LBG have been around for about 6 years and is one of the pioneers of performing original music in Chennai. They performed at last 2 years of JRO (June Rock Out)where they released their full length album on July 10th 2005. They have sold over 700 Albums till date at the shows and over the Internet which has been received with rave reviews. Their musical influences range from blues to reggae to hard rock and jazz. "So we are not a metal monger type band and consider ourselves to be rock alternative."
After compredletion of numerous shows & tons of composing, LBG are planning to release their second album titled “Bad Children” by September 2006 which will be kicked off with a full India tour (Bangalore, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Kolkatta, Maybe somewhere in the North east, Cochin & Chennai).They are also in the process of story boarding a video and are looking to produce it soon.
Press:
"Standup & Rock" - The Hindu
"...warmed up, but it was the next band on stage — Little Babooshka's Grind — that really had everyone on their feet and gently head-banging, thanks to their individual style, which is strong on melody...."
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"The Sitdown" - Deccan Chronicle
“… people were definitely not sitting down. Rather were dancing all over the place given the sheer enthusiasm of Little Babooshka’s Grind, playing originals from their upcoming second album…”
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"One Night With LBG" - The Hindu
...LBG's success was a recent invitation to "Taj Coromandel presents ONE NIGHT with THE LBG". Their performance at Matchpoint explained why LBG is rated as one among the top bands in the country...."Read More
May 13th
Sad Dismissal of Avanthi Krishnan (1979 – 2006)
LBG would like to pay their respects to their greatest fan and very dear friend. She will be missed & May God bless her soul.
April 28th
“Stand Up & Rock:: Feat. LBG, No Idea & Hunger
The show was simply spectacular!! High energy, superb crowd, Great sound & amazing lighting – The perfect recipe for a rockin show!!
”….LBG really had everyone on their feet and head banging thanks to their individual style and strong melody…LBG had such ‘oomph’ & attitude…”
The Hindu
March 28th
MMU Comuncations support the LBG
LBG is now being backed by a professional Advertising Agency in Chennai called “MMU COMMUNICATIONS” which provides assistance in all promotional activities (PR, Hoardings, Poster Design, E-mailers, SMS Messaging, Newspapers Ads)for all our shows. "We believe that it’s not just enough for a band to just come, play and then F@#k off… It’s a joint effort with the organizer to make sure that as many people come and watch the band performing" says Avnith. MMU communications also has an Events Division and is planning on starting a Record Label with the aim to reach music to the masses through all Major Music Stores in India
February 24th
BAD CHILDREN COMING SOON!!
LBG Announce the title for their second record – “BAD CHILDREN”. “We’ve been spending the last couple of months composing and fine tuning the new material” says Praveen. It’s going to be a ‘raunchy’ album with a new sound and the same LBG energy, which have been entertaining crowds at all their shows. ‘Soma’, ‘Bad Children’, ‘Super cat’ are some songs that are going to be testimonial to LBG’s new mature sound. They‘re all set to hit the studio by end June – early July and should be released by September 2006. A couple of videos are definitely on the way. A series of Gigs are being setup all over the country for the launch. So do be sure to check it out!!
:::: 2005 ::::
December 9 th
THE SITDOWN @ Gatsby Village, Chennai
Following the success of their unplugged show at the Taj, LBG treated the crowd at Gatsby Village to spectacular performance. Featuring mostly songs from their upcoming album. The show was far from a sitting down. Rather were dancing all over the place given the sheer enthusiasm of the band. "The Sitdown" is definitley a concept the band is planning to take on the road all over the country in the coming year.
September 14th
LBG LIVE & UNPLUGGED @ Match Point, Taj Coromandel
LBG performed a complete All original 20 song setlist in Match Point @ Taj Coromandel, featuring songs from their debut Album as well as a sneak peak as to what the second album has to offer. The show was a huge success, packing in a full house.
12th August
JRO 2005 @ Unwind Center, Chennai
LBG Perform for the Rockfest JRO 2005 for the third time in a row. It was a Power packed show sharing the stage with Still Water (Sikkim) & WhiteNoize (Bangalore).
