Musician, Connoisseur, Entrepreneur and Innovator - A musician who is adept with our times and creating new movements, for a bright ‘musical’ future. Aparna Shivapura in conversation with Shri Raghavendra Prakash.
Shri Raghavendra Prakash is a musician of our times, I can say, after an interesting conversation with him, early this afternoon. He is a musician par excellence, an established name in the Carnatic Music and percussion music space, an entrepreneur, a former IT professional, a teacher and in his own words, a student too!
“It is too early to say if Classical music will be restricted to social media live gatherings and performances, forever. It is a new format that has come into its own, as a result of the dreaded Covid19 distancing. But once the dust settles, we will have to see how the new music performances and concerts scene emerges, he says.” I asked him about the current trends in the Classical Music space and the impact on the entire music fraternity, as a result of the Covid19 scare.
“This pandemic has resulted in a complete closure of all the planned concerts, programs and music get-togethers. While on one hand, it is safe to keep a distance, these things have impacted the music ecosystem and a lot of losses – both financially and of opportunities, have happened as a result of it, he continued to say.”
He opines that digital teaching methods, digital music lessons, concerts and live streaming are the new order of the day but cannot replace the personal touch, the personal Guru-Shishya parampara, the magic of being as an audience or as a performer in a concert. Slowly, things will change again and there will be a new format in this field.
New Trends in Classical Music
On being asked of the new trends, Raghavendra Prakash believes that once people step out of their homes, and the world is safe from the pandemic, ticketed formats of concerts need to replace the ‘free’ concerts. Somehow, especially in the Carnatic Classical music space, the programs are always ‘free’ and open to public. Since it is a huge possibility that the number of overall programs, number of people gathering will be lesser in comparison, the programs must be paid-for. The current format is that they run entirely on sponsorships or charity and this scenario must evolve in India. This will also naturally enhance the quality of the programs.
Musicearn
An interesting and unique technology platform built by Raghavendra Prakash is making waves in the industry today. An innovative concept designed by Raghavendra, this is a one-of-its-kind format which uses technology to bring the entire ecosystem together – students, performing artists, teachers, organizers and audiences. An app which is enabled for each member of the music ecosystem, ensures that the right artists, teachers, organizers and audiences are connected with each other to deliver qualitative music.
The app has a complete Concert Management solution in built to cater to the concert organizers. The app also has comprehensive features for the artist that include building a profile, website and marketing strategies incorporated into it. The app has something in it for all true musicians and music lovers - there are features that allows music teachers to upload their lessons so students can access it consistently, forever.
Ghatam Scene in Karnataka
Shri Raghavendra Prakash fondly remembers his two Guru – T A S Mani and R A Rajagopalan. He says they played a crucial role in shaping his musical sensibilities, technical training and expertise, gained. He believes in continuously learning and contributing to the music space, says that there is no concept of ‘end’ or ‘complete’ in Classical Music.
The percussion form of music is hugely filled with possibilities, and opportunities for musicians. A field which is open to innovation, experimentation and lot of collaboration. Wonderful Ghatam musicians like Giridhar Udupa and Sukanya Ramgopal are contributing significantly to develop the Ghatam genre in India, and popularizing it the world over, he says.
Challenges and Limitations
The Ghatam to some extent, is still considered to be a Upapakavadya and this makes its role, tertiary in that sense. While the Mrudangam, Violin can be accompanying the main artists, the Ghatam has to still follow suit and take on the lead from the main artist or main performance. Hence the percussion space would be more conducive for this growth. There are also huge budgetary limitations and constraints and the artists in this genre, tend to get far lesser compensation.
This whole medium needs a huge encouragement, an upliftment and a bigger platform which can render justice to the artists and the artform, in itself. The sourcing of the Ghatam is also pretty much limited to ManaMadurai, making the availability, precious!
Future of the Music Space
Aspects of rhythm, melody and lyrics are crucial in Ghatam. And thereby, it naturally lends itself to percussion ensembles. There is a tremendous opportunity in this space and Raghavendra Prakash is hugely positive about the future prospects for the learners, teachers and the audiences.
An IT Professional, a musician, an entrepreneur- I continue to be fascinated by the ease with which he dons these hats and effortlessly delivers excellence. Our best wishes with him, always.
