FLASH FONTANELLI
Love him or hate him, Flash Fontanelli, the self-proclaimed "Emperor of Chaos", is the most outrageous personality to ever hit the Asian music scene. Hailed by fans as being the new voice for Desi youth and denounced by critics as being a misrepresentation of Asian values, most would agree that Fontanelli is a musical mastermind. Guaranteed to take World Music to a new dimension, FIRANGI is an incredible collection of 18 innovative tracks filled with ethnic vigor, energy, and emotion. Songs include Shahrukh Khan, IRAQ, Laugh and Desire Wire to name a few.
Flash broke cultural and musical barriers, societal norms and stereotypes in a manner that was anything but traditional on his rise to fame. His music, often overshadowed by his loud personality, is unique to the point that it fits no existing genre. Flash sings in English but his music is distinctly ethnic. Combining Indian music with Hip Hop, Rock and Reggae, and using instruments from across the globe, Flash has created a new form of musical expression. The multi-talented Fontanelli is not only a singer, but also a composer, musician, songwriter and producer. His voice is raw, deep and husky. He has been compared to Elvis Presley and Jim Morrisson. His vocal ability is undeniably versatile. He can rap, he can sing low, high, soft, smooth or loud. And his musical formula is original. Most Flash Fontanelli songs have both a musical hook and a vocal hook.
Flash Fontanelli, born in India, migrated with his family to Liverpool, England at the age of 2. Four years later, they settled in the United States. He was introduced to music at age 10 by skilled guitarist and family friend, Javid Hassan. By age 13, Flash had mastered the piano and was writing songs with ease. He was the songwriter and frontman for several Punk & Metal bands, including User Friendly and Skull Krusher, in his teenage years. At age 19, Flash went back to his native India. It was in Mumbai that he met Indian Music Director & accomplished programmer Satya Narayan. Under Narayan's tutiledge, Flash came back with a strong understanding and passion for Indian Music. After his return to the States, Fontanelli was working two jobs while singing and playing keyboard for the Bhangra influenced Reggae-Ska band, Coconut Swing. But frustrated by the politics and close-minded nature of the music industry, Flash gave up music for three years. On the insistence of his friends and family, Flash decided to give it one more go in 2008. It was then that he met Jon Weil, lead guitarist of Busticles and a professional Sound Engineer at Fuzzywallz Recording Studio in Tempe,AZ. Flash started recording with Jon at Fuzzywallz Studio and it didn't take long for Fontanelli to grow a strong internet following, much to the credit of Akash Suresh, a professional DJ and Indian party promoter. The response from the younger generation of Desi's living in the United States and United Kingdom was overwhelming. Fontanelli was playing shows again from California to London. The big break came in February 2009 when film director Fredy Polania heard the song "Shahrukh Khan" and wanted to shoot a Music Video for it. The video was launched on May 28, 2009 and became an instant hit on You Tube. This led to radio play and increased exposure, making "Shahrukh Khan" the ethnic party anthem of the Summer.
Flash Fontanelli has been busy the past few months, completing a 3 continent tour that saw him perform in New York, London and Mumbai to name a few places. Then Blue Mango Records came calling, in conjunction with Indian label Leit Motif Records, and offered him a recording contract. He accepted, citing creative control as the primary reason, and recorded his debut album. "Firangi" features work from Jon Weil, talented Indian producer Manik Satya, Bollywood playback singer Tarannum Mallik, guitar prodigy Nitesh Dean and Sound Engineer Alex Patole. The album was mastered by engineer Jerome Schmitt from Air Mastering in London, UK.
In addition to release of his music album, there is also a treat for the eyes for Flash Fontanelli fans as they get to see him in flesh. His second music video for the track “IRAQ”, directed by Thomas Jacob, was released on November 10, 2009. This video will be offered to the public under the Creative Commons Attribution-
To listen to or download MP3's or to watch music videos from Flash Fontanelli, check out his website at:
www.flashfontanelli.com
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
