Mahesh Raghvan - Musicians Can Now Distribute, Market and Produce Their Music Themselves (Carnatic Music Fusion Artist)

Mahesh Raghvan is a Carnatic Music Fusion artist whose artistic goal is to present and create Indian Classical Fusion Music in contemporary ways for modern audiences. He plays new electronic musical instruments and runs a fusion project called FLAIR - Carnatic Music 2.0. 

He has an MSc. in Digital Composition and Performance from the University of Edinburgh. Besides his specialization, he is extremely passionate about related fields such as visual arts, mobile application development, digital media, sound design and film. He is the Creative Director of IndianRaga, and also works with major music technology companies to make Indian Classical Music playable on their hardware/software. Besides being a performing musician.

 

He also gives music technology related workshops at various universities and schools.

1. Tell us more about your background and journey. 

I've been passionate about music and technology since childhood. Having learnt Carnatic music for 15 years, I've always tried to merge the classical world with technology, and around 6 years ago I started working on a technique to play Indian music on iPads.

I have a bachelor's degree in Audio Production and a Master's degree in music production, so music has been an extremely integral part of my life.


2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music and how did you start?

I've been learning music since I was 3 when my aunt Mrs Indira Krishnan started my training in Carnatic vocal music. I was also learning western keyboards during the time I was in school. It was around the time I was studying my 10th standard that my parents encouraged me to take up music as a career. Then, one thing led to another.


3. Who is your favourite artist and why? 

U Srinivas has been an artist who has been a constant source of inspiration. Listening to him play Carnatic music on the mandolin really motivated me. A lot of the techniques I use on the iPad today are inspired from his style.


4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a musician? 

There are tons of opportunities in the field of music today as compared to earlier times. Musicians can now distribute, market and produce their music themselves, and hence there is a lot of space for musical expression. 

Although, one must remember that just like other careers, it requires a lot of passion, practice and dedication to the art to get anywhere.


5. Is format training required or can one train themselves purely on the basis of talent? 

I feel that Formal Training is extremely important in the long term, as it is essential to have a good foundation. It's just like learning how to read and write before you can write your own sentences.


6. What piece of advice would you like to give to the future and aspiring musicians? 

To be completely passionate about what you do. Aim for excellence, and success shall follow.


7. Which is your favourite book and why?

I used to love reading Harry Potter, as I find it extremely entertaining.

- Mahesh Raghvan 

Instagram @followingmahesh 

- Interviewed by - Nishad Kinhikar