Do you think the change in Sabhas and musicians being more
flexible has resulted in younger audiences to attend concerts
during season time?
Nowadays, every classical musician whether an instrumentalist
or a singer is willing to create music with fusion elements in it.
This has really helped in getting a mix of audiences.
There is a variety of audiences across different age groups now.
There are so many sabahs and many concerts, it gives people a
whole range of concerts to choose from.
What kind of a change would you like to see in the music industry
whether it’s Carnatic of Film?
People in Tamil Nadu need to ensure that they do not leave a
concert midway. That is something that always bothers me. I feel
very bad when people walk out after one or two songs.
In other cities, this is not the case. Nobody but the audiences, can
help this situation. Neither the artist nor the sabah can control
this or be strict with them.
In fact, last season, all my concerts were sold out and packed.
But, during the concert, as soon as I finished two song, I could see
pockets of people walking out.
In the film industry, it’s us who need to adapt and change according
to the film. I personally feel we need more melody songs.
What do you think about session artists and how they are treated in
the industry?
Once a sound engineer’s assistant who was sitting in America
while trying to record on Skype told me that a particular part can
be played with a different feel. I, immediately stopped and asked
him to call the Music Director and refused to play without his
presence. Lot of such instances happen.
There was another instance where I played and composed a
whole background, when I listened to the final song, there was
absolutely no Veena and it was replaced with other instruments.
In the current scene, do you think Instrumentalists are getting paid
as much as they deserve?
In my opinion, musicians are always flexible with regards to
payment. It is about how you approach and ask for it. But as far
as I know, nowadays musicians are getting well paid, which is a
great thing!
Right now, it’s not even necessary for the Music Directors to be
available during recording. What’s your take on that?
Yes, since they are occupied with multiple movies at a time, it
becomes impossible for them to be present at every recording. We
have to live with this situation.
Tell us about your upcoming projects
I am part of an International album called ‘Playing for Change’
based in America. Basically, you pick a popular song say that of
John Lennon or Bob Marley, the musicians including the singer
and instrumentalists will be scattered across the globe.
So, they travel and record live in different locations and put them
together into a music video.
Each musician can pick a place in the song and add their musical
element to the song. They usually come with their kit with mic
and other essentials and record in a location.
I also have a band called ‘V5 the gang’. We plan to actively
perform and bring good music to you in 2019. There are many
more projects in the pipeline which I can talk about once I’m
allowed to
RAPID FIRE
If not a musician, what would you be?
Movie Director
Do you think all musicians
should be full time musicians?
Yes. Yes. Yes
Favorite raaga : Charukesi
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