Anyone who has heard Folk Rock music, definitely knows the band 'Indian Ocean'. The band, which stood apart because of their originality and courage to take that originality ahead. I got first introduced to their music, when my friend shared their song 'Kandisa'. It was the first song, which took me back to the ancient beauty of Indian music. I am very open to all styles of music, and this one reached out to my heart.
I could not have imagined that I would get a chance to talk to Rahul Ram, the lead guitarist and singer of the band at present. After contacting a long line of managers, I got in touch with him, and it was worth it. Trust me, that is a rare feeling.
I spoke to Ram, and everything he said urged me to rethink how I am living and making my decisions. People talk about enlightenment and spirituality, but this musician explains how to live life and forget other words. Here is the story of one of the living legends of folk rock music.
Stop planning, let life happen and success will follow
One of the best folk-rock bands of India, Indian Ocean’s lead singer and bass guitarist Rahul Ram chatted with this correspondent before playing for Indore’s music lovers in Vidorra, on Saturday night.
He talked about trends in the music industry and shared his journey of self discovery through music.
“I decided to be a musician at the age of 35 and it has served me well enough,” Ram said. He discussed that the pressure of deciding who you want to be at the age of 18 is reason why people are stressed and depressed.
“The prevailing MBA approach is impeding the path of self-discovery and choices,” Ram said. Explaining MBA approach, he quoted that the question often asked in MBA entrance exams is ‘where do you see yourself in next 5 years?’
“Basically, it is planning your life which stops you from experiencing life,” he said. Further, discussing his tips for aspiring musicians, he said that every musician has a certain inclination, which he or she should discover.
“Aspiring musicians are unsure of what they like, they are willing to sing and play anything to become a star,” Ram said. He urged people to understand that everyone has a music style and personal choice, which a musician should discover before thinking about becoming a musician.
Quoting examples of importance of personal inclination in music, he said, “Would you ask Kailash Kher to sing songs of Sukwinder Singh or Sonu Nigam, no!”
Sharing his insight on the changing trends in music industry, Ram said that the developments in music industry are in favour of independent artists. “The most ecstatic development which is favouring independent artists is the collapse of music companies,” Ram said.
He elaborated that during the era when music companies prevailed in the industry, artists had to work hard to present their music. “You know, there was a time, we had to run behind music companies and keep pitching our music,” Ram said. He added that during that time, the music composed by independent artist was rarely chosen, since the choice was made by companies and not people.
“Now, independent musicians have a lot of festivals, avenues and venues to showcase their music,” he said. Continuing to list the opportunities, he mentioned that with the quick developments in social media, people can upload and promote their music videos.
However, despite the growing facilities, Ram said, “The first thing you need to be a musician is good music, and that is possible only if you know what you like and are good at.”
Ram added that another thing, which the current generation needs to understand, is that anything good takes time. “For even a great musician to be a hit, he or she needs at least 10 years of practice and preparation,” he said.
He added that people look at musicians who win tv shows, but they do not see the hard work of last 10-15 years which the artists put in preparing for getting in the show.
Concluding his chat, Ram said, “My advice is: have fun and be honest to yourself.”
I cannot describe his performance, you have to experience it for yourself. The kind of passion you can hear in his songs multiplies in his presence. He is passionate musician and an inspiring soul.
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