Shifting the Spotlight: The Role of Competitions and Media in Indian Music
The Indian music industry has long been heavily influenced by the film industry, leading to a reliance on cinematic content for popular music. However, this prominence of film-based songs in competitions and media has overshadowed the genuine talent of instrumental musicians and rock artists. It is time for a shift in focus, promoting a more diverse and equitable representation of music talent.
Reducing Dependency on Film Songs in Competitions
One of the significant factors contributing to the film industry's dominance in the music scene is the proliferation of singing competitions where contestants perform only film-based songs, regardless of their quality. These competitions are essential for discovering new talents, but they often prioritize Bollywood tunes over original compositions. This one-sided approach undervalues musicians who create instrumental music and rock bands that produce songs with exceptional guitar solos, vocals, and catchy riffs.
Highlighting Rock and Instrumental Music
To promote a more balanced and enriching music ecosystem, media outlets should shift their focus from film-based competitions to interviews and programs celebrating the best rock musicians in India. Prominent names like Baiju Bhatty, Dharmajan Harrish, and Sivaramakrishnan should be highlighted in media to bring rock consciousness to the forefront. Programs like Kappa TV’s Music Mojo exemplify how media can support rock and instrumental music, promoting the recognition of these artists and their contributions to the music industry.
Overcoming Media and Public Influence
The power of media and the public should not be underestimated. If every region's media starts creating programs that showcase and interview the best rock musicians regularly, the public's perception of true music talent will evolve. This shift will help the music industry in India become more independent and less reliant on the film industry. People will come to recognize and appreciate the value of musicians who create their original compositions and not just parodies of film songs.
Addressing the Monotony of Engineering/IT Careers
Alongside this, there is a need to address the factors that prevent individuals from turning their passion for music and the arts into viable careers. In his insightful answers, Pavan Chandaruri discusses the reasons behind the monotony of engineering/IT careers and offers advice on nurturing one's passion, suggesting that people should explore the music and arts fields as potential career paths. This approach can help bridge the gap between personal interests and professional fulfillment.
Is Music Becoming Shallower?
The quality of music has also been a subject of debate, with concerns that the intricacies and difficulty in playing and composing songs are becoming lesser due to the influence of pop culture. In another response, Pavan Chandaruri addresses the issue of whether music is becoming shallower, emphasizing the importance of musical depth and complexity in an era dominated by mainstream pop influences.
Discovering Great Indian Rock Bands
Towards this end, it is crucial to recognize and support Indian rock bands that have excelled both nationally and internationally. Some bands whose complete discographies are worth exploring include bands like Janasangham, Porcupine Tree, and Kingfisher. These bands have contributed significantly to the richness of the Indian rock scene, offering listeners a diverse range of sonorities and lyrical content.
Conclusion
The Indian music industry can thrive independently without the heavy influence of the film industry by promoting a more diversified and balanced representation of music talent. Highlighting rock and instrumental music through media can bring a much-needed shift in focus, allowing the industry to appreciate and support a broader range of musicians. By nurturing passion and deepening the appreciation for diverse musical styles, we can create a more vibrant and sustainable music ecosystem in India.