Blog
The stories...
I'm so excited that y'all are sharing what the songs on All is Fair mean to you in the Community section. I'd like to join in and go through some of the songs--a new blog every couple days--telling you what I was actually writing about. The real stories. Let's start with "My Name"...
Having a name like "Anoop" in elementary school can be tough. There were a lot of times I was made fun of because my name wasn't like anyone else's. I even recall coming home one day and demanding that my parents change my name. What I didn't realize then is that differences make our lives worthwhile. I would not be who I am now without my cultural heritage, my name, and yes even without the picking on. "My Name" is about coming to that realization with a vengeance. It's about declaring to the world, "here I am." Throughout American Idol, I sometimes had trouble being the best version of me. I was trying to be a lot of people--who the judges expected me to be (the ballad singer), what I thought I wanted to be (Usher haha)--never truly myself. When we started writing songs for my debut album, I wanted to have a song that told people that I was finally comfortable with my identity as a performer, a writer, and a singer. So while the setting of my name is a club and the audience is a woman, it really means much more to me. It's a life lesson that I've tried to evoke musically. The message is clear--be yourself and have confidence. Only then will you truly be your best.
More coming in then next few days!
Spread the word- it's time to get this thing GOING!
Having a name like "Anoop" in elementary school can be tough. There were a lot of times I was made fun of because my name wasn't like anyone else's. I even recall coming home one day and demanding that my parents change my name. What I didn't realize then is that differences make our lives worthwhile. I would not be who I am now without my cultural heritage, my name, and yes even without the picking on. "My Name" is about coming to that realization with a vengeance. It's about declaring to the world, "here I am." Throughout American Idol, I sometimes had trouble being the best version of me. I was trying to be a lot of people--who the judges expected me to be (the ballad singer), what I thought I wanted to be (Usher haha)--never truly myself. When we started writing songs for my debut album, I wanted to have a song that told people that I was finally comfortable with my identity as a performer, a writer, and a singer. So while the setting of my name is a club and the audience is a woman, it really means much more to me. It's a life lesson that I've tried to evoke musically. The message is clear--be yourself and have confidence. Only then will you truly be your best.
More coming in then next few days!
Spread the word- it's time to get this thing GOING!
Comments
Submitted by
trinz on May 11, 2010
I read part 2 first =/ haha
Thank you for sharing your stories w/ all of us. I love you, your name & the song =) I also love how I learn more about you & everyone in the FanFamily as we discuss your songs & how they mean to us. Looking forward to more stories =)
My Name.
on May 9, 2010Being from Indian heritage, we have a greater chance of getting a name that gets butchered repeatedly or made fun of. Interestingly, I loved my name growing up - and everyone would tell me how beautiful it was. Then I hit high school and college, and I started getting made fun of for it (You'd think it'd be in reverse haha). I hated it, but I realized your name is what makes you who you are. So I understand on some level, thanks for the story, Anoop. :)
My Name
on May 9, 2010But I can imagine how tough it was while on Idol, trying to present yourself in a way that would meet with the judges' approval, with your fans' approval, and with your own approval.
My Name
on May 9, 2010I can relate. You can imagine going through school with a last name like Grossman. Ready-made punch line! Plus, even though my first name is an Old Testament name, it's gets butchered all the time, even when I spell it out for companies, I still get mail addressed to Marriam Grossman. I have gone to my parents a few times telling them I wanted a more secular name like Melanie or Melissa to go with my Hebrew name. But unlike you, I haven't 100% ruled out changing my first name (but legally changing your name can be a hassle!) but all of us have our own journeys.
