Anoop Desai Street Team

Okay, let’s get this underway!

Anoop, are you there?

Hey everyone!  

Thanks for taking time to talk with us today Anoop!

Absolutely! Just listening to some Christmas music right now haha should be a good time
 

I actually want to take the “dogg” out of the twitter name. Someone stole my name before me though…trying to get that sorted out

Well I have to learn a few lyrics before my performance at the Macy’s tree lighting later this week!

I’m going to be singing Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire (The Christmas Song), and All I Want for Christmas is You with Glide, a great local gospel group from San Fran

Not sure if it will be televised. If you’re in the area, though, come on down to Union Square on Friday!

Very cool!

Okay, we will be getting back to the fan questions shortly.

But for now we have a series of prepared questions to ask you Anoop.

We feel like your “Idol” journey has really been covered well by the dozens and dozens of interviews you have done since “Idol.” Therefore, we only have one question on that topic…Looking back on things, is there one certain moment from the show that you will never forget? And, is there anything you would have done differently on the show if given the second chance?

I always tell people that meeting Stevie Wonder after one of the shows was the highlight of the show for me– one of the highlights of my life actually. Wasn’t something that was shown on TV, but it was amazing. He’s my musical idol, no pun intended. ha ha.  

And retrospect is 20/20 so of course there are things I would have done differently, but I can’t dwell on them or be mad at myself for them.  

Definitely–thanks so much for everyone that showed me support during tour, it was a great experience. The strangest thing…let’s see…

I got a lot of hand sanitizer, which is strange, but actually VERY helpful

And the most treasured thing… at one tour stop, I can’t even remember which one, some fans of mine made me Indian food. We weren’t supposed to eat outside food, but I couldn’t help myself. I was feeling a little worn at the time, and that just recharged me haha. Made me think of home

That’s pretty sweet.

You’ve got some smart fans!

I’ve got amazing fans!

Let’s just say that at times, we could get bored. There were a lot of impromptu freestyle sessions, we got our hands on silly string some how and went crazy with that, etc… Mainly, it was just a bunch of friends spending time together. I miss those guys and girls

A LOT of p90x

it’s a workout video series– we tried to do something every day to stay in shape

Okay, let’s move on to the stuff the fans are dying for us to get to. Tell us what you have been doing since the tour in regard to your debut album?

Right now, I’m looking for my PR and management team. We’ll probably get started in December into early next year. I’m surrounding myself with the best so that we can achieve the best results.  

That souds like a good plan.

Aside from that, I’ve been writing music every day with a lot of people. Right now, I’m defining my sound, getting songs down, and recording them

Has there been any label talk?

You know, I’m still trying to get a major label, and having songs to shop that represent me will only help. But I’m going to get this music out for you guys no matter what. Right now, it’s looking like the independent route is how I’m going to start. This business is a series of mountains, and I’m at a base camp right now. But I’m climbing and working every day!

This way, I also keep more control over my music and how I represent myself. Take Eliot Yamin- he released all his stuff independently and was a huge success. I’m definitely following a model that will lead to great things with enough energy from me
 

You talked about defining your sound….is there a certain genre you’re focusing on in particular?

My genre has always been pop/R&B. I love that R&B right now, at least what I love to listen to, is almost leaning jazz. I want to combine that with a definite pop production value. But I’m taking a lot of inspiration from people that are in the game right now. Keri Hilson, Ne-Yo, Chrisette Michele, Mario, the Dream, etc. I’m not any one of these people and their style doesn’t define me, but it’s inspiration

We’d like to talk about some of the original songs you have performed recently.

First up, “Give In To Her Love.” I understand you co-wrote that with David Mikush. Can you tell us what it was like to work with him and a little bit about that song?

Well David is one of my best friends, so “working” with him started out during college, just messing around. But he is a gifted songwriter, and most of the credit has to go to David and John Merritt. Because David and I are so close, he understands my voice and my sound. So on the songs we’ve been working on, not just the two we’ve debuted, it’s a very smooth process.

