Music is witnessed by most of us as a means of entertainment or digging deep into our souls, but how do musicians look at their music is what differentiates one from another. We got a chance to interact with a singer and composer, who not only loves creating and singing his songs, but also tries to shine some light on prevalent social issues along with his band. Here’s our interview with the very talented Vasu Dixit, who co-founded Swarathma, an Indian folk rock band.
Growing Up Amidst Musical Notes
Vasu Dixit grew up in Mysore, and like many others born and brought up in the cultural centre, even his family was inclined towards art, music and theatre along with the studies. He says-
“School studies was always one of the most important things we had to do but the arts were also a big part of it. So, without knowing and realising what we were getting into, we were already in it! Growing up, there was music happening in the house most of the days. My mother is not a professional singer but she would just pick up a tanpura and sing. When my cousins and aunts came over, it would just become like a jamming session. We would be sitting in the front yard and chatting, and all of a sudden someone would break into a song!”
He continues- ”By 4th or 5th grade, we were put into music class. I didn’t like it for many years because I thought it was a girl thing to do at that age! After coming back home, we had to practice quite a lot, which didn’t seem so happening at that time. But I wish I realised the importance and learnt music more technically. My mother still goes to some or the other concert/pravachana/dance or anything. It’s part of our lifestyle. We don’t go to these events because we are bored and there’s nothing else to do. It’s become one of the most important things in our day to day plan.”
What Motivated The Artist In Vasu
Vasu always wanted to be an artist. So he joined Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts and Drama. Later he went on to study sound, film and video from NID Ahmedabad. He says –
“My studies definitely helped me become what I am today, but I would still attribute most of it to the culture of Mysore that pushed me into it because if I was in any other city, the kind of mentality towards art and its importance would have been very different. The way people look at art and culture in Mysore is beautiful. We never felt that art or music is something that cannot be done. We felt at home taking that step.”
“When I was studying my finals I was jamming around with a few musician friends, and we were highly inspired by this band called – Antaragni. The kind of music they produced inspired me that I can also make original music. That is how I started writing my own songs along with my musician friends and I really enjoyed it. The kind of interaction that you have as a live musician with the audience drew me towards it. I still prefer live music than working in the studio. So I guess that rush is what made me feel that this is what I really want to do!”, he exclaims!
Swarathma – The Socially Conscious Rock Band
When asked what led to the creation of their band, Swarathma, Vasu Dixit shares the story- “I met Abhinav Kumar in Mysore when he was still a journalism student. Later one of my juniors from college- Pavan Kumar joined us. Gradually my mother’s friend’s son- Arjun, who played the violin also joined. We met because “someone knew someone!” and we would just play. It started off as more of a fun thing. Later we decided we should name our band something that would mean something to the music that we play. That’s when we came up with the name- Swarathma, which means the Soul of the Note or the Note of the Soul.”
The intention of Swarathma has been to offer music that is entertaining and thought provoking! They are of the opinion that art can be used not just for entertainment, but also to address social causes and transform people through good music, where they don’t feel preached to.
Vasu continues, “I feel new changes first happen in small scale, only after which we can impact a bigger audience. Yes, we can get a big personality, make an endorsement, and get them to talk. But who actually goes to the streets these days? I feel the NGOs who actually go and do these things are the real heroes. Today we see a lot of propaganda everywhere, but it is these small groups who are actually on ground, doing what they say. This is why there’s a need to reach out to the common people and inspire them to be responsible citizens, change themselves, so that they can see the change they want to see in the society they live in.”
Adapting To The Music Industry – Is It For You?
We asked Vasu Dixit what according to him were some of the biggest challenges musicians are facing today.
“Getting people out of their comfort zone to come for a live show itself is a challenge these days. Getting people to buy music is even more challenging! Once it’s out, everybody wants it for free. Everybody wants to download and listen. The way music is consumed and produced itself has changed, so I don’t think it’s like a challenge, in that sense. It is all part of a change that we are part of, and it is about how well we adapt to it.”
And when asked about the pros, “In the world of artists, when people get to know your other talents, you do get approached for them as well. For example I studied film-making and enjoy making films. I shoot videos and short films, related to music for my band. Sometimes other bands who are making music videos, approach me for advice and help. So yes, one thing leads to another, but of course, you have to stick to your main work and not lose focus, but opportunities are quite many.”
Today, we see a lot of youngsters interested in music and dream of pursuing it as a full-time career. Here’s Vasu’s opinion on how feasible it is- “I think as long as one has the passion, you can always convert it into a profession. It’s about how you can bring the balance into tasks. Whether it was ten years ago or ten years down the line, people have done it and people will do it. Maybe now it’s a bit easier because there are more resources and reach. Following your passion has its pros and cons, but it is possible. Whether it’s past, now, or future. It has always been possible and it will be. One has to be able to stand out of what they are doing and look at themselves and see, “Where am I? And if I have to get to somewhere, what is it that I need to do?” Secondly one should ask themselves, “How do I feel about it?””
“As an artist, one has to either step out and look, or go deep inside and look at how you feel about it. Do you feel passionate and great every time you sing? Do you feel enriched and charged about it? Do you want to do it every day? In my case at the end of every show, I’m ready and can’t wait to do another show. I’m that charged! Of course, physically I’ll be tired, I’ll be sweating, my voice would have drained, still I feel like I have the energy to do another one right after! That’s about how you feel inside, but you also have to think of the external. Can you step out of your shell and also deal with the other factors that come along with singing as a profession?”
We found ourselves musing whether musicians are born with god’s gift, or sheer practice helps too! Vasu Dixit comments, “I think it is a mix of both. Personally, I have realised that I have it in me, but I have lacked a lot of practice. I have the drive that keeps me going, giving me the push. Unfortunately, I’m always so tied up with work, I’m not able to take the time out to delve into deeper practice. Whether you have music in your blood or not, one should not give up on practice.”
Takeaway – Habits That Help
Vasu shares, “I meditate. I love silence. I love doing my household chores, and that’s what gives me the peace. From washing vessels to washing my clothes and folding them myself, I like doing many little things. It’s like therapy, and it gives me the time to think and look into myself.”
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