BENGALURU: Singer-composer, Job Kurian, was in the city on World Music Day. Ahead of his performance at the Blue Frog last weekend, the singer who studied engineering in Hassan and visits the city off and on, spoke to City Express about the independent music scene, reality shows and the inspiration that drives his music. Excerpts from an interview:
How does it feel to perform in Bengaluru?
I am always looking forward to performing in Bengaluru. Whenever we perform in Kerala we get a lot of mixed crowds, they usually want filmy numbers as opposed to original tracks. Bengaluru, I feel is more receptive to original compositions. The indie music scene is developing in the city, where every band, whatever be the genre, gets their own space. Whatever genre you play, I feel there is respect for each one of them here, even if they’re hearing the song for the first time, they look into the music and see what it has to offer.
Is the independent music scene better here than in Kerala?
It is getting better here in Bengaluru, but in India, generally, the film scene is much more dominant. I’m a part of that too as well, I sing regularly for films in Malayalam, but I enjoy the challenge also. Artists always love to come up with their own songs. I think the possibility is a bit more in here. I like the vibe here. Earlier there was a lot of indie music in Bollywood also. Later the music market was taken over by the film industry. Now I think it’s coming back to the independent side. Personally, I think it’s a good sign.
Do reality shows work as a platform for aspiring singers?
It gives one instant recognition. However, you have to decide if you want to be in the industry to stay. It’s a long journey to develop yourself as a musician. Reality shows, of course, helped me too. I won’t deny it, but if you get carried away with the so-called success you make in the reality show then it becomes a bit dangerous. I’ve seen a lot of people go this way. That’s temporary and won’t last more than a year. I think only if you do other good stuff of your own, can you survive as a musician.
Advice to aspiring musicians?
Making it big is a long struggle. Whoever is the cream now, has struggled. If you have the perseverance and genuine, then nothing else can come in between you and success. You should not want to make music just for hits. Whatever you want to express, express it through your music and share it with your audience.