Unable to rock the boat

Take a count of the number of women who decided to break away from the stereotype to take up an instrument to make it their profession; the numbers would be on the brighter side when it comes to traditional or classical music but just a mere few are seen rocking on the stage with a guitar or beating away on a drum.

Gowry Lekshmi, the youngest female music composer from the state, points out that things would take some time to change. “A lot of things matter when it comes to being a part of the independent music industry. There will be a lot of ups and downs to put up with, which is in a way same for both genders. But given the kind of culture and society we are part of, it is surely going to take some time for the current situation to change.”

Speaking about her personal experience in the industry as a singer and composer, she says, “I personally received a lot of encouragement, even to this day, I am respected a lot for choosing to become a composer.” Shalini Mohan, the bass guitarist of rock-folk band Lagori, who was in Kerala recently for a performance, says, “I am currently working with both independent and commercial music industry. After a show, people, especially women, come to me and tell me that they are inspired by what I do. There are also times when people pass negative comments or a negative judgement just because it is not traditional for a woman to be a part of a rock band. But I believe it ultimately comes down to what you can deliver as a musician that counts.”

International musician Joan Jett, who is today known as the Queen of Punk rock, had to face intense criticism and hatred for her music just because she was a woman in a man’s play pad. Musician Anju Brahmasmi points out that female musicians across the world still face stigmatisation. “I believe that all fields are male-dominated today. But when it comes to this particular industry, much like the film industry, women have to put up with a lot of pressure both from her family and the industry. Girls should be ready to stay away from home and should be bold and patient enough to come up with a good composition and make it heard.”

She adds, “It is not as easy as it looks to play with a band, a lot of struggle goes into it. Now is the right time, things are slowly changing, strong-willed girls should come forward. There are good independent female Malayali musicians, but many of them leave Kerala so that they can flourish.” Asok Chandran, a music teacher at the Cochin Arts and Communications and a popular music teacher in the city, says, “There are plenty of girls, including my daughter, who come to learn the guitar and other instruments. But most of them quit after tenth or high school. One reason why most girls don't make it big is that they don't have time to spare for it in between their hunt for a professional and secure job. Apart from this, most parents are still not ready; there is hardly any support from their end.” Despite having brave faces such as Usha Uthup and composer Kalyani Nair to look up to, independent music industry, much like the mainstream music industry, sadly continues to remain male-dominated.