The iconic landmarks of Chennai are being featured as the backdrop to some great music. A dozen leading city artistes have recorded songs in carefully chosen locations in and around Chennai with a cultural significance as part of a new initiative by the British Council in the form of an interactive music platform.
The Chennai edition of 'Mix the City' was kickstarted Wednesday in the nationwide programme.
Alan Gemmell, Director India, British Council, said he is inspired by young people and policy makers from India and Mix the City is "a gift from us to the people of Chennai." He was hoping that the musical experiment would inspire people all over the world as "the incredible music of an incredible city" was brought to them on the platform.
Of the 12 musicians, Prakash Hariharan, Padma Shankar, Paul Jacob were present to narrate their experience. Prakash Hariharan said it was very nice to see the final product and his recording had taken place in the tourist destination of Mahabalipuram with its uniquely scenic backdrop of anecinet temple and sculptures. Padma Shankar, a regular performer in both All India Radio and Doordarshan, said the playing of violin was a different experience.
The artistes from the city in the mix are - A.K. Palanivel (Thavil), Sumesh Narayanan (Mridangam), Saroja Ganapathy (Dilruba), Sean Roldan (Electric Guitar), Prakash Hariharan (Mandolin), Vivek Anand (Acoustic Guitar), Anil Srinivasan (Piano), Padma Shankar (Violin), Rajhesh Vaidya (Veena), Runa Rizvi (Vocals), Paul Jacob (Bass Guitar) and Perimallam Drummers led by A. Samraj.
The app aims to showcase the diversity of the country through its sound in the metro cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata, according to the British Council It reflects upon the evolving music scene in India and the fusion of sounds between classical, folk, ethnic and contemporary music styles with a balanced mix between vocals and instrumental in all versions. The first ever Mix The City had been commissioned in Tel Aviv and curated by Kutiman, acclaimed songwriter, producer, mixologist and filmmaker.
