices” of the century! Graham writes magic, there is no doubt about that – but the ingredients that Russell puts in are unique. Where everyone talks about his high notes; I often notice how he lets go each word so perfectly and in perfect time. There are a handful of vocalists that can perform live so consistently and each performance day in day out with the same heart & soul! Yes, he still achieves the high notes ever so effortless; but his technique is flawless! Mix his voice with Grahams bassy harmonies, it’s certainly a combo that's ever so natural!

 And lets face it, Russell can sing anything! Russell sang country better than a lot of country musicians! Get the Russell Hitchcock – The Nashville Sessions & you’ll know what I mean! 

Younger generation needs to learn a lot from legends such as Air Supply! I often tell younger people who step in my studio to choose their influences correctly. I have often seen people changing from bad to worse as soon as their song becomes mildly popular. And then they lose it! Fame is a bubble that can pop as quickly as it forms. Now this is for a lot of Pakistani artists reading I know - if there is anything you learn from Air Supply is honesty (to the profession), humility and dedication.  

There is a lot of hard work and perseverance in what they do; and we as fans really need to thank them for it! After all, people like Russell and Graham are nature's gift!

My Reaction Upon Russell's Tweet & Grahams Post 

And when someone with the stature of Russell Hitchcock & Graham Russell read your blog; one tends to jump off the bed and climb up and down the stairs 10 times, before calming down. Ask my wife, she thought I had a bad tummy ache :) 

So, thank you Russell & Graham – You guys are DA MEN! 

Again, Air Supply would not be Air Supply without the amazing back stage crew/staff and fans they have! I have made plenty of friends on the community & it’s one big family for sure. So, thank you everyone working for Air Supply a special shout out to Christine for everything! Also a BIG Thank You to Swenette Olge for posting the blog first on the Best Air Supply Fan Group on Facebook. Do visit her at www.airsupplyheartandsoul.net - a website she courageously maintains and dedicates to Air Supply & their fans world-wide. Another big thanks to my buddy Raquel Luna - for her support & words of wisdom :) 

What's Next For Me >  

I will be going back to Pakistan soon and will be releasing two new songs after a hiatus of 6 years from the main stream Pakistan Music Industry. I think I needed much inspiration seeing Air Supply perform to get back at recording and making new music!  Upcoming projects include Fire Till Day by Midnight Paradox (a band I formed with my childhood friend). Will also be releasing another song as a solo artist, called Mai Houn Yehan (translation: I’m Still Here).

You can listen to FireTill Day Here!

Rough Mix: Mai HounYehan Here!

Also to introduce some Pakistani music to people here who are unfamiliar with our music, I highly recommend Coke Studio sessions (an effort to preserve our old sufi poetry by blending traditional instruments with modern sounds). 

Posting a video below of a performance by my good friends Atif Aslam & Qayaas (the band):  

Peace out, 

Umar Jamshed

www.soundcloud.com/umarjamshed

www.facebook.com/umarjamshedmusic