July 15, 2014 – Friends of Linger today released the song, Head Held High – a dedication to the gay rights movement. A first-of-its-kind track, the song lends itself to the confusion, dilemma, pain and affirmation of a gay individual and in a sense is a story that many such individuals go through in an overtly heterosexual environment that more or less lives in denial or suppresses the existence of homosexuality.
This is Friends of Lingers’ first single (a karaoke version of the song will be released in due course), the group stands for inclusion of sexuality and genders and believes that acceptance and tolerance are key to a harmonious and peaceful world. In the same way, it sees music as a means to send out messages to create consciousness and at the same time bring peace that can foster love.
Sharif D Rangnekar, the writer of the song and vocalist, says, “The song is more of a story and yet filled with messages. We are hopeful it contributes to the human rights movement in India and elsewhere.”
Smiti Malik, the lead vocalist and co-composer believes that the lyrics are honest and yet provocative. “They can and will draw the listener in, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.” Part of an NGO and a psychologist by profession, Smiti adds, “we can relate to the message of acceptance and inclusion communicated through the song and this theme worked as a point of ideation for us as we tried to combine it with a melody which is equally relatable”.
According to Adhir Ghosh, the lead guitarist and co-composer, “we knew we had to drive a message of inclusiveness, through an approachable, melody-driven song; one that the listener could sing along and identify with. This is what we have tried to do and now hope many hum along to the tune.”
Adding to this, Devyani Shankar, vocalist on this track, feels that society needs to learn to allow people to “live and let live”. A dancer and PR professional, Devyani states “it’s a necessity to broaden minds. This song is about hope and love, for a better world, for a better time”.
Friends of Linger came into being October 2013 merely as an idea to create a platform that would bring amateur singers together with professional artists. Inclusion is core to the group. The band has performed at Hard Rock Cafes in the national capital region and other venues.
Friends of Linger is:
Vocals: Craig Cranenburgh, Devyani Shankar, Deepak Sharma, Robin Mathew, Sharif D Rangnekar, Smiti Malik, Sophie Jane Allen, Varun Kapoor.
Guitars: Adhir Ghosh
Bass: Steve Peter
Drums: Aveleon Vaz / Siddharth Jain
Keyboards: Shiv Ahuja / Rohit Gupta
This track includes:
Music: Adhir Ghosh & Smiti Malik
Lyrics: Sharif D Rangnekar
Lead Vocals: Smiti Malik
Back-up vocals: Devyani Shankar & Sharif D Rangnekar
Guitars: Adhir Ghosh
Bass: Steve Peter
Drums: Aveleon Giles Vaz
Keyboards: Anindo Bose
Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Anindo Bose at Plug ‘N’ Play Studios, New Delhi
Head Held High-Lyrics
Where the mind is not clear
And you are wondering why
‘Cause they look at you strangely
And condition your life
I am taught what love is
And what one should mind
I learn what hurt is
And lonely is my life
The head grows heavy
And the world is going round
I look for someone
And they are all not found
(Chorus)
Give us love
Give us moments
Give us time
Not just tokens
No symbols of care
No symbols of air
Baby baby baby
It is time for us to dare
I take my little time
The moments and many nights
I see I am human
Touch, pain and the sighs
As the mind is now clear
And I stand for my rights
It’s not about lust
Or love or a cry
There is no point listening
To all their advice
Let us take what we wanted,
It is our feel for life
(Repeat Chorus)
So your mind is upheld
And we are not too shy
Just give us some loving
No reason to hide
We seek little rainbows
Not colours not lies
We don’t want the pot
Of gold not the high life
We are just simply loving
Making gay
Making life
Don’t throw us the dice
Until its coloured
With life
(Repeat Chorus)