Ranjit Barot, a renowned percussionist, drummer, and music composer, believes that the rise of information and social media presents both opportunities and challenges. He emphasizes that while these platforms empower individuals, they can also lead to feelings of isolation. According to Barot, some musicians heavily involved in social media may lack the skills needed to excel in live performances, while others struggle to gain recognition because of their limited online presence.
Having lived through numerous trends, Barot acknowledges the importance of adapting to new movements while staying critical of their impact. He encourages a discerning approach, emphasizing the need to recognize both the positive and negative aspects of any trend. Barot stresses the value of collaboration and surrounding oneself with talented individuals to encourage personal growth. He emphasizes the importance of creating music with depth and substance that can hold its own alongside the works of iconic artists like Sting, Prince, and Michael Jackson.
Despite the joys of pursuing a career in music, Barot acknowledges the challenges that come with it, including the disparity between the widespread consumption of music and the relatively low financial returns for artists.Subscription services collect a monthly fee, with only a small portion going to the artists. The use of artificial intelligence is seen as a valuable tool, particularly for those seeking efficiency. However, for individuals possessing genuine skill, AI cannot serve as a replacement. While AI may weed out those lacking talent, it cannot supplant those with true talent and determination. There is a call for more artists to produce high-quality music in order to transform the music industry. Despite the prevailing challenges, there is optimism for the future, with the recognition that the industry needs to move away from favoring popular figures and towards genuine artistic expression.
The speaker attributes their strong work ethic to their mother, acclaimed Kathak dancer Sitara Devi, who served as a significant influence. Having observed her determination and dedication, the speaker carries on that legacy by constantly striving for innovation, expression, and collaboration.
An upcoming event titled Beat Route, featuring a collaboration between director Roysten Abel and rhythm maestro Ranjit Barot, will showcase the talents of 10 master folk percussionists from Rajasthan and Kerala at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on October 5, from 5 pm to 8 pm.
