Here’s How Millennial YouTube Stars Are Revolutionizing Indian Classical Music

What is the first thought that pops into your mind when I say the word “classical music”?

Boring?

Redundant?

Or is it a mental image of old people on a stage making faces while singing loudly?

If you didn’t have that image before, you do now. You’re welcome.

I’m going to educate you and introduce some masterpiece projects undertaken by Indian millennials hailing from different parts of the world with a sole objective in their hearts, minds, and souls; which is to make classical music hip again.

1. TUSHAR LALL:

In Tushar Lall’s own words: “I wanted to bring the sound of Indian classical instruments forward.”

An untrained musician, who plays instruments by the ear, has only one aim; to represent classical instruments in a better light so more people can relate to it.

He even did a project called “The Indian Jam Project” a few years ago as well as shared compositions on his Youtube Channel which include Game of Thrones, Sherlock, Pirates of the Caribbean, Interstellar. You can find him on SoundCloud.

2. MAHESH RAGHAVAN:

He is single-handedly revolutionizing classical music using just an iPad. According to Raghavan, the objective behind this project of his is to provide a fresh new take on Carnatic music by mixing it with elements of Electronic Dance Music.

His compositions are seamless and perfect. You’d never realize there was something offbeat happening, especially if you’re used to listening to classical music on a daily basis.

You can find out more about him and what he does, right here.

3. SHOBHIT BANWAIT:

This Canada-based tabla player is taking the Internet by storm with his fusion of popular international hits.

An IT graduate who is now pursuing music full-time is in talks with a lot of production companies about coming up with original music.

Check out his videos rocking out to all the big hits like Closer, Cheap Thrills, Lean On and more.

4. THE FUSION PROJECT:

Born out of a chance meeting between two people studying at Oxford University; they started out as jamming buddies and it turned into something bigger and better as more people joined in and they started touring in and around London.

Eight months after officially forming in 2015, The Fusion Project performed with Ustad Rahat Fateh Ali Khan in one of the oldest music halls in Europe, the Holywell Music Room.

They have recreated entire songs with vocals and it’s absolutely majestic.

Never has there been a more perfect idea than to make a fusion cover of Sargam and aalaaps with Ed Sheeran’s lyrics. Everything comes together so easily and flawlessly.

You can check out their work on YouTube.

Also Check Out: If You Don’t Know Of These 5 Artists In 2017 You Are Sorely Missing Out

5. V MINOR:

But this bunch managed to make a Harmonium popular and they get extra brownie points just for that.

Check ’em out!

6. INDIAN RAGA:

INDIAN RAGA is a collaboration project by an education startup founded at MIT. They run a successful music lab that makes access to authentic education in arts easier across the world.

They recruit musicians from all over for unique collaborations like the one below. Their expertise isn’t limited to just music.

They are interested in people pursuing art, be it classical or western music or dance form.

7. VEENA SRIVANI:

Not limiting herself to any one genre, she has covered songs ranging from traditional Carnatic ragas to Bollywood numbers and International pop hits like Love Me Like You Do.

She built up quite a niche for herself in a very short time of just 11 months since she started posting sometime around 2016.

You could use her conventionally customized covers to sneakily introduce pop hits to your parents and grandparents.

Here’s hoping you enjoy these amazing artists and their ambitious music!

Think you know more of such artists? Feel free to post in the comments section!

Feature Image Credits: Google Images

Sources: Hindustan Times, The Hindu, Elle 

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