Guitarists, comedians, slam poetry, storytellers, singers… Over the past decade, the city has been saturated with open mics of every kind. So why should Carnatic music be limited to sabhas ? With this question in mind, Balaji Vijayaraghavan started Carnatic Network, a forum for Carnatic music enthusiasts, that will bring open mics, just for budding artistes, to the city.
Over the weekend, this capital of Carnatic music will see artistes coming together for a friendly, democratic huddle, without the rules and restraints of a formal performance — the first performer can sing a mangalam (generally sung at the end of concerts), and the last, a varnam . “You can be an award winning vocalist, who has trained for years, or you can be a percussionist who has just started out, it doesn’t matter. All we ask is that your performance be purely Carnatic... Maintain the purity of the genre,” says Balaji. With an on-stage time of around 15 minutes, anywhere between six and eight participants can play at one event.
Given that Balaji is a stand-up comedian, open mics are a way of life for him. However, despite having learnt Carnatic music since the age of seven, he never thought these two worlds could meet. That is, until last December.
“In the Margazhi season, I was at one of the sabhas where a young boy had come down from the US to perform. And it was just a bad day for him… he seemed very nervous, and couldn’t do well. Many members of the audience were criticising him audibly,” he recalls.
The concept of arangetram is sacred to most Indian Classical musicians and dancers: the first time you debut your skills to the world, the first time you are put in the spotlight, at the centre of the stage. That a young artiste would get nervous is understandable, he says, “Which is why, I thought, why not there be a space where novice artistes could make mistakes, and still be encouraged. Something like open mics.”
Full of cricket references, Balaji elucidates, “I think of this as the IPL of Carnatic music; it encourages talent. Before you play international Test matches, you need to do net practices first!”
Of all the participants who have so far applied, one is as young as 14, while the eldest is in his thirties, he says. “I want to see a day when a Padma Vibhushan holder performs with a first-timer.” The idea is to remove the air of exclusivity around Carnatic music, and make it more democratic. “I have seen so many people, keen observers, just waiting for a break,” he says.
The first performance will be hosted by singer Vaishnavi Thirumalai Chakravarthy, who will also act as a curator. “After every event, we will have a huddle session in which participants will get to know each other better, and find future musical partners. Vaishnavi will not only make sure the technicalities of Carnatic music is maintained, but also keep a tab on regular performers,” he says. Looking out for fresh talent, she will help condition people and get them ready for bigger concerts — and in doing so, discover the hidden gems of the city.
The first Carnatic Open Mic will be held at Backyard, Adyar, on April 7, from 7 pm to 9 pm. Call 9080158372.
