Are DJs the new rockstars of today as electronic music is becoming more popular? Can electronic music be called real music? Are the traditional Western music genres losing out to electronic music in attracting youngsters?
Considering the change in the Western music trends in the past couple of years, these questions really matter. Following international music industry, the popularity of electronic music is on a rise in the state. Electronic Dance Music (EDM) is the talk of the town now and more youngsters are flocking in to DJ parties, especially in Bengaluru and Goa. Even in Kerala, there are lots of electronic music parties happening and even literally unknown foreign artists are welcomed here.
DJ Sekhar, also a well-known actor in Mollywood, believes that the abundant variety of electronic music tracks is wooing youngsters to the new genre. “There will always be two or three people working on a digital music project and now-a-days, there is a release every two weeks. Today’s youth want more novel experiments and that too, very frequently, and electronic music caters to it,” Sekhar says.
However, he does not think that live performance will fade out. “During music festivals, I have rushed to live shows after my DJ performances. The feel of bands performing is something very different from digital music. I think it’s still popular,” he says.
On new bands cropping up, Sekhar says: “To keep up with the industry, bands in Kerala should come up with more frequent releases. No one wants to hear the same music every time. Also, the basic attitude towards electronic music is based on personal taste. Some people may like it, some may not.”
John Thomas, the drummer and percussionist of Kochi-based rock band Motherjane, has a different outlook towards the new music genre. “Everyone had once considered electronic music as a threat, but not anymore. The trend in Western music changes after each period and we cannot predict the future based on the present situation alone. So if there is any change, it would be only temporary. I believe both music can co-exist and come up with more experimental stuff in future,” he said.
“I also don’t think that the classification of any music genre as real or unreal holds water. It all depends on personal views. And I don’t think digital music will replace traditional Western music. Everyone once feared that live drums would be replaced by software, but that didn’t happen,” he stresses.
Some hardcore electronic music fans consider that high-decibel genre can lift up even the most sober audience by giving a blissful or spiky pleasure. “These days, we need a platform to vent out our stress and after an EDM session, it is a perfect relaxation. More than music, it alters our perception and elates our mood differently compared to other genres,” says Amal Dev, an electronic music enthusiast.
Another Western music genre that has found considerable success in the state is thrash metal bands. Munz, the vocalist in The Down Troddence, popularly known as TDT, feels that people should stop thinking that populist music is the best. “Quality of music cannot be judged by the number of followers. May be electronic music is becoming popular but that does not mean it is the best. In our case, we cater to a specific audience; we want to be the sound of the oppressed. I don’t think a metal fan would start to hear electronic music overnight because everything — from the way the gig is organised to the music — is entirely different. If music is shit, then there is no point in how many followers you have,” Munz says.
Every music trend has gone through its own phase before gaining the mass admiration. The most popular music genres have gradually outgrown criticisms to become fan favourites and whether electronic music is on the same path — only time will tell.
