THE MUSIC INBETWEEN - PAUL JACOB

Is there a possibility for a full time career in Music in Chennai?

Yes, music can be a full time career in Chennai especially in the Cine field or in Carnatic music.

Film music dominates the scene. Bands, which are striving to exist, find it very difficult to do so, as the infrastructure available to them is insufficient. Bands get an opportunity only once in three to six months, and there is no motivation for their survival, as revenue is also an important factor.  In this aspect film music is more successful and constitutes the main media to get across at all times.

SWOT analysis of the Chennai music scene

Right now the music scene in Chennai is at the crossroads, and is likely to mature into another side of music. The present period is dull, in comparison to what it was six years ago. This is because people are involved in making a living thus it is more revenue oriented than based on real interest.

The Chennai music talent is totally unexplored. Some of the world’s greatest musicians hail from here L. Subramaniam, L.Shankar, A.R.Rahman and   M.S.Subhalakshmi are a few. A.R Rahman and Illayaraja are breaking down barriers in music. A study path of the world music map has proved that serious musicians from Europe and across the world come to Chennai to learn Carnatic Music and improve their existing knowledge. Even George Harrison of the 'Beatles' comes to Chennai to spend time with Indian music and musicians. Carnatic Music stands as an inspiration to all composers and musicians.

I was approached by a renowned advertising agency to promote the achievements of Tamilnadu in the recent past. I wanted to emphasise the achievements of the State, as being the first to have at least one computer in each school, and the first to use optic fibre cables in the country. Further more, it had to be unique and not just a routine documentary. The thappatam drummers of Tanjore, called the 'Tanjavur Rangaraja thappatam kuzhu' were summoned in the beginning of March 2001. There were forty drummers, chorus singers, Mano the playback singer and Mr. Didier a French Engineer currently residing in Auroville (Pondicherry) also worked on the project. Mr. Didier mixed the sound in specific details to encapture the listener’s ear, whereas my focus was on the music being simple and traditional.

Sting, Peter Gabriel, Paul Simon, Prince, George Michael and Deep Forest are my favourites. Peter Gabriel created a platform for world music, which led to fusion of music from varied musical cultures around the world.  Santana is one such example of Mexican music culture.

Moksha is the present band, which is good. Artists include Aruna Sairam, an inspiring carnatic musician with a rock ‘n’ roll attitude, Dr.Ravikiran and some of the older musicians.

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