While live streaming and virtual gigs replace music concerts temporarily, do artistes really seem content? What does the future of music look like? Chahak Mittal speaks to some musicians to assess the appeal of drive-in shows
The photograph that slides down from your father’s old album, in which he and your mother were sharing an ice cream while sitting on a car’s bumper under the night sky, watching Maine Pyaar Kiya in the town’s open theatre, is something millennials can never imagine. The idea seems fascinating but equally strange to a generation which sits on comfy couches in a movie theatre with a tub of popcorn in hand. But looks like history is going to repeat itself and a live indoor concert beamed on a screen at a drive-through is going to be the order of the day. When we spoke to some musicians about the scope of music and live concerts post COVID-19, they came up with innovative ideas.
Tech’s the way. But is it?
Touring musicians and singers have been contemplating the future in the wake of Coronavirus as concerts have either been postponed or called off. Attending live concerts with ear-jeering speakers around the stadium and laser lights has become a rare sight. The music scene has never been in such peril. So what’s the way out?
Singer and composer Kailash Kher says, “During this time, many new technologies and ways have evolved to connect people from various parts of the world through one platform. And hence, a few musicians are trying to get into virtual concerts. That way, we can see some positivity in this route. However, there’s a glitch in the process. First, the way that physical concerts happened with those lights and music effects, that extra energy and an adrenaline rush — all of that is missing online. Second, all the musicians cannot actually present it in the same framework the way they would in person, vibing off each other. So slowly, this technological aspect will also have to evolve so that every musician from wherever he/she is can join in and invest the performance with some energy.”
Of course, witnessing live performances and virtual concerts are two different experiences. Says singer Amit Mishra, “Online streaming does not have that much impact. I think we need more technical advancements along with a team of editors who can make virtual concerts more interesting. We can also use VR kits for a more personalised experience. But the physical energy cannot be recreated. I am still happy though that the efforts are being made to keep up the good spirit of music.”
Singer Mrinalini Somani, founder of WE - Concert with a Cause, makes a similar observation and says that even though a lot of concerts have shifted online, they fail to replicate the real deal. “But still, I don’t think people will ever stop wanting to feel and experience live music. The only big advantage of this is that people from all around the world can attend such shows which they otherwise wouldn’t have been able to.”
Singer Jonita Gandhi says that musicians will certainly have to rely on the internet for a foreseeable future. However, “bringing variations such as turning to online teaching and conducting masterclasses is a great way to connect since they are not on the road as much. Because I don’t think there is much that can be done until more technical advancements take place. Then, we can even jam with other artistes with more spontaneity.”
Singer Neeti Mohan still feels disconnected. Says she, “Putting it together online is easy. But it is a different segment of work, which is not even close to an actual concert. To recreate that, we need better technology and more resources, which are also cost-effective and affordable for artistes as well as the audience. We need a technology where there is no lagging or a technical glitch; where I can sing from my home and my band members can join in from their homes and simultaneously people can watch it live and in real time. It is possible even now but there is always a lag or a buffer and we are not able to perform absolutely live! A lot of times we have to pre-record because we don’t want to give out something to the audience that does not sound good.”
Singer Jankee Mehta shares her challenges of conducting an online session. “It has been very challenging for me. My band, Jankee & Friends, comprises eight members. We have toured a lot for wedding gigs and corporate events and every band member is extremely integral to bringing a wholesome performance together. It is heartbreaking now to go solo from Jankee & friends to Jankee. I have been introspecting a lot on how I can make my virtual offering different and also researching on how I could involve my team to perform virtually together. It’s still some work in progress.”
Skybound
When last week Denmark announced its first physically live concert in the city of Aarhus, there were apprehensions and worries among people as to how will such a large event ensure their safety? But it turned out to be a drive-in concert where the audience could watch live music from the comfort of their cars. A set of safety guidelines to be followed were provided to the citizens. A stage was set up on the city’s outskirts for the singer to perform solo. From inside their socially-distanced cars, attendees could tune in to the designated FM channel and enjoy the live concert — exactly like the famous drive-in movie of the 90s.
Jonita suggests that this concept, if implemented and followed wisely, could be a hit in India too. She says, “I think drive-in concerts could totally create a new normal. This is happening in many cities in the US and other parts of the world. It would be physically live and in person and at the same time, be very cool and safe. But yes, proper guidelines will have to be carried out for maintaining distance.”
Creative pursuits
The recent music scene has seen a range of remixes and item numbers. With more musicians at home in their spaces, would song-writing quality improve? Would we see more independent talent release their albums?
Kher says he has turned more inward and deep: “I am counting on myself to work and create something new that I couldn’t while on the go.” During the lockdown, he has written and composed almost 15 songs and he is now “ready to release two to three albums” whenever things get better or normal. He says, “During this time, I have so many thoughts coming about everything. These weren’t something I’d have paid attention to in the normal routine days. Now, I have the time to pen them down. I think musicians should really see this as a chance to create something original. Over the past 10 years, I don’t think I have heard any song which I can listen to over and over again or go back to. Only repetition has been there.”
Jonita agrees and adds, “A lot of musicians, who were hesitating to put their time into writing, are finding their way with words. So we’ll see a surge of independent music now that they are not tied down by film assignments.”
Will distancing be factored in the lyrics of most love songs of the future? Will music made for awareness evolve as a whole new genre? Singer Neeti Mohan, who has been engaged with a lot of live concerts via Instagram and Facebook Live throughout the lockdown, doing charity concerts for awareness and positivity, was also a part of the MTV and MTV Beats’ musical, Music Beyond Borders, on World Music Day. She says, “Recently, I worked on a song with AR Rahman for raising money on Corona awareness. Various artistes joined us to spread the message of safety and how music would never forsake us or let us be in solitude. I think bringing awareness through music is here to stay, messaging will find a way in lyrics.”
Many music companies have already released special playlists on their respective apps like ‘Lockdown tune-in,’ ‘Quarantine playlist,’ ‘At home specials,’ etc. These include songs like Cody Francis’ We’re Gonna Be Okay, which also topped the charts during the first few weeks of the shutdown. May we add, “We’re going to make it okay!”