I’ve told David that there will be a Mikush/Desai song on the album. Might not be one of the two that we’ve performed, but it’ll be something hot!

We understand that you got to work with a fellow “Idol” (Brandon Rogers) on one of your new songs as well?

Yeah, a few actually. I’ve been working with Brandon a lot recently, and I love the stuff we’ve come up with. Just finished recording a song called “My Name” that has a lot of bhangra influence, and another called “Not Like This” that we’re recording wtih Russell Ali. Russ, Brandon and I will be working together a lot I think. It’s a great vibe

All in all, roughly how many songs have you written so far that you plan on using for the album?

I figured everyone is using bhangra these days, it might as well be someone that’s actually of Indian descent that is inspired by it!

That’s always hard to tell. writing is a constant process. I’m working with about 5 different cowriters, and we’re looking for producers. At the end of the day, the best songs are going to make it. I might not have even found the first single yet!

Are there any other collaborators you have or are planning to work with that we should be on the lookout for?

I think LUVR could definitely be a single- it needs some work, but Mikush and I both love that song, so glad to hear y’all do too! As for other collaborators, I’m really excited about working with Josh Hoge in Nashville in January. I’m meeting new and exciting collaborators every week that are as hungry as me, which is awesome

LUVR is an acronym that we use in the chorus of the song, just talking about how the girl I’m singing to should be my luvr and what she’s missing out on

Is there 1 special person you have in mind for that song? Or, is it just the general message that got your attention?

Haha there isn’t anyone I have in mind for that song, but I’ve definitely been in that situation before. So the message resonates! There is a song I wrote about a specific girl, and actually the song is named after her. I’m going to have to change that title though…haha not trying to start any drama. Or I could go Taylor Swift and just call her out

Hahahaha

I know this has been brought up soooo many times. And I’m sure you’re tired of hearing it. But lots of fans here today are still asking about you and Megan.

Nothing more than great friends, correct?

Correct. Megan is gorgeous, but we are just good friends!

Lots of people are asking if you are planning on releasing any new studio recordings to your Myspace while you work on the album?

I’m definitely trying to incorporate y’all in the process. I’m working on my website right now- when it’s up, it’ll be anoopdesai.com The website, twitter, myspace, and facebook are going to be key in getting buzz around the new tracks. I want y’all to help me out with that. At the very least, I’ll leak some clips!

If you ever need a platform, we’re hear for you of course

Thank you so much!

The last area we would like to touch on before opening it up to the fans is some discussion about your fellow “Idol” finalists.

Sure

Did you see it?

And, how did you react?

I did see it! It’s not for everyone, I’ll give you that.

But Adam knows exactly who he is and what he’s trying to do, and I think the performance was successful– I mean, we’re talking about it today, aren’t we?

Exactly.

The day after I was up at 5am and it was the lead story on CNN. I was like wow, he’s got our attention for sure.

He’s there “for your entertainment” that was the point of the performance and it was definitely entertaining haha

For sure

Any thoughts on ABC’s decision to cancel his GMA performance b/c of the controversy?

Not really haha, Listen, he’s going to be huge, there’s no doubt about that. And his fans will keep him on top, not GMA.

Agreed. Moving on, thoughts on Kris’/Adam’s debut albums?

Love them both, they’re so different, and they capture each of their personalities. Those two and Allison are putting out great stuff

Haven’t heard Danny’s, Michael’s or Scott’s stuff yet! I’m sure it’s amazing

Sounds great. Well if you don’t have anything else to add, shall we open it up to the fans?

Definitely!

Great! And feel free to give a 3 question warning when you’re running out of time.

We’ve been collecting questions from Twitter, email, and our site. Plus, we will be taking questions live right now. Let’s do it!

I’m ready!

This is a good one to start out with.

