Here is a piece I was commissioned to write for TuneCore, a well-known digital distribution and publishing company.
Taking onus for the good and bad that prevails in the field of Indian classical music.
There are broadly two camps - the constant naysayers in the industry (labels, funding agencies, promoters etc etc.) who think there is no scope to take this music out of its cocooned existence; and the artists, who constantly feel they're not given their due in terms of earnings, avenues, and publicity, for the commitment and skill the art entails.
I have been on both sides of this ping pong table and I think both sides need to take onus for the current state of affairs.
To all non-artists on the industry side - admit that not many have the gumption to put their faith in this music, because what you look for is short and quick returns and yes, this is not and will never be mainstream music. But if you think this music is only fit for small halls, auditoriums and 'world music' festivals abroad, or are waiting for the world to discover the next Ravi Shankar or Zakir Hussain FOR you, then I'm afraid you are amongst the many who don't believe in digging out the potential from something you know in your hearts is rock solid stuff.
Then there are the artists. The wealth of music you have is immeasurable. Nobody doubts it. It is a long struggle and many 'lesser' talents may make big career leaps much faster than you, but like I told a classical violinist once - "MJ fans are not his fans because he did riyaz everyday. Or you can't fault homegrown band Indian Ocean from using classical riffs in songs just because they didn't invest a minimum of 2 decades training in it". It is not the point of their music. The economics, dynamics, and every kind of 'ics' are different. So don't pit yourself against them for their music, but for what they have got right to put themselves out there.
Yes classical music is sacrosanct and has deep spiritual roots, but nothing stops us from embracing the evolving technology around us. Even as traditionalists, you are well within your limits to explore opportunities that break barriers, by shedding some of that heavy baggage that comes with being truly classical. It doesn't have to mean pub gigs, bollywoodisation, streaked hair, jumping on stage or remixing your songs.
But it can definitely mean composing, teaching, finding good brand partners, collaborations, talking through social media, what have you!
At the end of the day, you are an artist, pursuing an art, wanting to spread your music and further your career. These 2 camps needn't be entities at far ends of the spectrum. All they both need to see is one bringing value to another.
The images on the home page banner and this page are of the magical fingers of U Srinivas on the mandolin. The music of Srinivas has had the most profound impact on me. Besides the brilliance of his music, I believe he was one of the simplest and kindest souls I have met. Much thanks to Bhargavii Mani for these stunning pictures from his last photo shoot.