Committing irrationally to music

January 31, 2015 by Soumya Radhakrishnan

Most of the Indian classically trained musicians of my generation have this dream of singing for and working with Shri. A R Rahman. All these musicians have grown up listening to ARR's music and since ARR is known to experiment with new talents in his albums, it's only natural and logical to aspire singing for him.

Until a few years ago, I had this irrational commitment towards the idea of singing for ARR. I was so after this dream that I thought if it didn't happen, my life would be doomed. In hindsight, I realize how silly I was since I let myself deprived of dreaming about more (or even better) opportunities.
Now, working with ARR has become one among the many dreams I have so, I assume the levels of irrationality has reduced when compared to the past. The irony is I've started making more music and have huge plans on the music front.
Do you have anything in your life that you are irrationally committed to?

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Music is a backward time machine

January 24, 2015 by Soumya Radhakrishnan

Music has a special power to take us down the memory lane.
When we listen to a familiar piece of music, we tend to associate it with our past life events. The events could be the first time we heard that song, how we got to know about the song or even the state of mind we were in back then.
For example, when I hear the song, Vida Parayukayaano it reminds me of my time in Bangalore, the days spent with my roomies, P & R, and the non-stop chatter sessions with J, J and V. Also, I had just got my first job and I was a young professional who did nothing but shopping and eating out during the weekends. Similarly, the song Munbe Vaa reminds me of my husband and the day he proposed to me.
Songs can tell stories about our lives and bring things to perspective. The next time when you hear a new song and if it strikes a chord, write that down in your journal with the date. If possible, write the names of your favorite people at that point. When this song becomes old enough to bring you a nostalgia, take a look at this particular entry in your journal and create another one if things have changed since you wrote the first entry.
Needless to say, here goes another entry in my music journal.

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A trip down the Muziboo lane

January 17, 2015 by Soumya Radhakrishnan

Muziboo at one point strived to bring all independent and amateur musicians together to form a mutually encouraging tribe of talents. Recently, Muziboo had to shut down permanently and it took me down the memory lane.

During my very first Muziboo meet up at Priya’s place in B’lore, I happened to meet a few musicians and they have remained great acquaintances ever since. For memories sake, here's the unplugged version of Malayalam song, Aadyamaayi Kanda Naal from the movie, Thooval Kottaram that I sang during the Muziboo Meetup in the year 2008. Thanks to Priya for recording this.
And, last but the not the least, thank you, Muziboo.

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Art, life & all that jazz

January 10, 2015 by Soumya Radhakrishnan

Art imitates life and vice-versa. I’m sure most of us agree with that. When a piece of art is created as a result of inspiration from life, what exactly is being imitated? The imitation could be in multiple ways - life as it is, a different take on life or a solution to certain problems in life. More often we see art and life being imitated in the former two ways. What I would be more interested to see is art and life being portrayed in the last way - a solution that can help resolve some of the problems. The solution need not be huge but, whatever small way it can help fix the problem would do.

For example, an art that is inspired by world’s poverty issue could be portrayed as the problem as it is and as a possible solution to resolve it. This way the art not only identifies the problem but also, becomes a part of the solution. In such a scenario, we can bring a positive change in the world by being creators and imitators.

And, that is my idea of art imitating life and vice-versa.

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2015 Resolutions

January 03, 2015 by Soumya Radhakrishnan

It’s a new year and the time to make a list of resolutions. Here are some of mine:

Music:
1. I have a few (great?) ideas brewing and I really look forward to implement at least some of them.
2. I happened to meet some amazing artists last year and I will be collaborating with some of them.
3. I’m planning to make my practice sessions more intentional and take notes to connect the dots later.

Life:
1. Declutter both my online and offline lives.
2. Simplify and lead a more intentional life.
3. Be more active, physically and mentally.
4. Create more and consume less.
5. Develop some wonderful daily habits.

What are your resolutions for the new year?

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