Time to get in (re)formation!

Seven hundred cities worldwide are preparing to celebrate Fete De La Musique or the World Music Day on June 21, and Bengaluru (is obviously) one amongst them. While we get in on the jamboree, we thought, ‘Hey, how about focussing for a bit on what needs to change on the music scene today?’ Here, city-based musicians sound off on what needs to change. After all, isn’t that the only way forward?

Anisha Peter, singer/songwriter & actor:

Separate voyeurism from talent. I’ve seen average musicians with great looks get way ahead of way better, full-rounded musicians only because of their good looks. This is especially true for reality shows in our country. I personally don’t support or pretend to support such talent. I don’t hold anything against them either.  It’s unfortunately how the system works. But maybe some sensible fans can help make that tiny difference.

Varijashree Venugopal, singer and flautist:

Acceptance of different people and different cultures, which will not just open our minds to music that’s unheard, but will also make our land and culture richer with so much to learn and adapt from. I personally love trying to learn and understand the intricacies of other genres of music using the Indian fundamentals. As I have been fascinated by jazz most of my life, this resulted in an exercise that I call ‘Carnatic Scat Singing’, where I use the Sargam system to understand and sing jazz compositions. As a student of music, I would like to celebrate Indian music by making many such efforts to experience the greatness of Indian music, propagate Indian music, and embrace the beauty of other musical cultures.

Aman Mahajan, pianist, keyboardist, composer, bandleader and music teacher:

Mentorship. There’s not enough guidance available to younger musicians, especially in the field of improvised music. Although, I’ve a long way to go before I can be a mentor, I’m trying to bring about this change through teaching, and by being available to perform with upcoming musicians.

Gautham Reddy, DJ:

Most DJs and radio channels in Bengaluru today play the same Top 40 from the Billboard Charts. I think DJs should start picking from the ocean of genres and styles. They should be instrumental in introducing something fresh to educate people instead of playing the same old tracks to please them. We must remember that music is an old art  form that has always expressed and mirrored society, releasing their thoughts on freedom, racism, sexism, love and the deep unknown. The industry seems to have forgotten about it. Although it’s harder for me to get gigs and get recognised, I’ve been playing genres like swing hop, ghetto funk, jungle drum and bass, reggae, dub – some fun and groovy, the others, conscious music which speaks of things happening around the world. While I’ve been at it for over eight years now, I will continue to fight for the right music to get out.

Samir Rishu Mohanty aka Big Deal, rapper:

I  want to see the music scene thrive, prosper and blossom outside of the influence of movies, the way it is in USA. I want to see singers get as big as actors in this country. That is only possible if the people pay attention to the amount of talent that is being overshadowed.

Vasu Dixit, vocalist and songwriter:

I’d like to see organisers not bargain with artistes regarding the fee; either they pay the fee quoted or look for artistes suiting their budget. I’ve now stopped obliging with requests and influences to reduce my quoted fee. And I’d rather do a free show wherever I feel it’s worth it.

Rahul Giri, music producer and founder at Consolidate:

I  feel like the scene in Bengaluru is quite fragmented. Musicians and consumers of music exist in tiny bubbles and refuse to step out of it. We need more meaningful engagement and greater support for the local scene – that extends beyond cliques, genres, and “bubbles”. Also we are awful when it comes to documentation of the scene especially compared to Delhi and Mumbai. Most of the music journalism is superficial and PR driven. There are hardly any blogs that cover the scene – live events, music release and such. I think better documentation would definitely help our scene grow. I feel like the quality of music coming out of the city definitely deserves greater engagement, exposure and documentation is an essential part of it.