Restore Indian folk with the help of western fusion

Music has no barriers of age, caste or creed. This is what brings all music lovers together. Multiple genres, artists and styles keep the interest and excitement flowing. 

Folk music itself, coming from different parts of the country, has distinctly different sounds. They are melodious and the folk instruments create unusual tones, which are not commonly heard. 

Indian culture is very rich and varied and this richness lies in the sounds, the songs and the music across different states. 

Traditional instruments, many of which are handcrafted, present the flavour of the local folk in all its purity. The beauty of the sounds of these instruments, the sensitive nuances, the melodies and modulations are simply too good.  

The rich cultural hub that our country is, unfortunately, losing its connection with the current generation. Though we all are aware of this, very few have the time or the attention span to absorb and enjoy these traditional sounds. 

The folk music of each area represents its cultural heritage. Unfortunately, fewer presentations and performances are pushing pure folk away from the current scenario. 

I do respect the fact that to be able to sustain anything, be it sound or a product, one needs to imbibe and fuse with the current. There is no harm in doing that, as long as the purity of the original sound does not get diluted.  

Fusion is the buzz word. Fusion music is what connects the younger generation to traditional sounds. Bollywood, too, has started using a lot of folk music. 

The fusion of Indian classical music with Jazz or Blues and of folk music with folk sounds from other countries is what is bringing back a lot of the forgotten sounds. 

It’s making the new generation familiar with traditional music, which is presented in the current style. Modifications and improvisations are a part of the music and its connectivity.

In the midst of all the fusion, what are missing are the nuances in the performance of the lesser-known instruments. Be it the amazing different rhythms of the nagaras, whether played in Rajasthan, Gujarat or Assam, the melodies of the algooza, the double flute, which is traditionally played by the shepherds, or even the khartaal that everyone is so familiar with. 

The ek taara, a single stringed instrument can produce any melody, the Been can push you into a trance and the dhol from Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Assam, can sound totally different, representing the legacy they come from. 

Even popular instruments are not getting enough bandwidth to be able to display their real forms. Folk songs are being sung, but not in their original melodies. 

Be it Bulleh Shah’s poetry or Amir Khusrau’s kalaams, every fusion is diluting the original flavour. Dilution does not necessarily suggest a negative connotation, as long as the original sound overpowers the blend. 

The younger generation needs their sounds and rhythms, as that is what they connect with. A blend of Indian folk instruments with western instruments or Indian folk songs with western songs certainly resonates well with them. 

The nagaras, dholak, khartaal with the drums and the cajon, the sarangi with the violin and the folk songs sung with the keyboard and guitars, find instant support. 

This is perfectly legitimate and fascinating, but it is important to retain the originality of the sounds of those instruments and not lose them in the fusion. To consummate a happy marriage between traditional folk sounds and current listeners, we need sounds and songs, where the originality is not lost and the contemporary blend complimenting. 

This will expose the younger generation to the true sounds of their own country. If not handled with care, there is a risk of losing many instruments and songs, which are a part of our cultural heritage. They will all soon be lost and forgotten and that indeed will be a very sad day. 

The need of the hour is for music lovers to become supporters and bring out the traditional sounds and melodies and blend them with the sound that will only enhance the original, and not destroy it. 

Author is CEO, Showcase Events