i hope you WILL notice me one day
on May 7, 2010Thanks for sharing . But i just want to know one thing .....CAN you help someone to launch a career like you did. i AM from india and i am big fan of you with the dreams similar to yours. You were lucky enough to born in america and get your chance into the limelight in american idol. But for me It's like ..... how to start ??? where to start??? My songs and composition are purely IN english ..... so if i try to release them in india it 'll not get any recognition. Moreover i don't know anything about how to get my self noticed in the crowd. Then i found you on twitter and thought you could help me. I just want to ask ONE question can i join you..... for the start i am ready to sing in harmony or chorus ..... but i want to sing ...... that's ALL ..... listen to my composition once and then tell me what you feel. I HOPE YOU 'LL REPLY ME ON MY EMAIL ID. Go Anoop ..... win this world with your music . IF YOU CAN'T HELP JUST TELL IS THERE ANYBODY ELSE WHO COULD HELP ME
IT'S so nice of you to share this. i hope you notice me one day
on May 7, 2010Thanks for sharing . But i just want to know one thing ...... do you really regret being a indian american??? i AM from india and i am big fan of your with the dreams similar to yours. You were lucky enough to born in america and get your chance into the limelight in american idol. But for me It's like ..... how to start ??? where to start??? My songs and composition are purely IN english ..... so if i try to release them in india it 'll not get any recognition. Moreover i don't know anything about how to get my self noticed in the crowd. Then i found you on twitter and thought you could help me. I just want to ask ONE question can i join you..... for the start i am ready to sing in harmony or chorus ..... but i want to sing ...... that's ALL ..... listen to my composition once and then tell me what you feel. I HOPE YOU 'LL REPLY ME ON MY EMAIL ID. Go Anoop ..... win this world with your music
1st Story - My Name
on May 7, 2010Really? I sensed you were confident on the track (your vocals were amazing and you didn't hold anything back), but I didn't know the song had a deeper meaning. That's really cool of you to share. You always seem authentic to me! Tia :)
My Name
on May 7, 2010I love the whole concept of being proud of your name. Everyone can relate to that. I know that I have been teased with folks yelling "Suey" out the window of the school bus or people stating that they want functions to be "Hollyless." Those moments do help make you who you are. Thank you for this inspiration and for such a fun song.
on May 6, 2010
Thank you Anoop, for sharing with us. It is through experiences like this in our early years, that often mold us into who we become later in life. We must all have the confidence to believe in ourselves and you most definitely have overcome that hurdle. I look forward to reading more of your stories.
on May 6, 2010
Thanks Anoop, for your honesty and the closeness you have with us, your fans, Can't wait for your stories. I'm telling everyone about you and your great music... we are heartened by your growing confidence. I agree with GinaDarling- confidence is sexy... BTW after reading your blog about 'My Name" ,I now relate it to myself sooo much--growing up as an identical twin......
on May 6, 2010
haha i totally feel your pain re having an unusual name back at school. Gotta love South East Asian parents giving us names that stand out :P On a serious note, I love that you take the time out to allow us as fans to get to know who you are. It's amazing to see how you've evolved as an artist since the beginning of your journey on A.I. Your album is the first glimpse of you asserting your own style, the style that makes me fall in love with your music more and more every day! :)
on May 6, 2010
Oh wow.
First off - it's totally amazing that you're willing to share the stories with us.
And I totally agree with you about the becoming your own person thing. It's definetely something most people struggle with, and I'm pretty sure some people are never really comfortable in theier own skin. It takes a lot, but you really have to know who are before you can really be successful in life.
You've done that, and it's so cool to see someone who has be up in the spotlight.
Keep inspiring! :)
Totally looking forward to more stories. :)
on May 6, 2010
BEST thing about starting this series of song stories isn't about the content... it's that you feel comfy enough to share them! We've all been called names or ridiculed or bullied or worse, by people who really have no clue about our lives, and we learn to deal and become resilient. Thanks for turning a negative experience into wonderful music for us. Knowing you're cool with more song stories is good enough for me... you don't need to share anything that might be a catalyst for future songwriting, so keep that in mind as you add to this series. *wink*
on May 6, 2010
Thanks for your willingness to open up & share with us as we do the same with you as well as each other.
These songs are obviously personal stories/journeys, and that is why they are so relatable.
Can't wait to see where this EP takes you...Thanks for taking us along on this fantastic journey with you! Let's Go Get It!! :)
on May 6, 2010
For sure! You have to be comfortable with who you are, if not, you will not accomplish many of your goals. It ends up hindering your path to success. Well said Anoop. Thanks for sharing :)
on May 6, 2010
Squeeee Thanks for sharing your story. It may have felt awkward to go through the "finding self" process in front of the public eyes and nosey fans (like me, um) constantly watching you. But I am glad you remained resilient, and have come out of it stronger and hotter than ever!
on May 6, 2010
Aw I totally relate. That was my problem for awhile. Especially on twitter. I would be myself and have others (who had no life) call me names. Mean people just suck. When it all comes down to it you gotta be yourself and really appreciate who loves you for you and just screw everyone else. No one is worth impressing. I know who I am now and I love myself. I know I'm better than anyone who has to insult someone just for their pleasure. Confidence is the sexiest thing about a person in my opinion. Glad we both found that. Ain't nothing like being 100% comfortable with yourself. Thanks for opening up. Looking forward to more stories. :)