9th July
Underground 2005 @ Le Resort, Pondicherry
After the exceptional sale of the Album (TAICTW) Pondicherry had a rocking time, Singing along with all the tunes. ‘Money’, ‘Scarawag’ & ‘Revolution’ were the High lites of the night. The crowd wouldn’t let them get of stage without performing ‘‘Money’ again!! And this time the crowd sang the Full chorus. Was a blast!! Special Thanks to DJ Karma, Prabhu & Arul for the GR8 hospitality.
03rd July
American Independence Day Bash @ Taj Fisherman's Cove, Chennai
It was a special day for the Americans (Pre-Independence Day Bash) at Fisherman's Cove by the beach. The US of A people got a special treat ‘The L.B of G’ Style!!. Hot Babes, Free Beer & Good Food, a Super Combination for a Super Show!!
21st May 2005
Run to the Hills @ The English Club, Kodaikanal
Kodaikannal, a bustling Hill Station (Atleast during Peak Season) saw something they had never seen before!! An Outdoor Show in the freezing cold, 5 guys took stage & blew their minds out!! Kick starting the show with “Wrong” , their feet were tapping throughout the show. That was until the cops came and busted the show!! Apparently the sound was facing in the direction where a very influential Cranky old man lived.So the Show was shutdown ….but people wanted more and started abusing the cops. The organisers then re located to a near by Farm House where the crowd followed and we partied all night!!
23rd April 2005
Madras Underground @ The Equestrian Horse Farm, Covallong
Held at a Farm, with a Gr8 out door space for a show on the East Coast.The show Featured 12 bands from all over in one night. Starting at 11pm with the All girl band “Mantra”. The energy of the crowd was good and it just kept getting better. Tin Leaf, Sound Sleep, Buddha’s Babies & Molotov Cocktail were among the other bands there. LBG performed at about 2 AM. Show was sponsored by Enfield and anyone who had a Bullet got free entry. The best part was when a bout 15 bullets came thundering in to the venue and parked right near the stage. There were people who had ridden down from Bangalore for the show.
25th March
“Rising South Carnival” @Green Medows, Pallavakami, Chennai
In view of the Tsunami, that hit the City on the 25th of December. LBG collaborated with various Venues all over the City for the 3rd of the “Rising South” Carnival for relief Shows. 40% of the proceeds from the Show were to be donated to the people who suffered from the disaster.
The Show was followed by a trance party which had people coming in till 4 A.M. There was also a complementary Breakfast for everyone, but no one stayed for that!! So food worth Rs.10000 + Rs 5000 of raw materials (Rice, Maida, vegetables, Oil etc…) were distributed to the Slum areas, affected by the Tsunami. The Show was a Huge Success and 40% was donated as promised.
18th March
Live Vibe @ YMCA, Royapettah, Chennai
A tribute show to Chennai’s Grand Daddy of Rock ’n’ Roll, Ashok Cherian , Live Vibe was Ashok’s Concept which he had been talking about for years and finally did it before leaving the country. 6 bands performing only originals took stage to enthrall the audience with their originality. “No Covers” was the norm each band had to follow & a Compilation CD of 4 of the bands recordings were sold as the ticket. So everyone who came went back home with the Music they had just listened to. ‘Money’, ‘Codeine’ & ‘everybody wants to feel this way’ from LBG’s Album (TAICTW) were featured on the ‘Live Vibe’ compilation CD.
22nd January
2nd Aniversary Celebration @ Sparks in Savera Hotel, Chennai
LBG collaborated with Savera for the 2nd of our “Rising South” for Relief Show which was primarily supposed to be one big party. We told them that the band was doing ‘relief shows’ & The celebrations for the 2nd Anniversary of Sparks was also in aid of “Tsunami Relief”. We kicked started the show where disco crowd were shakin their legs and dancing around to the tunes of LBG. Praveen, Front man of LBG along with Avnith ( Guitarist) Joined the crowd on the dance floor and danced with some really Hot women. Ofcourse the Marketing Manager was a A**hole and didn’t even offer any help with the moving of the equipment and didn’t let LBG finish their Set.
