Ranjit Barot, an expert percussionist, drummer, and music composer, believes that the information explosion and social media have both positive and negative aspects. He acknowledges that while social media can be empowering, it can also lead to isolation. Barot discusses how some musicians heavily involved in social media may not have the skills to perform well in real-world scenarios, while others with immense talent struggle with anonymity due to a lack of social media presence.
Having lived a significant portion of his life, Barot has observed various trends come and go. He embraces all trends, recognizing their significance but also acknowledges the culture of self-promotion prevalent today. He emphasizes the importance of discerning the positive impacts of these trends while being aware of their drawbacks.
In a conversation, Barot stresses the value of collaboration in pushing one's skills to the next level. He believes that surrounding oneself with more talented individuals challenges personal growth and prevents complacency. Barot feels honored to be associated with renowned musicians such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, John McLaughlin, and AR Rahman, finding the experience immensely rewarding.
According to Barot, true music should have substance and stand the test of time alongside greats such as Sting, Prince, and Michael Jackson. However, he points out that while music is one of the most consumed art forms, it remains one of the least financially compensated professions. Despite its challenges, Barot considers his career in music to be a fulfilling and rewarding journey.Subscription services collect a monthly fee, with only a small portion going to the artists. The current presence of AI is seen as a valuable resource for individuals seeking convenience, though it cannot replace those with genuine skills. It may filter out individuals lacking talent, but it cannot replace those possessing real talent and passion. There is a need for more artists to produce high-quality music in order to revamp the music industry. Despite the industry being heavily influenced by popular figures, there are still pockets of excellent music, featuring artists like AP Dhillon and Diljit Dosanjh. It is important to have more artists creating top-notch music to transform the music scene for the better. This sentiment is echoed by an artist who credits their mother, Sitara Devi, a renowned classical Kathak dancer, as their major influence, instilling in them a strong work ethic and drive for innovation and connection with others. An upcoming event called Beat Route, led by director Roysten Abel and percussionist Ranjit Barot, will bring together ten master folk percussionists from Rajasthan and Kerala at Chowdiah Memorial Hall on October 5 from 5 pm to 8 pm.