A sexual' music monopoly?

The American music industry has been rocked recently by the lawsuit controversy surrounding singer Kesha and record producer Dr. Luke, that has now ignited a debate among artistes across the globe.

Popular icons like Taylor Swift, Adele, Kelly Clarkson and many more have voiced their support for the 28-year-old vocalist who has sued the producer on charges of sexual harassment, gender violence, emotional abuse and controlling her creative progress — for over a decade. However, with the NY Supreme Court ruling in favour of Dr. Luke and thus effectively curtailing Kesha’s career by refusing to break their contract together, the issue has taken greater precedence, with a #FreeKesha movement trending online.

The issue has also sparked waves closer to home, where many from the music industry could resonate with the case, and have decided to speak out about the existing monopoly — as well as how it’s almost a given these days to exchange sexual favours for work! DC finds out more.

Suchitra Karthik Kumar

Yes, I’ve had people in the industry make a pass at me. It happens sometimes even if you’re dressed from head to toe, and wearing a huge ‘thali’. I think there is no scope for greys here. You can’t be like — okay I’ll flirt a little so I can get my work done, but I won’t ‘give’.

You either don’t give in, knowing fully well that it might affect your chances of working with that guy. Or you give in, get your work done, but be warned — it won’t end there. It never does. Nobody is ‘forced’ into anything. Everyone has a choice, and the choice you make, comes with consequences. It just gets very convenient to play victim when things don’t work out!

Some people take it with maturity, and some don’t. But I won’t change the way I speak or dress or be, just because some idiot is getting the wrong signal!

Pragathi Guruprasad:

I am glad that the Kesha lawsuit allegations have got due attention and many singers are coming to support her. But what surprised me is that I have hardly heard about such harassment cases in the US, because the singers there have a strong mindset. I do believe that women are looked down upon in the industry in India. They are not given equal importance and legal issues have become a serious problem now.

The Kesha-Dr Luke issue has become an eye-opener for all. Thankfully, I have a super-supportive family — my mother, who is a lawyer in the US, will be there with me when I sign a contract; so all the legal formalities are taken care of. I have heard of women experiencing many disparities in the music industry, and youngsters should be warned about it. Having said that, this is an amazing field to be part of, as long as we are very careful. People want something from us most of the time.

Vandana Srinivasan

Firstly, thank you so much for covering this issue, because I feel there isn’t enough dialogue about the abuse faced by men and women across industries.

Though rampant everywhere, it’s particularly nasty here. Being a total outsider, I have experienced disconcerting situations in the beginning.

I think social media makes it easier to highlight these issues and seek help. My advice would be — do not cave in to the pressure. There are so many other ways to seek success, and this does not have to be one of them.

I’ve let work get out of my hands, but had no regrets because it was definitely not worth that kind of compromise; nothing should ever be. I think it boils down to a power struggle between the people involved. Whoever is more powerful at the moment, calls the shots.

Naveen Madhav

The music industry in Tamil Nadu is certainly not as bad as the media perceives it to be. In fact other workplaces, especially corporate institution, are far worse. Most of the music directors and artistes are very genuine and affectionate. However, there have been cases of women being asked for sexual favours. Honestly, I think it’s a woman’s choice. She can either refuse outright, or go ahead. Just because somebody makes a ‘suggestion’ doesn’t mean they’re harassing the other person.

Unlike the western countries, singers are not bound by contracts in Kollywood, so it’s all based on an understanding. In such cases, it all depends on the individuals who are coming together for a song or album — if they don’t have any strings attached, it’s well and good. In Kesha’s case, she was bold enough to come out in the open and file a case. Some women choose to sweep it under rugs out of the fear of losing their reputation and career, so it depends on the individual.

Gowry Lekshmi

A  debutant singer who does not know what to do, could easily fall into the wrong hands and get trapped. He or she is completely ignorant of how the industry works. When the singer realises it, it is usually too late to get out, so they stay on and feels suppressed. What the singer should realise is that there is no shortcut to fame — one needs to work hard, be patient, and need luck.

Offers and false promises are made not only by music directors, but also from the production side and event managers! But getting fame is never as easy as it is shown in films, such as Aashiqui 2. Nothing like that happens in real life. Since I have been in the field for some time, I pick up on the negative vibe when I am around such people. I have seen fake people (who try to become godfather’s) and good people as well.  Not only women, I know a few men who fall prey to such frauds, and later become prey to depression.