are all connected through different apps all through the day , that help us align our thoughts and make it easier for us to compose and record our music . This was not possible 20 - 30 years back but is now easily achievable .
Shankar Mahadevan : Well , I think digital technology has really helped us . It is a bit of effort as all of us are in different parts of the world . There are a lot of messages and communication files going back and forth with suggestions , feedback , explanations on what to do , what to cut , etc . But it is really worth the effort . We made use of our time constructively to make this legendary and memorable album for us .
After 50 years , two of them spent under the burden of a pandemic , has Shakti ’ s musical purpose changed ? Have you begun reimagining what your music can and will reveal to the world ?
John McLaughlin : As far as I am concerned , Shakti has no ‘ purpose ’. This is an intellectual concept that is related to the material world . Which means that there is a goal . Shakti was born out of love and the joy of mutual discovery in music .
Selvaganesh Vinayakram : The pandemic has only brought us closer and made us more invested in the music we play . There ’ s nothing that ’ s changed , similar to spending more time with our families , we ’ ve spent days and days with our instruments . It actually opened up our minds to think beyond boundaries .
We are now equipped to create music remotely . The pandemic has only taught us that anything is possible when you are vested in your craft . Any art form cannot be curbed because of a pandemic like COVID-19 . Shankar Mahadevan : I am sure that , not just us as musicians , but everybody who has gone through the pandemic … we have realized a different purpose with anything that we do .
Similarly for Shakti , I think , we have realized that the purpose of music is to realize the present moment , experience love , and a lot of positive energy as that is what stays with you . We wanted to create memories , and music that is going to stay . Overall , the whole purpose of Shakti is to spread love amongst ourselves and to the rest of the world and bring joy to people ’ s lives .
All of Shakti ’ s music has sought to find the essential unity sitting at the heart of music , no matter its origin . Is the new album also in pursuit of such harmony ? Given the dissonance of the modern world , do you still have faith in such harmony ’ s very presence ?
John McLaughlin : The harmony you speak of has existed since time began and is eternal . What men do in the world , which currently is the accelerating destruction of the natural world , affects all people everywhere but actually does not belong in the world of music . That is unless you allow it to enter …
Selvaganesh Vinayakram : Yes for sure , the orbit of Shakti remains the same and no one can change it . The two great musicians involved like Zakhir Bhai and John Ji make this orbit function , anyone that joins it will be in sync with it as they rule the world of Shakti .
JOHN MCLAUGHLIN Over 50 years , has physical aging had a noticeable effect on your music ? As in , does your music reflect how you view the world at this age ?
How one views the world depends on the degree of awareness and depth of perception one has . This is also dependent upon one ’ s awareness of the true nature of the human being . Being aware of the current tragedies is one thing , but the experience of playing music is knowing that you are doing something to counter these tragedies .
Your music has consistently explored ideas and themes around liberation and transcendence - be it earthly or esoteric . Where does that come from ? And what has kept you interested in that practice ?
Personally , it is directly related to my awe , wonder and insatiable curiosity of living in this spectacular , fabulous beyond fabulous and mysterious beyond mysterious universe .
The Score Magazine
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