The Club Scene: South Asian Artistes Shaping the Future of Music
The pulsating sounds of thumping music and disco lights fill the air at The Formula, a popular club in New York City. The energy is palpable as patrons sway to the beat of the drum pad. Vybhav Kaushik, also known as ‘Vy’, takes the stage with rap flowing effortlessly from his tongue, captivating the audience with his single, ‘Bardemic’, a powerful tale of turmoil. All eyes are on Anvita Hariharan as the haunting, moody strains of Keeravani, a melodic scale that exudes mystique, envelop the room in an eerie, pensive darkness. The crowd erupts with excitement, celebrating the fusion of diverse South Asian artistes and the convergence of rhythm, melody, and lyrical prose.
Sharing similar creative visions, Carnatic vocalist Sandeep Narayan and hip-hop artist Yanchan have joined forces to present their latest extended play (EP) titled ‘Arul’. Celebrating ‘unconditional love in the face of unwavering empathy and compassion’, the EP is a beautiful blend of their unique Tamil backgrounds, their experiences growing up in North America, and their exposure to hip hop, rap, R&B, and Carnatic music. It is a story of migration, a celebration of Carnatic culture, and a testament to cross-cultural collaboration in the modern world.
In France, Bangalore-based musician Varijashree Venugopal, known for seamlessly transitioning between Carnatic and jazz improvisational phrases, has teamed up with the EYM Trio, a French jazz band, for their first full-fledged album titled ‘BANGALORE’. Designed to celebrate the glory of India, the album represents the perfect fusion of diverse musical styles and influences.
Collaboration is the heart of these innovative productions, transcending the traditional concept of ‘fusion’. Rather than a mere blending of two genres, these artistes emphasize the importance of understanding and respecting both styles of music, seeking to highlight their common traits while celebrating their differences.
The concept of fusion is often associated with textural overlays, soundscapes, and dissonance. However, for these artistes, it is about creating something magical by bringing together the best of both worlds. For instance, ‘Bardemic’ emerged as a collaborative effort between Vy and Anvita, combining a dark, moody quality with the haunting melodic exploration of Keeravani. Similarly, Sandeep and Yanchan seamlessly merged Nalinakanthi with a ‘house type of beat’, capturing the essence of both musical systems into a harmonious composition.
The digital revolution has played a significant role in shaping the landscape of collaboration and cross-cultural exchange in the music industry. Social media platforms, music streaming services, and digital content creation have empowered artistes to connect, collaborate, and reach wider audiences. This digital interconnectedness has facilitated serendipitous encounters and spontaneous performances, allowing artistes to engage with their audience in real time and curate their musical experiences based on the audience’s feedback.
Ultimately, these collaborations represent a convergence of diverse musical backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, symbolizing the interconnectedness of humanity through the universal language of music. As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the possibilities for creative collaboration continue to expand, fueling a new wave of innovation in the music industry.
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