John M. Cook's Videos (world of wiffledust) - world of wiffledust

Tom Prasada-Rao

2014-04-05T16:37:49.200Z

Singer-songwriter Tom Prasada-Rao is one of those friends that even though I do not get to spend nearly enough time with, every moment with him holds meaning and memories. He always gives more than he takes. He taught me more about the value of being a good human being than anyone else I know. I am always humbled, and thankful, in his presence.

TPR one of the best singer-songwriters out there - bar none… and hearing is believing. Born in Ethiopia of Indian parents, raised in Washington, DC he is a musician's musician, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. The respect he is afforded by other songwriters and musicians is a testament to his talent. He began studying violin at age seven, then piano and finally guitar. With a shelf full of writing awards, he brings groove and spirituality to the stage and studio, with a mix of Pop, R&B, and World Music. He has been described as a virtual World Music ensemble rolled into one guy. His voice weaves incantations, and the guitar, violin, piano and electric sitar are like magic wands in this incredible musician's hands. Regardless of the instrument, Tom's playing is highly rhythmic. His songs are well crafted, his voice soothing and soulful, and his stage presence will leave you transfixed.

He recently moved, from Dallas, to begin a new path in his journey through life and I miss him terribly. I woke up this morning, to this video on Facebook, where he is interviewed at the Sisters Folk Festival about the creative process of songwriting and then performs “Rishi’s Garden”. Take a listen and be inspired.

Tom Prasada-Rao@Sisters Folk Festival 2009

2014-04-05T16:37:13.247Z

interview and performance of singer songwriter Tom Prasada-Rao

Song Makers:Tom Prasada-Rao at Sisters Folk Festival

2014-04-05T16:34:07.615Z

Interview and performance of singer songwriter Tom Prasada-Rao at Americana Song Camp & Sisters Folk Festival 2009

Song Makers:Tom Prasada-Rao at Sisters Folk Festival

2014-04-05T16:33:37.194Z

Interview and performance of singer songwriter Tom Prasada-Rao at Americana Song Camp & Sisters Folk Festival 2009

Birds on the Wires

2014-02-02T00:06:09.408Z

Winner of the YouTube Play Guggenheim Biennial Festival.
Soundtrack available here: http://tinyurl.com/7xj6net

Reading a newspaper, I saw a picture of birds on the electric wires. I cut out the photo and decided to make a song, using the exact location of the birds as notes (no Photoshop edit). I knew it wasn't the most original idea in the universe. I was just curious to hear what melody the birds were creating.

I sent the music to the photographer, Paulo Pinto, who I Googled on the internet. He told his editor, who told a reporter and the story ended up as an interview in the very same newspaper.

Here I've posted a short video made with the photo, the music and the score (composed by the birds).

Also check my live presentation of Birds on the Wires at TEDx São Paulo: http://www.tedxsaopaulo.com.br/jarbas-agnelli/

Music made with Logic.
Video made with After Effects.

An interview about this and other works: http://biginterview.org/