Insights into the Rinse & Repeat EP

Hey everyone,

You've heard me say that as an EP, Rinse & Repeat, comes from a turbulent phase of my life.

That's me speaking without particularly saying anything. That sounds like a coward speaking from a space of fear and not like an artist speaking his truth.

I've always told people my stories and the context behind my songs because I believe that's what people connect with. And at the risk of being hurt, I'll do it again.

So, be kind to me as I open up and say that Rinse & Repeat is my way of acknowledging that I failed at my marriage and that I am currently going through a divorce. This is me, looking back at love, its painful destruction and wondering if I have the courage to start afresh in the courtship game. Because though I'd like to, that's an emotional rollercoaster that runs through despair, defiance, love, lust, storms and deathly silence.

Rinse & Repeat, Sacred Ground, La Petite Mort & Samsara, provide a snapshot of love and relationships in a manner that is all too relevant, today.

Am I misstepping in sharing my personal struggles?

Maybe.

Does doing so, hurt others involved?

I hope not.

Sometimes it's hard to know for sure what is right and what is wrong. All I can ask myself in such a situation is, does my decision make me feel stronger or weaker?...

Yes, it makes me feel stronger to share this, because I know that there are many others like me. And while it's still hard for most us to overcome the sorrow of failing at love, none of us need the shame.

So, if you're anything like me, it doesn't matter who you are or where you are in your journey, I guess what I'm trying to say is this: take the decisions that make you feel strong. You're NOT alone.

Love.

Always

- Suraj

The story behind Rinse & Repeat

I'm not wishing this on anyone, but every now and then, you may find that a major requirement in life, is, to rise above your emotional mess. Maybe you're going through a divorce, maybe it's a breakup, maybe you have been betrayed more than once, and by people you trusted. Whatever the cause, it's completely natural to want to avoid experiencing such pain again. And seemingly, the easiest thing to do is to harden one's soul and deaden one's heart.

But to walk down that road is to also risk blocking out the beautiful people already in your life and other such beautiful people headed your way. To live like that, would be the greater tragedy.

So, we need to overcome the uncertainty of opening our hearts again. As that's easier said than done, here's a song that proposes how to do just that. Peculiarly enough, it is inspired by what alcoholics do at AA (Alcoholics Anonymous). They don't tell themselves that "I will stop drinking for a lifetime". They propose to themselves that "just for today, I will not drink."

So, instead of trying to open your heart for a lifetime, open your heart #JustForToday

-Suraj

My take on Sacred Ground

Sacred Ground is about coming to terms with betrayal in a relationship. The adult thing to do is to hold people accountable for what they've done, and the situation they're in. (Yourself included!) My fav lines in this song are worth pondering over: It's an age old truth I share with you. Everyone gets what they're committed to. This song is pushback. A powerful reaction. Pardon me for saying this, but for those of you who need one, this is a happy fuck you.

- Suraj