KOCHI: She is a legend who needs no introduction. Her mellifluous, seductive voice has transcended linguistic barriers and charmed thousands of music lovers across the country. On World Music Day, the nightingale of Kerala K S Chithra opens up on her musical journey that has crossed more than three decades.
The music industry has undergone a lot of changes. How different is it from when you started your career?
Yes, there has been a significant change and technology made a great influence. The recording procedure, mixing, cutting, etc. have all become more easy. Today, duets are mostly recorded at different times and then put together unlike earlier days when it had to be simultaneously recorded.
And what about the change in song style? Do you think viewers’ preference has also changed?
The composing style has also changed rapidly. I think in today’s trend, the songs generally have the same tune all throughout. It cannot be said the audience’s preference has witnessed a complete change. Whenever I go for concerts, people ask me to sing old songs.
What is your take on live shows? Is it a stressful affair?
Yes, absolutely. We need to be very careful while singing live, as even a small cough can ruin it. Once you sing 2-3 songs, you get into that mood and the rest goes in a flow. But, singing in front of a sophisticated audience who doesn’t react much is difficult. Singing before an active crowd gives more happiness.
What does music mean to you?
Music is my ‘life’. It is the reason I live today and it also helps to remove mental stress. I am an ardent fan of melodies.
Even when you sing for a young heroine, your sound blends so perfectly. Is it because of continuous practice?
Yes, of course (laughs). Without regular practice, a singer can never survive. If a singer doesn’t sing for two days, on the third day they will easily understand the difference. I believe no intelligent person can say, he/she has totally mastered classical music. New ragas are being discovered. One can never stop learning music. They should keep on practising.
It is said you avoid cold items and regularly drink warm water.
From my childhood, I am used to such a lifestyle. I have seen SPB sir (singer S P Balasubramaniam) taking cold water and he used to tell me not to pamper the throat more and just leave it as it is. Maybe, it depends on people and their body nature. God has gifted me with a talent and I have to make some sacrifices to preserve it.
You also carry some warm water, a pen and paper while going for recordings. Is that so?
Yes, I still continue the practice. I like to be prepared while going for a recording. I have heard from musicians that this is missing in some of the young generation singers.
Earlier, there were only a handful of singers in the industry. Today, they are numerous. Have opportunities increased in the music industry?
With the rise of reality shows and other platforms, more singers are coming up. If not in films, they are able to make a mark through shows, albums and bands. So the opportunity is there for all. Also, whenever I meet others I feel there is a bonding between all the singers and not a competition. As I live in Chennai, I rarely meet my colleagues. Similarly, I couldn’t attend the meeting of playback singers association SAMAM as I was out of the country.
Tell us about your music brand ‘Audiotracs’ and your trust Snehanandana named after your daughter.
Through ‘Audiotracs’, we make devotional and traditional songs, and the latest is ‘Narayaneeyam’. Snehanandana trust helps sick musicians aged above 60 by giving them a lifetime pension.
What is your advice to budding singers?
One thing I always wish to say to the young generation is they should never see music in a materialistic way. I have heard some parents asking music teachers about the ‘Arangettam’ (maiden performance) of their wards as soon as they are enrolled in music classes. Music should not be studied for any competition or just for the sake of knowing it. It should be a divine approach.
What is your message on World Musical Day?
Music makes life easy and stress-free and I am sure everybody likes it. I wish that good music is born and I extend my warm wishes to all.