16th January
‘Rising South’ for Relief @ Sathyam Cineplex, Chennai
Kickstarting a spree of shows in Aid of ‘Tsunami Relief’ which hit the city on the 25th of December, LBG took it up as a responsibility to spread the message through music and raise funds for the people affected by the disaster.
Statement Released by the Band on the Rising South Concept:
‘ In view of the Tsunami, LBG wishes to do its little bit in conjunction with reputed venues as a part of a collective social responsibility effort. LBG hopes to partner with other bands for the other venues and do whatever it can in the true spirit of Rock ‘n Roll.
The concerts are for relief, which does not mean that it is only for tsunami relief but all kinds of relief. LBG being a part of the Chennai populace is aware that though a majority of the population was not directly affected, but everyone has suffered psychologically and emotionally to various extents. The aim of these concerts is also to help heal these scars and to tell people that everyone should be strong and that life has to go on... '
The response was immense and people flocked in to contribute and listen to the Music. The Show was a free Show, but everyone generously donated money in to a donation box which was being passed around during the show. Since it was an open show and was held right in front of the theater, there were people who were buying tickets, waiting for their Movie show , People who had finished watching their movie & people passing by in their vehicles, all stopping to watch the show till the very end. There was a major traffic jam…. But the Cops couldn’t do anything cause the Cineplex was well connected with the government!! And the show Rocked!!
What is LBG?
as told to Avanthi Krishnan
'Release the Animal'
as told to Sonu Shanker, RSJ
"No Covers here"
The Hindu
17, Sept, 2005
JRO 2004, The Hindu
LBG Release their Debut Album
The Hindu
THIS ANIMAL IS CALLED THE WALLET
Rs. 150/- Only
What is 'Babooskha'?
A Babooshka (Matryoshka) is a Russian nesting doll. A set of Matryoshka dolls consists of a wooden figure which can be pulled apart to reveal another figure of the same sort inside. It has in turn another figure inside, and so on. The number of nested figures is usually six or more....
What is LBG about?
5 Men who create and weave magic- Now after years of extensive hard work, innumerable shows, intense practice sessions, rock hard determination and suffering fools, LBG has reached a point where you just cant not notice. Having released their debut album, "This Animal is called the Wallet", the band realizes that spreading music means spreading the true message.
"We don’t care if people can’t accept our music because it doesn't sound like growling dogs banging your head with a ratchet or a cover that you can listen to from your mp3 collection"
Love uz, hate uz: we will not let you ignore uz!” - LBG
What you can expect at an LBG show?
Lots of high energy tunes complimented by an equally high energy performance. No talk of Satan, or death and destruction, we have enough of that in this world. This is music that has its own character matched by our in-your-face attitude of not perpetuating the lie that original music won’t get you anywhere.
“Write your own song”
Not playing covers- How we view it and how we can overcome this?
LBG understands that this has kept them away from bigger shows and bigger things, "but how long are we going to play other people's songs to prove that we are worthy? Who is the better band - Grateful Dead or Dream Theatre? Whose to judge?" says Arjun
" It just depends on the music you like and since there are not that many recognised “eclectic” rock platforms in the country the journey is that much harder, but the rock audience are becoming more and more open and that gives us the passion to rock on!!" - says Aum
BAND INITIATIVES:
The Rising South
The Rising South is a string of live performances that LBG has been/ will be organizing in and around Chennai originally started as a part of the band’s tsunami relief and now taking on a higher purpose to promote original music and original bands.
The Rising South concept essentially revolves around the idea of promoting meritorious original music and musicians distributed over South India. In the past a score of promo events had been organized in and around the city of Chennai and the concept is now ready to be taken on board a higher platform.
In keeping with recent trends among musicians and the mass audience represented by the ever increasing fan base for original Indian rock music, the Rising South provides the perfect dais for bringing excellent original music into the foreground and at the same time serve as a distinctive arena for sending out messages to the vast target audience which essentially consists of Indian youth between the ages of 18 and 30.
