A land as diverse as India is hardly ever seen or found. The rich culture, heritage, religious practices & art forms are so diverse & varied that the possibility of monotonousness is almost nil. Indian music is one such area of art where there is something for everyone. Whether you like classical, folk, dhrupad, pop or something else, the choices to satiate your taste & hunger for music is never ending.
For the past few years, our music has started to gain attention even on the global stage. While we had asserted our position in the global music scene already, the idea of merging global cultures with our was something which was not as common as it is starting to become now.
Globalisation of Indian Music
Indian musicians have started to actively collaborate with other international musicians & song composers, which has resulted in the creation of never before seen harmonical fusions. The album Junun for instance, was a collaboration work between an Israeli composer Shye Ben Tzur, Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood, and Indian musicians from Rajasthan. The unique blend of different cultures ended up giving us a blend of Hebrew, Hindi, & Urdu lyrics with traditional Indian & Western instruments in the mix.
Another great example is the song “Echo”. Its creation brought together Indian singer Armaan Malik, Korean-American artist Eric Nam, and an American producer KSHMR. A perfect example of how a track can bring together artists from completely different cultural backgrounds to produce a music that can make its impact globally.
Fusion Genres’ Creative Impact
Fusion genres are, as the name suggests, the merging of two different aspects of music into one. Whether that is through style, instruments or some other way. The fusion of Indian music with various other global styles has been a pivotal part in today’s Indian music scene. Swaraag, a band originating from Rajasthan blended traditional Rajasthani folk with western instruments such as saxophone & guitars. Giving the industry a unique, yet creative Indo-Western fusion.
To give you another example of global culture being mixed with Indian music. A genre called “Folktronica”, where Indian classicals are fused with various electronic elements. This was done by another Indian band called “Samved”. Their innovative approach towards music brought together instruments like sarangi into contemporary music.
Western Music Influencing Indian Composition
Western music industry has been influencing the way we compose our songs in a significant manner. Bollywood especially, has seen the impact of it where legendary composers like A.R. Rahman has integrated orchestral arrangements like jazz & electronic music into Indian films. We’ve seen similar scenarios even in much older films & songs like ‘Sing is King’, where the legendary Snoop Dogg not only made an appearance in the film’s title song, but also contributed a few lines in it as well. Creating a dynamic mix of Indian pop, American hip-hop & other styles.
Additionally, we have also seen the incorporation of Indian instruments like sitar & table into Western pop & rock music even back in the 1960s during The Beatles & The Rolling Stones performances.
Indian Classical’s Role in Global Fusion
Global fusion hasn’t just influenced our music, but the Indian musicians & their talent has also managed to introduce Indian classical rhythms off-shore as well. Zakir Hussain, a renowned tabla virtuoso that we all know very well, did a few collaborations with multiple international artists, ranging from jazz musicians to Western classical performers, and created extremely innovative fusion works like Shakti with John McLaughlin & Natural Elements.
Carnatic music has made its impact on the global music stage as well. With artists blending Carnatic traditions with genres such as jazz & world music. This fusion has led to many performances that resonated with diverse audiences throughout the world. Such collaborations have increased the reach of both music styles globally.
Digital Platforms and the Democratization of Music
The digital era has democratized the production of music & its distribution. This has allowed artists to reach audiences across nations effortlessly. Social media platforms like YouTube, Spotify, & Instagram have enabled musicians to share their fusion works, which has brought them a lot of international recognition.
Take short form videos, for example. They have led to a significant increase in the creation of music tailored towards platforms like TikTok & Instagram Reels. The trend has gained such popularity that even traditional genres have been influenced by them.
Conclusion
The confluence of Indian music with global cultures has led to a vibrant and dynamic musical landscape. Through collaborations, fusion genres, and digital platforms, Indian music has continued to evolve, reflecting our country’s rich heritage while embracing global influences alongside. This ongoing exchange not only enriches the music itself but also fosters greater cultural understanding and appreciation worldwide.