“Flying Colours” is a look back through a scrapbook of memories and experiences to remind us of all that we’ve overcome and all that we have to be proud of. Moments and experiences piece together like a mosaic delivered through Shad’s charming prose, allowing us to seamlessly shift between the narrator’s very personal and specific anecdotes and moments in our own past that shaped who we are today.
Through looking back and celebrating our accomplishments, we learn to show growth, vulnerability, and gratitude. We can accept that life won’t always go our way, but every moment we continue to make others around us smile and appreciating the beauty that life has to offer every day the sun rises, then we’re following the right path.
I had the opportunity to speak with Shad about this project and what it meant to him when it was released 8 years ago.
“What I meant by [the album title] is that to keep trying is to pass with flying colours. This album is about success and it’s about failure. But if you keep going and keep trying, then you’re passing”.
The format for this release is going to look a bit different. As opposed to the typical breakdown, I’ve included the text on the menu card that I delivered to Shad with the Dum Biryani experienced. Enjoy!
Experience: Shad's Flying Colours, Dum Biryani, Chapati, Miller Genuine Draft
“A Proud Man is a Man Who Went Through Hardships”
Biryani’s origin is one of gratitude and resilience. On one of her journeys across India, Mughal Queen (and Taj Mahal inspiration) Mumtaz Mahal visited an army barracks and immediately sensed the pain and weariness emanating from her dedicated army. To soothe their bodies and souls, she worked with her thansamas (royal chefs) to create a balanced and nutritious meal to revitalize them and thank her soldiers for their sacrifices and commitment. Biryani was born.
“Not Bad Huh? For Some Immigrants”
Chapati means “slap” in Hindi, referring to the process of which balls of dough are flattened between wetted hands. While popularized in Indian street cuisine, chapati’s ancient history neither started nor ended there. Chapati can be traced back to East Africa, making its way through Egypt 5,000 years ago before becoming a staple in Indian gastronomy. Today, chapati is found all over the world, yet unlike many displaced foods stays true to its simple ingredients of wheat flour, salt and water.
“I’m The Best Draft…”
…MGD!