‘Get out and celebrate’

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“It is World Music Day and people should be out on the streets dancing!” says renowned musician Raghu Dixit. Given his quirkiness in music as well as clothes, his way of expressing love for music is to be out and about. “I celebrate music every day and it’s good to have a day dedicated to music,” says the talented artiste.

On the changing scenario in the music industry, he says, “When I was growing up, the benchmark for a good singer was to be able to sing ‘Hotel California’ just like the original.

If you could do that, you were considered awesome. If not, you weren’t good enough. But now, the way music is perceived has changed and people enjoy folk and Indian musicas well.”

Growing up, Raghu was greatly inspired by local sounds and music and that eventually became his style and led him to international stages. About his favourites, he says, “This World Music Day, I’ve been asked by a TV channel to play my favourite numbers.

So, I’ve made a play list of songs that I have been listening to from the time I started understanding music. It includes all kinds of genres —- I have picked songs from other Indian rock bands such as Parikrama, as well as international numbers.”

What does he think about actors singing themselves these days? He simply replies, “No comments.”
With reality shows having become a shortcut to success and people questioning their authenticity, Raghu says, “When I started, there was nothing like this.

There were no platforms to showcase our talents. If a genuinely good singer finds his way through TV reality shows, then why not!”