Sravasti DattaLive music has played a significant role in shaping Bengaluru's cultural scene recently. Leading this movement is Carlton Braganza, a versatile individual involved in various creative fields like artistry, restaurant management, design, writing, curation, and entertainment. He has continuously engaged audiences through innovative methods, such as the introduction of the online music session "Jukebox Jammies" during the lockdown period due to the COVID-19 crisis.In a conversation with Bangalore Times, Carlton discusses the changing music landscape in the city and areas that require improvement. He notes the thriving online content but highlights the lack of venues and interest for live music in Bengaluru. Carlton describes the music scene's evolution, emphasizing the shift towards digital platforms where artists share their work with a broader audience. However, he acknowledges the challenges faced by live music due to limited venues and demand.Commenting on the decline in live music popularity, Carlton attributes it to financial reasons, stating that live performances often struggle to generate income compared to more commercialized music. He observes a shift in audience preferences towards mass music genres like Bollywood and regional music, impacting the demand for live performances. Carlton also remarks on the absence of notable emerging bands in recent years, citing the rise of individual artists on platforms like YouTube, Spotify, and Instagram.In advocating for a thriving music scene, Carlton stresses the importance of cultivating a supportive and open-minded audience receptive to new artistic expressions. He highlights the significance of nurturing a loyal community of music enthusiasts to sustain and diversify the city's music culture.Venues such as Opus, The Humming Tree, and BFlat lack a distinct identity, according to Carlton. He notes a decline in band culture, attributing it to short-lived band memberships over the past decade. While there have been acts like K-pop groups, Carlton believes there hasn't been any notable emergence of new bands lately. He advocates for embracing new musical forms and venues, suggesting novel performance spaces like old churches, theaters, and local parks to inject freshness into the music scene.
As for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in music, Carlton considers it a gimmick that may level the playing field for less skilled musicians. However, he acknowledges that AI can enhance creativity.
Carlton, known for the popular Opus KroaKnights, has revamped the event as KroaKING, a singing contest held at Kempegowda International Airport. He sees this as an opportunity to revive old Bengaluru memories and hopes to establish it as a regular or biennial event."It's amazing because we are reviving some of Bengaluru's old charm. Many of the previous winners and finalists from our past event have been working in the industry for over a decade. I have enlisted them as judges and mentors," he states. Regarding the upcoming Coldplay concert, Carlton mentions, "I saw them perform at the Stade de France. They put on a remarkable show, but their music caters to a wide audience. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of their music."
