Panel Discussion with Leading Female Singers

2017-06-14

A must watch interview! Throws a lot of insight into the industry, the plight of female singers, and in general, the survival instincts of being an artist in the industry. They are four singers of the current generation, Jonita Gandhi, Neeti Mohan, Aditi Singh Sharma, Neha Bhasin, rage in live circuit, rage in Internet and social media as well, performers par-excellence. They have their unique styles too. They came to industry via diff path, some got early success like Neha Bhasin, who shot to fame during Viva,  the Indian Spice Girls, some built their huge fan following via YouTube, like Jonita Gandhi.

Best part, they take their destiny in their own hand. Very much like running their own startups. They work day in day out establishing their own brand, engage and leverage their own fan-base via various social media outlets, do strike a balance between live gigs and studio sessions!

The worst, when they have to be yet another voice for the same song. Its the age of too many singers, instead of music directors having one singer in mind, they do trial with many singers. And maybe one version (sometimes two, and it leads to much controversy). I think the same happens to male singers as well.

There is much talk about why Arijit may sing 2 lines, yet he is credited way bigger than them! I think there is a 'flavour of the season', that keeps changing. Arijit is the current flavour. I am sure someone else will replace him. Sanu, Abhijeet, have been there, done that. Unfortunately, even other male singers feel the pain. Recently, came across a diff version of Ik Vaari Aa (brilliant song from Raabta), by Jubin Nautiyal. (embedded below). Earlier the song released in Arijit's voice. And if you see the comment section, the Arijit fanboys destroyed Jubin's attempt saying, But Arijit sang it..., No one like Arijit...,! I think as listeners, and as a country, we should first unlearn to Compare! Comparison kills! Fixation is terrible.  



Once again, talking of giving credits where its due, here are two examples in line of the conversation. The Manwa Laage song belongs entirely to Shreya Ghoshal, yet the title doesn't even mention her name. So is The Breakup Song, which totally belongs to Jonita Gandhi, has Arijit's name in the title (for both). See below.

 

The other point, raised by Neha Bhasin was the term Playback! The problem with the word Back. I think the problem goes beyond male or female singers. The problem is of too close connection between film industry, and music industry. Hence the music industry is always playing the second fiddle to the film industry. So many times, I have noticed a brilliant music doesn't get the airplay because the film sank without a trace. The music and music will never shine on its own merit unless this cord is cut. Indies will never see the light of the day. Music stars will always have to seek the blessings of unworthy Bollywood stars.

Lastly, on a positive note, aren't we glad that live scene is on rise? Here's tweet from one of my fav singers, Nikhil D'Souza!  

Amazed and happy to see the live scene revival in mumbai. There's a gig of some sort almost every night now. #yay

— Nikhil D'Souza (@NikhilDsouza5) May 9, 2017

I follow the music industry closely and have seen many of these artists in the live circuit. The venues have opened up. College fests, corporate gigs, and even birthday and wedding parties are now inviting A-list and B-list artists from the music industry to perform. So many musicians are also touring heavily along with the musicians. Overall, I think its a great time for the music industry, whether you are a male, female singer or a musician. If you are good, there is a demand. Meritocracy rules!