Debolina Sen (BOMBAY TIMES; January 1, 2019)

Music can create magic when a melodious voice, which has made both film and non-film songs popular in equal parts, is matched to the rhythmic beats of an acclaimed percussionist. At one such recording session between singer Sonu Nigam and composer Bickram Ghosh, the duo share their views on the evolving music scenario. Excerpts...

THE CURRENT MUSIC SCENARIO IN THE COUNTRY
Sonu Nigam: Every art form is a reflection of society and a lot of ‘happening’ music is being churned out these days. People like to dance to music these days and they also like to listen to music while they drink. So, the music made now reflects that mindset. But I’m not the kind of person who is going to be looking down upon any kind of genre. The past was good, the present is good and the days ahead, will also be good for music.
Bickram Ghosh: I’ve been watching the trends closely and there’s a shift happening. It’s still gradual, but there’s a big section of listeners, who are more into high energy music. There’s also another shift, where youngsters are listening to songs not considered ‘regular’ for their age bracket. In fact, Sonu bhai’s Agneepath song Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin is still heard by a lot of people. I remember him saying that Chikni Chameli was touted as the song of the film. Ironically, people have forgotten Chikni Chameli and Abhi Mujh Mein Kahin has become the iconic song of this generation. The return of melody is a positive change that is slowly seeping in.

CHANGES THAT 2019 SHOULD BRING TO THE WORLD OF MUSIC
Sonu: I sincerely hope that independent music should get more leverage. It needs the right kind of patronage. The custodians of independent music should look after it. Film music is great and we all have been a part of it. But we shouldn’t be confined to it. Other genres like ghazal, qawwali, classical, semi-classical and light music should also get a lot of space in independent music and should be promoted well.
Bickram: I second Sonu bhai. When I think of him and his early days, the album, Deewana, comes to mind. I would say it was as big as or even bigger than some of the songs he was then singing for films. That era is slowly coming back. He has done a bunch of songs and I did an album, Phero Mon, which has done really well. We’re working in an untitled album now and hoping it’s going to really appeal to people. It’s essentially capturing the essence of romance in different hues.

ON SONGS CREATED WITH ITEM NUMBERS IN MIND
Sonu: A good song is a good song — it can be an item number or any other genre. There can be a very badly written and composed ghazal as well. And there can be an excellent item song, too. It all depends on the calibre of the musician. Instead of labelling genres, we should appreciate the merit of the artiste.
Bickram: I’m on the same page with him.

RUSH FOR REMIXES
Sonu: You can make as many remixes as possible. But you will have to create some songs for the future generation so that they can remix them as well. So, original songs are still needed (laughs). There’s also a feeling that today’s composers don’t need old voices.
Bickram: The way we have archived old songs is not up to the mark. In the US, one can still find the stems of the original tracks so that they can remix them to the audio quality of the current scenario. Sprucing up here and there is fine but the stem is important. In India, we don’t have that.

PROMISING NEW SINGERS AND MUSICIANS
Sonu: There are a bunch of great singers today. Arijit Singh sings very well and Armaan Malik ka ek gaana aya tha — Bol Do Na Zara — aur main hil gaya tha. Singing well is fine, but expression is the key. I like Javed Ali a lot. Neha Kakkar achha gati hain bahut. I also like Guru Randhawa, Hardy Sandhu and Badshah.
Bickram: There are some amazing instrumentalists like Pratik Shrivastava, who plays brilliant sarod, Abhishek Mallick’s sitar is amazing, young percussionists like Ojas Adhiya and there is a whole generation of singers in the classical genre also.

COMPOSING MUSIC IN BENGALI
Sonu: In the 26 years of my career, I’ve done a lot of work in the Bengali music industry. I would like to collaborate for a Rabindra Sangeet album with people who really know the genre well.
Bickram: Our compositions in Jal (2013), got an Oscar contention — a rare feat in music. One thing we both believe in is class. When you bring dignity to your work, it stands the test of time. Whether it is in Bangla or elsewhere, that’s what’s required. Thankfully, for most Bengali films, people have stopped using stock music now and are allocating bigger budgets, too.

FAVOURITE TRACKS OF RECENT TIMES
Sonu: Heartless by Badshah and Banja Tu Meri Rani by Guru Randhawa are all that I remember now. The film, Paltan, didn’t do too well but the songs were crazy good.
Bickram: Kulfi by Sonu Nigam.

ON THE NEED FOR A CLASSICAL BASE FOR SINGERS
Sonu: There’s no need. Depends on the genre you want to sing in, what your core talent is and how intelligently you use it. But even if you are a rapper, you should have overall knowledge of production, sound engineering, playing an instrument and so on. There are also many in the industry who never thought they will become a singer but they are doing well.
Bickram: Itna toh riyaaz karhi lo ke aap se important auto tuner na ho jaye. It’s during live shows that people get to know your worth as a musician.