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Musician, Connoisseur, Entrepreneur and Innovator - A musician who is adept with our times and creating new movements, for a bright ‘musical’ future. Aparna Shivapura in conversation with Shri Raghavendra Prakash.
Shri Raghavendra Prakash is a musician of our times, I can say, after an interesting conversation with him, early this afternoon. He is a musician par excellence, an established name in the Carnatic Music and percussion music space, an entrepreneur, a former IT professional, a teacher and in his own words, a student too!
“It is too early to say if Classical music will be restricted to social media live gatherings and performances, forever. It is a new format that has come into its own, as a result of the dreaded Covid19 distancing. But once the dust settles, we will have to see how the new music performances and concerts scene emerges, he says.” I asked him about the current trends in the Classical Music space and the impact on the entire music fraternity, as a result of the Covid19 scare.
“This pandemic has resulted in a complete closure of all the planned concerts, programs and music get-togethers. While on one hand, it is safe to keep a distance, these things have impacted the music ecosystem and a lot of losses – both financially and of opportunities, have happened as a result of it, he continued to say.”
He opines that digital teaching methods, digital music lessons, concerts and live streaming are the new order of the day but cannot replace the personal touch, the personal Guru-Shishya parampara, the magic of being as an audience or as a performer in a concert. Slowly, things will change again and there will be a new format in this field.
New Trends in Classical Music
On being asked of the new trends, Raghavendra Prakash believes that once people step out of their homes, and the world is safe from the pandemic, ticketed formats of concerts need to replace the ‘free’ concerts. Somehow, especially in the Carnatic Classical music space, the programs are always ‘free’ and open to public. Since it is a huge possibility that the number of overall programs, number of people gathering will be lesser in comparison, the programs must be paid-for. The current format is that they run entirely on sponsorships or charity and this scenario must evolve in India. This will also naturally enhance the quality of the programs.
Musicearn
An interesting and unique technology platform built by Raghavendra Prakash is making waves in the industry today. An innovative concept designed by Raghavendra, this is a one-of-its-kind format which uses technology to bring the entire ecosystem together – students, performing artists, teachers, organizers and audiences. An app which is enabled for each member of the music ecosystem, ensures that the right artists, teachers, organizers and audiences are connected with each other to deliver qualitative music.
The app has a complete Concert Management solution in built to cater to the concert organizers. The app also has comprehensive features for the artist that include building a profile, website and marketing strategies incorporated into it. The app has something in it for all true musicians and music lovers - there are features that allows music teachers to upload their lessons so students can access it consistently, forever.
Ghatam Scene in Karnataka
Shri Raghavendra Prakash fondly remembers his two Guru – T A S Mani and R A Rajagopalan. He says they played a crucial role in shaping his musical sensibilities, technical training and expertise, gained. He believes in continuously learning and contributing to the music space, says that there is no concept of ‘end’ or ‘complete’ in Classical Music.
The percussion form of music is hugely filled with possibilities, and opportunities for musicians. A field which is open to innovation, experimentation and lot of collaboration. Wonderful Ghatam musicians like Giridhar Udupa and Sukanya Ramgopal are contributing significantly to develop the Ghatam genre in India, and popularizing it the world over, he says.
Challenges and Limitations
The Ghatam to some extent, is still considered to be a Upapakavadya and this makes its role, tertiary in that sense. While the Mrudangam, Violin can be accompanying the main artists, the Ghatam has to still follow suit and take on the lead from the main artist or main performance. Hence the percussion space would be more conducive for this growth. There are also huge budgetary limitations and constraints and the artists in this genre, tend to get far lesser compensation.
This whole medium needs a huge encouragement, an upliftment and a bigger platform which can render justice to the artists and the artform, in itself. The sourcing of the Ghatam is also pretty much limited to ManaMadurai, making the availability, precious!
Future of the Music Space
Aspects of rhythm, melody and lyrics are crucial in Ghatam. And thereby, it naturally lends itself to percussion ensembles. There is a tremendous opportunity in this space and Raghavendra Prakash is hugely positive about the future prospects for the learners, teachers and the audiences.
An IT Professional, a musician, an entrepreneur- I continue to be fascinated by the ease with which he dons these hats and effortlessly delivers excellence. Our best wishes with him, always.