"Ranjit Barot asserts that while social media offers empowerment, it also leads to isolation."
Ranjit Barot. Pic courtesy: @ranjitbarot1 The information explosion and social media is a two-edged sword, believes ace percussionist, drummer and music composer Ranjit Barot. “It’s empowering, bu...
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Ranjit Barot believes that the information explosion and social media have both positive and negative aspects. He views social media as empowering but also alienating, noting that some musicians relying on social media lack the skills to perform in real-life settings. On the other hand, many talented artists struggle with anonymity because they do not engage effectively on social platforms. Barot, an experienced musician, emphasizes the importance of embracing trends while maintaining a discerning approach. He stresses the value of collaboration and surrounding oneself with individuals who challenge and inspire growth. Barot aspires to create music that can stand alongside works by iconic artists like Sting, Prince, and Michael Jackson. While he acknowledges the joys of being a musician, he also recognizes the financial challenges of an industry where music is widely consumed yet often undervalued.Subscription services charge a monthly fee, with very little going to the artists. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is viewed as a useful tool for lazy individuals, but it cannot replace truly skilled individuals. While AI may eliminate those lacking talent, it cannot replace those with genuine talent and drive. The music industry could benefit from more artists creating quality music to revamp the current scenario. There is hope for the industry, although in India, intelligent music has been overshadowed by more mainstream content. The industry seems to be dominated by a lazy group without proper benchmarking. Featuring a popular star in a music video often influences the audience. Despite these challenges, there are pockets of good music, such as AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh. More artists are needed to produce high-quality music and transform the musical landscape. The speaker's mother, Sitara Devi, a renowned classical Kathak dancer, was a significant influence on their work ethic and drive. The determination and dedication they observed in their mother inspired them to constantly strive for innovation, expression, and engagement with others. Beat Route, a collaboration between director Roysten Abel and rhythm maestro Ranjit Barot, will showcase a performance featuring ten master folk percussionists from Rajasthan and Kerala at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on October 5 from 5 pm to 8 pm.