Ranjit Barot, a renowned percussionist, drummer, and music composer, acknowledges the dual nature of the information explosion and social media. He believes these platforms are both empowering and alienating. Barot expresses concerns that musicians relying solely on social media may lack the skills needed to perform in real-world settings. Conversely, many talented artists struggle with anonymity due to their limited social media presence.

Having lived a significant portion of his life and witnessed various trends, Barot embraces cultural shifts but stresses the importance of discerning between positive impacts and drawbacks. He highlights the prevalence of self-promotion in today's culture, emphasizing the need for sensitivity in navigating trends.

In his perspective, collaboration is essential for personal growth, as surrounding oneself with more talented individuals facilitates improvement. Barot values being among musicians like Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, and AR Rahman, finding inspiration in their presence.

Barot believes that real music must stand the test of time, comparable to the works of legendary artists like Sting, Prince, and Michael Jackson. He emphasizes the significance of creating music with substance and following a high standard.

Despite the rewarding aspects of a music career, Barot acknowledges the challenges faced, including the disparity between music's popularity and financial compensation. He recognizes that while music is widely consumed, it remains one of the lesser-paid art forms.Subscription services charge a monthly fee, with only a small portion benefiting the artists. AI is a valuable tool for those seeking efficiency, but it cannot replace true skill. While it may weed out those lacking talent, it cannot supplant individuals with genuine talent and ambition. There is a need for more artists creating high-quality music to transform the music industry. In India, there is a perception that creating intellectual music is a niche pursuit due to the industry being influenced by mediocrity. However, there are pockets of exceptional music, such as that of AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh. It is crucial for more artists to produce top-notch music to revolutionize the industry.

The speaker credits their mother, Sitara Devi, a renowned classical kathak dancer, as their greatest influence. Witnessing her determination and drive has inspired them to work diligently. They strive for innovation, expression, and meaningful connections in their work.

A collaborative event titled "Beat Route," featuring director Roysten Abel and rhythm maestro Ranjit Barot leading a performance with 10 master folk percussionists from Rajasthan and Kerala, will take place at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on October 5 from 5 pm to 8 pm.