Amplifying scope for musicians

‘Iktara’ fame Amit Trivedi says technology enables composers to explore wider range of sounds

NEW DELHI: National Award winning musician Amit Trivedi, who has composed for films, such as Dev D, Wake Up Sid, Udaan and Queen, says technology has enabled composers to explore a wider range of sounds via computers, and the effort required has reduced to a considerable extent too.

“Technology is widening scope for musicians every now and then. We are getting a better chance to explore ideas through new softwares. It has provided more options to us to showcase our talent,” said the musician.

“More of computer-based music is in demand today, and there is special software through which music is created,” he added.

The 35-year-old recently composed a song for the fourth season of Coke Studio@ MTV.



Talking about the platform for experimental fusion music, Trivedi said, “It’s wonderful. There are no actors involved here for whom we have to do lip sync. It’s a stage where artistes can show their talent without any involvement of the film fraternity. It’s like telling the world about pure music.”

Trivedi is associated with Bollywood but he has no qualms in admitting that the popularity of film music in the country has restricted the understanding of ‘Indian music’.

“Bollywood is a very big platform. Good looking actors attract people more, and music is just a part of the Bollywood filmmaking process. That’s why in India, music is restricted to films.”

It doesn’t mean that music is overshadowed by actors, he clarifies. “There are many well-known film stars who have received recognition through music,” said the singer-composer, who says making music for films and for albums is incomparable.

He is also quick to add that, while rap, hip-hop and item numbers are increasingly getting popular, Indian classical music will always be part of the country’s core music.

“Classical music cannot deplete from  the Indian industry. It’s just that there are new trends coming up. People are widening their choices to new genres. But classical music, which is the root of India, will never get sidelined,” he said.

“If people like peppy numbers, then such songs have to be catered to them at regular intervals. If they will demand for classical tracks, then definitely we will make those too,” he added.

On his part, he tries to avoid using vulgar lyrics in his songs.

“I never use vulgar and cheap lyrics in my songs, especially the word alcohol; neither do I try to encourage that culture with my tracks. All musicians who are using such lyrics may be doing so because of a film’s demand,” Trivedi said.

He will next be composing music for films, such as  Bombay Velvet, Guddu Rangeela, Shandar, Fitoor and Udta Punjab. 

Published in The Express Tribune, March  12^th,  2015.

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