When a CD is the first step in a long journey

To see the album of a 15-year-old among the rows of CDs of the likes of Sudha Raghunathan, Aruna Sairam, Sanjay Subramaniam, Ravikiran, Bombay Jayashri Ramnath, P. Unnikrishnan and Nithyasri Mahadevan, is really a thrill. “When you walk among the shelves and you find your image among such stalwarts it is a great feel,” says 19-year-old singer G. Abilash, who has two albums cut by Giri Trading.

In an effort to encourage young singers and musicians, increasingly, music producers including Giri Trading and Swathi Soft Solutions are releasing their audio CDs. “Even though many of these don’t have much of a market, we make them as it is part of our company’s ethos. We believe in giving back something to society and for children, these CDs help in their careers,” says T.S. Ranganathan, director, Giri Trading Agency Pvt Ltd.

For young musicians, recording an album adds weight to their profile just like more performances do, says Ramjhi, founder of Issai Mazhalai, which trains children to perform professionally.

Surprisingly, there is a market for such CDs too. “Mostly, good-hearted people who see the children on TV or listen to their singing at concerts buy them. The children also get a royalty. The productions are part of our aim to preserve music for posterity,” says K.S. Sudhakar, partner, Swathi Soft Solutions. “We also have two Youtube channels — Yuvatara and Sanskriti series — through which we ensure there is some online presence for these youngsters,” Mr. Sudhakar adds.

Getting an opportunity to perform in concerts too is tough, more so for children. “When I searched for an opportunity for my sister’s daughter I decided that I should provide a space for youngsters to perform. We have been organising concerts on Sundays from Tamil New Year this year at our Only Coffee outlet at Silavattam in Maduranthakam on the NH 45 and the response has been very good,” says T.R. Srivatsan, Managing Director, Only Coffee India Pvt Ltd.

The concept of the Kutcheri in the Park is over a decade old. Sundaram Finance has been encouraging youngsters with this effort. Sunday morning walkers and joggers spare time to listen to the children’s performances. “Issai Mazhalai children excel in Carnatic, film and light music. If children are exposed to good music more of them will be interested to learn and perform… for which we need more platforms for children,” adds Mr. Ramjhi.

Young musicians and artistes are getting a chance to cut CDs which are likely to boost their careers