With its ability to bridge cultures and create a harmonious amalgamation of musical traditions, Carnatic fusion music is poised for a bright future in India and beyond, believes musician Mahesh Raghvan, who recently debuted at the 76th Cannes Film Festival. He says, “I embarked on a mission to create music that maintains its Indian roots while embracing a global sound. This approach led me to blend multiple genres, resulting in captivating fusion compositions.”
His admirers sometimes ponder over Raghvan’s strong inclination towards Carnatic music, and his choice of the unconventional route of ‘Carnatic Fusion’. Well, the answer to both lies in Raghvan’s beliefs and thought process.
Inclination towards Carnatic music
Carnatic music, referred to as Karnataka sangita or Karnataka sangitam, represets the culture, diversity and unique musical prowess of the southern states of India. And yet, with the growing influence of EDMs and modern digitised tunes, many feel Carnatic music is dying a slow death.
Except of course Raghvan, who has managed to create a new genre — Carnatic fusion. It could be an attempt at attracting the current generation while sticking to cultural and musical roots. “Carnatic music, being one of the most extensive and intricate forms of music, offers incredible versatility. Drawing from its rich foundation, I embarked on a mission to create music that maintains its Indian roots while embracing a global sound. This approach led me to blend multiple genres, resulting in captivating fusion compositions,” explains the enthusiastic musician.
Fascination with fusion
The word ‘fusion’ is generally used for a mix of two disparate entities. It can be dance forms, specific songs or a special arrangement for an occasion. The goal is not to make the existing version better – and that’s what Raghvan stresses. “When approaching fusion music, my intention is not to surpass or deem one version as better than the other. Instead, I aim to create a fusion that is unique, fresh, and brings together the best elements of both musical styles,” he clarifies.
Raghvan strives to provide listeners with a fresh perspective of existing tunes. “The goal is to honour the essence and integrity of each original song while blending them seamlessly. By exploring innovative musical arrangements, incorporating different rhythms, textures, and harmonies, I strive to create a fusion that is captivating, engaging, and offers a fresh perspective to the listeners.”
Beyond harmony
Music is a form of expression and time and again it has been used as a tool to ignite strong emotions in the masses. Take the example of Maa Tujhe Salaam, the iconic track by maestro A.R. Rahman. Doesn’t it evoke strong emotions of patriotism in every single Indian out there?
Underscoring this idea, Raghvan said, “Music has the profound ability to touch people’s hearts and bring them together. It has the power to transcend language and cultural barriers, and societal divisions. Through music, we can raise awareness, evoke emotions, and inspire action. Music has the unique capacity to ignite change by creating a shared human experience and fostering a sense of collective responsibility towards building a more inclusive, sustainable and harmonious world.”
Even so, each song and music composition represents a story or a strong memory. This is when music becomes much more than a few synchronised notes.
When asked about his creative process, Raghvan replied, “Before working on any song, I envision a theme, an emotion, and a context that I want to convey through the music. These elements serve as the starting point for my creative process. I draw inspiration from a variety of stories, including personal experiences, historical events, societal issues, and fictional narratives. By infusing these stories into my music, I aim to evoke emotions and create a meaningful connection with the listeners.”
Performance at Cannes
Prior to his performance at the celebrated film festival, Raghvan was asked about his expectations from Cannes. “I hope to connect with like-minded artistes, industry professionals, and potential collaborators to explore opportunities for impactful projects. Additionally, I aim to raise awareness about the power of music and technology in shaping the cultural landscape and making a positive difference in society,” he had said.