MMU COMMUNICATIONS
LBG is being backed by a professional Advertising Agency in Chennai called “MMU COMMUNICATIONS” which provides assistance in all promotional activities (PR, Hoardings, Poster Design, E-mailers, SMS Messaging, Newspapers Ads)for all our shows. We believe that it’s not just enough for a band to just come, play and then F@#k off… It’s a joint effort with the organizer to make sure that as many people come and watch the band performing. MMU communications also has an Events Division and is planning on starting a Record Label with the aim to reach music to the masses through all Major Music Stores in India.
What is LBG?
as told to Avanthi Krishnan
'Release the Animal'
as told to Sonu Shanker, RSJ
"No Covers here"
The Hindu
17, Sept, 2005
JRO 2004, The Hindu
LBG Release their Debut Album
The Hindu
THIS ANIMAL IS CALLED THE WALLET
Rs. 150/- Only
LBG SPEAK:
"We pride ourselves on our ability to play originals and still put on an entertaining quality oriented act. Though not playing covers are a turn off for some organisers, we can assure you that all pro-cover organisers who have reluctantly put us on Concert Bills have been overwhelmed at the audience response and satisfaction. "
- Dheena (Manager)
SERENITY IN ME THROUGH AA
I have an elated feeling of belonging to a privileged band of people in AA. This sense of belonging is very much important to me, since I did not seem to belong anywhere or to anything during the period of life, when I was an active alcoholic. I always lived in a world surrounded by empty bottles, glasses and ash trays full to the brim and with full of despair and fear in me in a hungry, angry, lonely and tired, hostile world of my own making.
I always had the temptation to apt for the easier and softer way to get away from this world, through the bottle since I neither had humility nor responsibility. Now when I look back, nothing has just happened like that and events of activities do not happen on there own. It was always the result of my careful and meticulous planning. When questioned, terror and fear would strike me and I would deny. Even though I could not manage my own life, I tried to run others life and that was clearly an end to my self-seeking.
I was hoping against hope that I was not a true alcoholic, till I became hopeless and drifted into a tomb of alcohol and despair. I was bent on slow suicide. I was very clever in building a wall between other people, on an emotional level and myself, and I was an expert in that. I had become a psychopathic and pathological liar and strangely I also had a sense of humor to do it. Communication was only one way for me, I was in charge, I told every one what to do and I made the big mistakes.
After becoming sane, serene and sober by god through AA, I have found out that communication is an art and a four way process which includes asking, telling, listening and understanding. This by applying in my life, I am able to build bridges of understanding with other people.
Irony was in the beginning, I could never live up to my own standards for myself. So alcohol filled the space between what I wanted to be and what I really was.
When I walked in to the fellowship of AA in 1982, it appeared to me that it was a short time course and it had worked so well to me, that I had reached a sort of heaven right here on earth, but John Barley Corn had other ideas. It was complacency and in turn I was trying to escape life and not mastering it. I was emotionally avoiding hazardous situations usually involving new people, places, time and things, because I could not cope up with life and I was scared that I would get hurt. I was too afraid of life to become involved in living.
I always insisted on getting involved at people instead of with them. I never had the courtesy of allowing others to grow. I was too interfering and argumentative. I did not know those exact me, a sure sign of confusion of self. This is one of the primary reasons, which in no time led me once again in to the urge and hell of uncontrollable drinking. This is a progressive illness and I proved it, and second half of the first step took care of the rest.
I was not ready to bring myself to ask for help since I was too sentimental about my hurt pride and insured ego. After repeated relapses I understood there is no possibility of my staying sober, on my own will or strength.
Contd:2
[2]
During the active and practicing alcoholic days, I did not have the feeling of belonging and the feeling of being accepted. Now I have both in AA.I now believe strongly through the steps, that serenity without growth is stagnation. Through sharing and AA 12th step work I am now able to get involved with a people.
I am also ready to take a few calculated risks for the sake of progress. I am able to replace the fear of hurt and failure with faith in god and value serenity, enough to take a chance and to grow. I know that my only job is to see myself clearly and release myself to his care.
My present compulsions are in away always positive which gives me a great deal of joy, acceptance and serenity. During my repeated relapses and binges I was some times able to inhale peace, thus cauterizing what I had come to decide, with no respect for *myself, must be a wound of my life.