I don’t right now. As soon as I have management, which should be early 2010, I will. Keep hangin on

@JML_NC: Anoop~ band query ~ are your amazingly gifted friends on the band roster long-term, or only for hometown shows? we luv them!!

Right now, only for hometown shows. I have to get some more original material before I think about touring nationwide, but I hope some of them will join me when that happens!

Thank you! Right now, I’m focusing on writing music, and then, like I said, hopefully we can take it on the road soon!

@itskayemiranda: Do you read everything in your Twitter timeline?

I try to! But most days I skim…

That’s certainly understandable.

My dream duet partner is Keri Hilson or Chrisette Michele. Love them

@yoko71: Anoop, care to describe your song writing process? Do you come up w/ the melody first? Or rhyming words then a hook to go with?

I work in a couple different ways. Sometimes, I’ll get a track, and craft the melody first, then write lyrics. With Brandon, for example, we’ll come up with chord and beat concept we like, and write lyrics and melody at the same time. With Mikush, we’ll email back and forth what we call “scratch” tracks, which are pretty much rough ideas for what we want to do. It really depends!

@iRock_Nawal: Since you majored in political science, have you ever consider running for political office?

Haha I used to want to run for office more than anything. Maybe 6 years ago. But honestly, I don’t have the stomach or the patience for politics today. Maybe it’s just me getting older, but I’ve realized that politics is all semantics and theatrics these days. Not for me…

Here’s a pretty funny one….

Me. No doubt. I can run faster than Matt.

@dazzleme18: What’s been one of the hardest things to get adjusted to post-Idol tour?

Not having a schedule or somewhere to be all the time. I’m the type of guy that has to be busy all the time, so having a loose schedule is annoying to me, honestly

My mood is linked to how productive I am, always

@LoveAlwaysLiana: What did you think of Matt Giraud’s concert last weekend and are you going to his January show?

I haven’t heard any of Matt’s stuff from his concert. Heard it was sold out and amazing though. Not sure if I’ll be able to make it in January. We’ll talk, I’ll see if I can!

Alright I think I have time for about 3 more!

Probably a bit premature but here is a good question…

@brooklynoop: Have you given any thought to what you would like the title of your first album to be? Or, do you have some favorite tracks we haven’t hear yet (song titles pleaz!)

No idea about a title yet! But my favorite song so far is one I wrote with Brandon called “My Name”

From Lolzers: What important lessons in the music industry have u learned since coming out of the AI bubble? How’d u adjust?

There have been a lot of them…Most importantly, that the music industry is not American Idol. There aren’t rounds that you advance past. It’s all life all the time, and sometimes you’re disappointed. My friends have helped me keep my head above water by reminding me that it’s not about if it happens, it’s when it happens. And that’s the mentality I have going into each day, even if it doesn’t seem like it. Thanks to you guys and your support, I have a huge step up in this industry. I have a lot to prove though.

Yup being on Idol sadly isn’t usually enough to seal your future.

We see that with almost everyone we interview.

The work is just beginning.

So true…I’m ready for it though

And to end it on a not so serious topic….

@ KristyAlli wants to know if there will be crazy twittering from you guys.

Yes! I’m so excited, I have to call him today. I think he gets into town tonight. I’m sure we will have a tweet or two for y’all! Haha I hope all of you have a safe and restful Thanksgiving too!

Same to you Anoop.

On behalf of everyone here at AI Now, I want to thank you so much Anoop for taking the time to chat with us.

It was fun. Thanks to AI Now and for all of you showing up and asking great questions. I’ll leave y’all with this: giving up is not an option for me, and neither is failure. We’re going to get this going together! I love you and thank you!

Be sure to follow @AnoopDoggDesai & @AINow on Twitter to stay up to date with Anoop’s debut album!

And a thanks to everyone at home for chatting today. You guys are as awesome as ever!

And, if you missed anything in this chat, we will have a transcript and a summary up on www.AINow.org in a few minutes.