Diageo Johnnie Walker has launched India’s first digital mentorship program, ‘The Step Up’. The recently launched platform has inspired participation from hundreds of aspiring young adults across the fields of food, fashion and music. Culinary wizard Nikhil Chib, avant-garde designer Nikhil Thampi, and the pioneering musician duo MIDIval Punditz are the three mentors who test and hone the raw talent of participants through a series of interesting tasks, a journey which will be captured in a five-part webisode.
Sharing his thoughts on the webisodes, Tapan Raj from MIDIval Punditz says he’s excited about the whole setup. “The first one is already out and it’s a great programme. I like the fact that it’s all online. In fact, it’s the first time it’s happening in India. Lesser and lesser people are watching TV right now so it’s a great opportunity to be on the Internet.”
Mentoring four boys and a girl on the music front, Tapan explains the series is an elimination process. “But, I must say it’s tough since we are working with really talented people. It’s nice to see that music has become so portable. Lots of new producers are becoming more aware and accessing music faster. It’s not like how it used to be when we guys were growing up. Things are looking good and music is being approached afresh.”
What he would like viewers and participants to take away from the webisodes? Tapan says there are a couple of things Gaurav and he look at. “The quality of the musician has to do with honesty. Just because a particular formula works doesn’t mean you need to aspire to do it. We are looking at aspiring musicians to keep your music honest and unique.”
With the music scene constantly evolving in the country, Tapan says the future of Indian music is going in many positive directions. “Musicians are getting closer to electronica. In another direction, musicians are becoming very adept with their instruments. A third direction — musicians are putting both of these together. Ultimately, the scene is happening and great. Music is now a possible career choice rather than a passion or hobby.” He adds that since CDs and albums don’t sell much in the independent scene, musicians have to perform. “There are now more and more platforms opening up and offering more opportunities. I’m really happy with that.”
So is this the best time to become a full-time musician? Tapan laughs and says it’s always been the right time. “But now, the chance of success is more. But as more people take it up, only the cream of the bunch gets recognised. There is more competition now so you better be good at what you do. Producers are keeping us on our toes and that is healthy. With producers getting younger, the scene is very encouraging for upcoming talent.”
Looking ahead, MIDIval Punditz is on the verge of releasing their fourth album after a gap of almost five years. Titled Light , this is the duo’s first concept-based album which is performance-oriented and will be released in April with a multi-city tour, including Bengaluru. “We wanted to explore more live performances rather than just writing songs – though each has a story of its own. We wanted to create tracks that can be performed live so each track paves way for the next.”
Performing in Bengaluru is always fun for the duo. “The last time we played a few of the tracks from this album and we had a fantastic turnout. Now with the album ready, and backed by some fantastic visuals, we are really looking forward to perform in the city again,” says Tapan.