In recent times, live music has played a significant role in Bengaluru's arts scene, with Carlton Braganza being a key figure in this movement. As an artist, restaurateur, designer, writer, curator, and entertainer, he has been at the forefront of engaging audiences through innovative initiatives such as the online music session, Jukebox Jammies, introduced during the COVID lockdown. In a recent interview with Bangalore Times, Carlton reflects on the changing music landscape in the city and highlights the need for more venues and support for live music. He notes that while online content has flourished, there remains a lack of opportunities for live performances. Carlton attributes this shift to the challenge of generating revenue, with commercial music gaining more popularity among the new generation of listeners. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing an audience that is receptive to diverse music genres and new talents to sustain a thriving music scene.Venues such as Opus, The Humming Tree, and BFlat don't have a distinct identity, according to Carlton. He believes the band culture is declining as people don't stick with bands for long, with few new bands emerging recently. Carlton advocates for new music forms and different performance venues, like old churches and local parks, rather than the usual formats. He acknowledges the role of AI in music, acknowledging that it can boost creativity. Carlton, known for organizing the famous Opus KroaKnights, has revamped it into a singing competition called KroaKING at the Kempegowda International Airport. He sees this as a way to bring back memories of old Bengaluru and potentially revive the event on an annual or biennial basis.The event is wonderful because it revives the essence of traditional Bengaluru. Many previous winners and finalists from our past events, who now have over a decade of industry experience, have returned as judges and mentors," he shares. Talking about the upcoming Coldplay concert, Carlton expresses, "I had the chance to see them perform at the Stade de France. Their show was absolutely amazing, catering to a wide audience, although I personally am not fond of their music."
