Where is the music revolution?
Jishnu Dasgupta
A month ago, when singer Riccha Paul performed at the Radisson Blu hotel’s pre-launch party, people were no doubt impressed with her talent coupled with some good looks.
However, not many were aware that the 26-year-old engineer-turned-singer is also a member of a music band called Rave iband. Reflecting the new technological revolution in the music industry, the band creates music using iPads and tablets.
Since their inception in December 2011, the band has performed 30 shows and their innovative use of technology makes them the first of their kind in Asia. The Bengaluru-based four-member band recently performed in Mumbai, making an interesting entry with their gadgets instead of the usual guitars and drum sticks. They use applications such as Megaphone, Shaker, Garage Band, Bebo, Solo, Ocariana, DJ Pro and Drummer to create their music.
Riccha performs with other bands as well. “In Hyderabad, I performed with a different band and we used musical instruments,” she says. Does she think the novel concept will replace conventional music in the future? “There is no traditional mode of music. Music, whether termed real or unreal, is music at the end of the day. And it will have its own followers. I love performing both ways — with and without gadgets,” explains Riccha.
Musician Jishnu Dasgupta from the band Swarathma is positive about the trend. “It’s definitely a concept that shouldn’t be written off. Aspiring musicians can start by purchasing apps instead of investing in expensive instruments. This is a new form of making music and people should definitely experiment with it,” he says. In fact, even his band has a free shaker (form of an instrument) app that allows users to play the shaker when the song is going on.
While Jishnu agrees, Himanshu from Meghraj doesn’t seem excited. “It’s interesting to hear about such innovations but further down the road, the process will become too monotonous and mechanical. The feel of music could suffer a compromise somewhere down the line,” he admits.
Post new comment