Grammy and Academy Award winner A.R. Rahman is a firm believer in the amalgamation of technology and talent.
The maestro believes that the Indian music industry is reaping the benefits of digitisation, contrary to the notion that technology has negative effects.
All set to enthral audiences in Kolkata — the first city on his month-long Rahmanishq tour that begins on Tuesday — Rahman is in favour of digitisation sweeping the music industry. He asserts that it has not only made music of all forms more accessible to listeners but has also simplified the process of making music for composers.
“Hordes of music purists love to spend endless hours going on and on about how the age of digital music has completely ruined the art form, and that real music only exists in small, underground scenes,” Rahman said.
“However, the reality stands that thanks to these technological breakthroughs, for both the music fan and the music maker, the creative process and the act of listening to music are now easier, less constrained and more accessible than ever before,” he added.
“We are living in a society that is dominated by the digital age. So it is a natural progression that almost every element beautifully syncs together. We need to move beyond album covers,” he said.
Touring through Kolkata, Visakhapatnam, Jaipur and Ahmedabad from October 1 to 27, Rahmanishq will give fans a chance to experience Rahman at his best — musically and technologically. A blend of hits spanning two decades will be belted out to spectators during a three-hour set.
“The concert capitalises on innovative never-seen-before technology, so that the audience can be overwhelmed with such knowhow at every stage of the concert... for an audience that will range from teenagers to senior citizens. The music is a reflection of two different generations,” said Rahman.
Moreover, each city will have something different to look forward to from the versatile artist.
“For Jaipur, I will bring in an element that highlights royalty... for Ahmedabad I will bring in an element that highlights folk dance... for Kolkata I will bring an element that highlights literature and for Vizag, I will bring in an element that highlights mythology.”
