NAVYA C
Folk Music and its impact on Indian Contemporary Culture
Simplicity always wins more hearts with its freshness , nononsense presentation and less of complexities . The same applies to creating music and various genres associated with it . In fact , creating simpler music is indeed difficult than multi-layered music that may not reach more audience . As the music is heard by connoisseurs along with common folk , music needs to be somewhere as a tradeoff between simplicity and high on technicalities .
Folk Music in India has long history and changes wonderfully with every state and language . Each state of India has its own cultural hues when it comes to folk music . In terms of instruments used , the singing style , the lyrics and socioeconomic backgrounds , every style of folk music in India has its own beauty . The biggest admirable aspect of folk music is the lyrics that speak about our day-to-day activities , celebrations , sorrow and the issues that plague the country for years . This genre has perhaps the longest history even beyond Indian Classical Music . Folk songs are something which can be sung by everyone- you needn ’ t be an expert in music or know the technicalities . This is perhaps the main reason why folk music has become an inherent part of every household .
As years passed by with historic transformations , struggle for independence , and various challenges that were faced , it also impacted folk music tremendously . The songs became aggressive , energetic in order to galvanize the listeners . Isn ’ t art the best way to bring in an issue straight to the listeners and bring out the fire alive ?
With 70s and 80s decades bringing international pop music to India in close proximity , a wonderful amalgamation of pop music with regional folk music started emerging into the scene . The beautiful fusion brought many wonderful artists who became global singing stars . When it comes to north India , Sufism has longest historic roots and artists like Nursat Fateh Ali Khan brought them to young listeners with pop style renditions .
Coming to the south , the so called “ kuthu ” music may be looked down by the staunch classical musicians but bands like Lagori got the credit of bringing Kannada folk music fused with contemporary beats . Anthony Dassan , a power-packed singer became so popular with his raw and folk style renditions and by collaborating with Usha Uthup , who is more inclined to English pop- the result was sheer magic . Coke Studio ’ s Vandiyile Melle Varum performed by these two power packed artists is a great example .
Malayali band Avial gets the credit for bringing Malayalam folk music to young audience with rhythmic bliss . Masala Coffee followed the suite with their single “ Kaantha ” becoming one of the most admired songs among the youngsters- whether Malayali or not .
As the say , our roots is what that makes us what we are now . It makes us grounded , culturally strong and makes us most nostalgic about our civilization . This month , explore the folk music of India in various states and you would be astounded by the versatility of each state in terms of folk music . We bet- you will discover a whole new world !
The Score Magazine highonscore . com
21