I drank as if I the great river of my blood was carried by alcohol not water. I was, to put in a four-letter word in it 'mess'. When I was on water wagon and in AA, on and off, I wanted to shout from the roof top "I've quit drinking" and convince every one around, but nobody seemed to be bothered about these antics of mine.
As time progressed so did my alcoholism. Now after a great struggle and considerable period of sobriety, I have found out the difference between absolute serenity and just serenity. I have clearly understood that people pleasing and opinion seeking is not serenity, since there is no end to it, need to seek through prayer and meditation for strength to fortify my beliefs in my higher power.
The disappointments in the past were in reality a blessing in disguise. Life was a mystery, I realized all I need was to look into today and run life and take it as it comes. I need to seek, through prayers and mediations for strength to fortify my beliefs in a higher power.
The disappointments in the past were in reality great blessings in disguise. I could not do it alone. Today the AA program and the grace of god have restored my faith and I am sober and serene with the help that I find in the AA fellowship.
In trying to practice the principles in all my affairs, has taught and added a new dimension to my life and has given me back a faith in god, which I thought I had lost forever. Initially I was just a Zombie walking around aimlessly with no faith in God or in Life.
In the beginning when I came to the program, I had brought with me too many self-centered doubts and fear of what other people in AA and outside world would think about me.
I now feel open and honest about myself in AA than in the outside world. I also had the panting desire to change the world to my convenience and had a very muddy and murky ideas about how do it. But now by the Grace of God I am now clear eyed, sober and cheerful.
Contd:3
[3]
I had been drugged by drink, by hypodermics, by sleeping pills, I would fall, crushing my head on the tiled floors of many a bathrooms, the marks are still there as scars on my face to remained me of my insanity.
In AA I have found people who had lived through some of what I had experienced, and these people have eased some my worst feelings through their sharing. My conduct in the early days towards myself had been far from perfect, since I could not stay sober for any given time or specific time.
When I woke up from the haze of alcoholism on Sep2,1992, life was a mystery realized all I need to do was to become willing and meeting the problems of life I face, while staying sober is the main point and for this I need serenity. The AA program has now taught me not to want to start again my drinking.
I also leant that sanity, sobriety and serenity requires scrupulous, constant surveillance. I am gradually finding a new awareness of life and natures beauties, which I had long forgotten. This awareness is in store for an alcoholic who is recovering and it is a treat, which is quite overwhelming.
I now realize the absence of change means the absence of growth. My life through AA is serene and has changed for the better " One day at Time" .I had realized that stopping drinking was not the happy ending to all my problems. It is a very good beginning of a new way of life since I found out the only person I can change is myself .
Out of this pain I have made joy. In AA sharing everyone teaches me something, if I have an open mind to listen. I also have something to give in this beautiful way of life. My policy has matured into a give and take policy which has restored mutual respect since I am willing to believe in "Live and Let Live" policy.
My road to emotional sobriety has begun with this. I have now an opportunity to prove my sincerity by continuous action, to do the only thing in which I can reasonably hope to succeed is to improve myself towards realities of life and my spiritual attitudes .
In olden days, alcohol had twisted my thinking and filled it with resentments. It had warped my judgement and paralyzed my usefulness Now nothing has changed outside, but inside, my own attitudes have changed to better my life in a gradual fashion hated everyone and the whole world, now through god in AA, I have replaced this emotional outburst, into patience and loving kindness
I also learnt that in sobriety it is alright to express any legitimate concerns on our views without feeling guilty .I have also not only found away to serenity but a priceless formula for learning how to live in a positive way. I am always touched by the gestures of AA members and that gives me immense serenity.
Contd:4
[4]
The simple statement that I make in the meeting "I am an Alcoholic", eliminates the past fears, the frustrations and the feeling of helplessness and near hopelessness has given me the courage and confidence to struggle for serenity.
I had a lot of half empty, half-full problems and AA has given me the answers, by attending meetings, sharing and caring through the AA way of life I have learnt that depression and fear can be overcome.
Through this serenity I have understood and I have been learning there is much in this world I can understand and I need to understand, which will become easier each day if I take them "One Day At A Time".
If I face myself in serenity through AA, I will find freedom from bondage of self.
R.R. Sethu..
Chennai,
India
