Title Rephrase: Ranjit Barot discusses the dual impact of social media as both empowering and isolating.
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 feels that while social media can be empowering, it can also lead to a sense of alienation. Barot notes that some musicians who thrive in the realm of social media may not be adequately skilled to perform in live settings. On the other hand, he points out that many talented artists remain unrecognized because they struggle to effectively engage with social media platforms. Barot, a veteran musician, emphasizes the importance of embracing different trends and recognizing their impact. He stresses the significance of collaboration in pushing oneself to improve, highlighting the value of surrounding oneself with talented individuals. Barot also discusses his perspective on what constitutes "real music," emphasizing the importance of creating music that can stand alongside the works of musical greats. Lastly, he acknowledges the challenges of being in the music profession, noting that while music is widely consumed, it is often undervalued in terms of financial compensation.Subscription services charge a monthly fee, with the majority of the revenue not benefiting the artists. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is viewed as a useful tool for those seeking convenience, but it cannot replace the truly skilled individuals. While it may eliminate those lacking talent, it cannot replace individuals with genuine talent and ambition. The music industry needs more artists creating high-quality music to bring about change. Despite the challenges faced by the Indian music industry, there is hope for improvement. Current trends reflect a decline in the quality of music due to a lack of innovation and talent. However, there are pockets of excellence in the industry, such as artists like AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh. It is crucial to have more artists producing quality music to transform the music scene. The speaker credits their mother, the classical kathak dancer Sitara Devi, as their biggest inspiration. Witnessing her determination and dedication fueled their own ambition for innovation and expression in their work. A forthcoming event titled "Beat Route," a collaboration between director Roysten Abel and rhythm maestro Ranjit Barot, will feature performances by 10 master folk percussionists from Rajasthan and Kerala at the Chowdiah Memorial Hall on October 5 from 5 pm to 8 pm.