In recent times, live music has become a prominent feature of Bengaluru's art scene, with Carlton Braganza being a key figure in this movement. Carlton, a multi-talented individual involved in various creative fields, such as artistry, hospitality, design, writing, curation, and entertainment, has been at the forefront of engaging audiences through innovative approaches. One such initiative, Jukebox Jammies, an online music session launched during the COVID lockdown, has been well-received.
In a conversation with Bangalore Times, Carlton discusses the changing music landscape in the city and highlights areas that require improvement. He observes that while online content is flourishing, the live music scene lacks adequate venues and audience interest. According to Carlton, the shift in trends can be attributed to financial reasons, as live music doesn't generate significant revenues compared to more commercial forms of entertainment preferred by the current generation.
Reflecting on the evolution of music in Bengaluru, Carlton emphasizes the importance of cultivating an engaged audience to sustain growth. He notes the shift towards mainstream music genres like Bollywood and regional music, indicating a shift in audience preferences. Despite the challenges faced by live music as a profitable venture, Carlton believes in the value of pursuing music as a passion project rather than a lucrative endeavor. Additionally, he comments on the absence of significant new bands emerging in the past decade, highlighting the rise of individual artists on online platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram.Venues like Opus, The Humming Tree, and BFlat lack a distinct identity, according to Carlton. He notes that the band culture is on the decline, with band members frequently changing, and few new bands emerging in the past decade. While there are popular acts like K-pop groups, Carlton points out that there hasn't been much innovation in the band scene. He believes that new music styles and diverse venues are essential, suggesting performances in unconventional spaces like old churches, theaters, and local parks.
Regarding the use of AI in music, Carlton views it as a gimmick that can help spark creativity among artists, even though it may benefit mediocre musicians over talented ones. He also emphasizes the importance of changing mindsets around street performances, such as busking, which can be seen as downmarket in India.
Furthermore, Carlton led the well-known Opus KroaKnights initiative, which has evolved into the KroaKING singing contest held at Kempegowda International Airport. He hopes to revive the event as a regular occurrence and sees it as a way to celebrate the old memories of Bengaluru."It's fantastic to reconnect with the essence of old Bengaluru with many previous winners and finalists from our past events now being industry veterans of over a decade. I have enlisted them as judges and mentors," he shares. Speaking about the upcoming Coldplay concert, Carlton comments, "I had the opportunity to see them perform at the Stade de France. Their show is phenomenal, but their music caters to a wide audience. Personally, I'm not particularly fond of their music."
