Recording days are always busy. There is a lot of preparation and much to handle throughout the day. Logistically, I always hope that people will get there on time, and that we can be productive during a stressfully short time frame available at Sindhology. There is also the danger of people making things more difficult with petty factions and groups within the institution. Besides that, the electricity could go, or old equipment could give out. All of this nonsense makes for a very difficult time recording.One thing I did not have to worry about for this session was the script. Today’s session was just to support a few groups of musicians to create music albums, rather than record for “Risalo”. There was a group of Jogis with whom I had worked before, a few marwari singers and assorted instrument players. We wanted to record albums for both groups and a solo album on dholak with Ustad Anb Jogi. It was an ambitious amount of recording to do, but since people were performing what they already knew, it was not impossible.We started by recording a few solo pieces. Somehow things invariably take longer than expected. Though we were unable to record material for 3 albums, we did get 2 albums worth. The musicians really have no idea how much work I am going to put into this in order for them to, I hope, receive more money from sales. Perhaps if they did, they would not apply so much stress and pressure during the process. Each is being paid more than most tv channels around here pay. I’m doing my best, but there is a general attitude here that people push for extra money as hard as possible, without being able to have empathy for those they are working with. I try and explain the ground realities and risks that I am taking, and what it means to my own future to make these sacrifices now. It does not matter.These are not bad people, but everyone is still responsible for how they respond during given circumstances. It makes me less excited to push myself so hard to put together the music and promote them, yet they too are a product of their society. If anything, they are being crushed at the lower end, but unlike many have, worked to develop skills that are unique and beautiful. At some point, my efforts become more about trying to do my small part to build a better future that keeps this culture alive. If things can get better, perhaps people’s mindsets can change a bit.We shared a nice meal at a dhaba down the road, thanks to Darya Khan’s suggestion and transportation help.