What is MUSIC?Any agreeable (pleasing and harmonious) sound that is pleasurable and has a soothing effect on the listener can be called music. It is very subjective, and this property of music makes it a far-flung topic. Chirping of birds, sound of rain, notes on a musical instrument, a passing by train etc, can be perceived as music. Classical, Hindustani, rock n roll, pop etc, are a few genres of music which people are aware of. A true musician is a one who respects music in totality irrespective of its genres.
From the time we open our eyes and carry out our daily chores to the time we rest our fragile bodies, we hear and feel different sounds. Traffic, work load, family etc, seem to be the crude hurdles of life and the only source of energy that helps us take the leap over these hurdles is 'Music'. It not only relaxes but also refreshes and entertains. One doesn't need a CD player, Walkman, or any other gadget to feel music, humming to a previously heard tune can be accomplished without the need for technology. In our hectic lives it is very important for us to relax our mind and body. Today MUSIC is often used in many psychological therapies and is considered to be a really good relaxant.
Live music is concerned with playing a piece of music live in front of an audience. The act of recreating previously played tunes or harmonies in front of an enthusiastic audience is called performing live music. Zakir Hussain, Pandit Ravi Shankar , M.S Subbalakshmi etc, are a few Hindustani and Carnatic artists who are well known for their live performances. Like painting, drawing and sculpting, music also is an art form which deserves equal respect. Performing live music is the best method for any artist to promote him/herself, it also bridges the gap between the artist and the fans or audience.
Not long time back, did the Karnataka government pass a rule which prohibited any live form of entertainment in places which define the culture of Bangalore. On the path of elimination of prostitution and illegal dance bars, the government tightened its ropes on performing artists like the Disc Jockey's, professional Dancers, Bands who play in clubs and pubs etc, this not only destroyed the culture of the city but also snatched away all the opportunities of displaying talent and livelihood of various artists. These steps taken by the government were not only severely harsh but also contradicted the right to freedom of expression stated in the constitution of India.
The hard working people of Bangalore who on weekends usually relax to the tunes of their favourite DJ's or Bands have to compensate with pre-recorded music flowing out of a computer of a jukebox. Its like wanting to eat fresh pineapples but settling for canned ones. The freshness of public houses and disco's that kept the city alive is withered. Like music, dance is also a form of expression and the Karnataka government has taken necessary steps to make sure that no person can ever express him/herself through the oldest art form of 'Dance'.
From the economic point of view, this ban on live music has also affected the revenue generating abilities of the leisure and entertainment sector. Public houses and Disco's have been affected greatly by this ban also in turn affecting the state revenue. “With a ban of all forms of live performances including karaokes, clubs, pubs and restaurants, the entertainment business in Bangalore is experiencing a 60% loss in its revenue.”- Times of India 8/10/2008. The Karnataka police has been insisting that they are just following the Karnataka Excise license rule which does not permit gambling, get-together, dancing or any live band performances in places serving liquor. Artists whose livelihood depended on their performances have been moving out of the city to other states in search of work and other financial opportunities. What kind of example the Karnataka government is trying to set in this era of rapid modernization?
"You can listen to recorded music, and you cannot listen to live music is something which is not understandable. How can the police say that listening to music in a club and having a drink leads to crime. This has nothing to do with the live band. The attitude of the police should be questioned here." said Girish Karnad a notable writer and an artiste who along with other prominent personalities from different spheres of art like Rohit barker, DJ Ivan, Prasad Bidappa, Arundhati Nag etc, have been reacting strongly to the imposed ban. At the same time media too has failed to project this propaganda. This ban has also affected the venturing of national and international artists in the city.
I being an artist myself have been singing for a band from past three years, and to day I cant help but feel crippled by this absurd rule. I have been denied of dreaming, or supporting myself through my talents. This is not the democracy I read of. This is not the democracy I dreamed of. Is democracy a type of government which supports its peoples interest or is it just a four syllabic word which is manipulated when in hands of the rich and the powerful, and the influential. Today is not so different from 1947, we fought for our rights then , and we are fighting for our rights now. The only difference is probably the people who we are fighting against, the East India Company or the so called Democrats. What state denies its people of their basic rights? what country supports this absurdity? Today they have banned live music, tomorrow they will ban playing music at home. Can these actions of the Karnataka government be justified?
Music is a feeling, it is an expression, not bound by religion, cast, creed or any factor of social difference. Music is a religion in itself, and it has been resolving the conflicts of mankind for ages. If we still fail to realize the potential of this source of harmony and peace, and lead our lives guided by political, communal and other selfish motives, we'll end up burying this universal language of love in our minds and our hearts. “Music is the essence of life”.
