all set for the season

Each passing season is a memorable moment for the musicians as their learning and improvement over the past 11 months culminates in a challenging performance at the end of the year. Artists work hard to ensure that they elevate their music and attract more fans every year.

Among artistes, singers bear the heaviest burden. In addition to improving their craft, they must also protect their voices to endure the rigorous demands of the season. Despite the juggling act of planning, practicing and performing – and some even making time to attend others’ concerts – they are determined to give it their all.

Abhishek Raghuram

What’s new? Every season is new, as our music continues to evolve every year. Innovation can be done while still sticking to our strengths. In fact, their combination will be more effective.

keeping fit: Mainly it is about disciplined diet, proper sleep and physical exercise. I follow this routine to ensure that the season goes smoothly health-wise.

kucheri structure: Every concert is different. Regarding the balance of quantity and quality, it may not be the same every year. Artists generally avoid repeating ragas and kritis. It is a skill they develop over time. Despite the busy concert schedule throughout the season, an effort is always made to present an interesting performance.

Amrita Murali

Amrita Murali. , Photo Credit: Ashok R

look back, look forward:For me, every season is a time of introspection and expression of the music I’ve learned/experienced throughout the year. This time too, I would like to focus on enjoying my music and sharing it with my co-stars and the audience.

balanced approach:The concert should be a sensible mix of old and new.

keep calm: I try to remain mentally relaxed. I follow my normal voice fitness exercises. Regularly gargling with salt water is a good way to maintain your voice during cold weather. Also, I try to space out the concerts to avoid stress.

December Dairy: I have been shown to some meetings regularly for many years. I try not to miss them.

song list:This is given a lot of thought. Considering the fact that one is performing at multiple venues within a month and multiple artistes are performing at the same time, it would be good to make the best of one’s performance without repetition. However, sometimes repeating ragas is unavoidable.

Ashwath Narayanan

R. Ashwath Narayanan. , Photo Credit: Jyoti Ramalingam B

wayward thinking: I hope this season will be entertaining. I, as always, look forward to hearing a lot, learning and of course singing along the way. The lecture demonstrations are among my favorite events of the season.

ideal mix:My concerts will be a mix of old and new songs. I like to present tried and tested creations with a fresh touch. This works well for both the artist and the listener. Innovations need to happen organically; They cannot be forced to fit.

voice care: Usually I don’t take any special precautions. Of course, I try to rest my voice as much as possible on non-concert days. I pay more attention to my mind than the voice. It should be a place of inspiration and peace. It hosts a good concert even on days with poor sound. Sometimes, throat infections are unavoidable, but that’s part of the game.

Kucheri Itinerary: Some of us sing more than 15 concerts in 40-45 days. It is definitely difficult. But most of these organizations have honed my talents over the years. So, it feels great to go back every year and sing there. I like to try different ragas, more importantly, try variations of a certain raga in Tanam, Virutham and Ragamalika. I have some interesting collaborations with some amazing co-stars that I’m excited about.

Bharat Sundar

Bharat Sundar. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

margazhi mood: As always, I’m looking forward to the season. I am planning to explore some new and old ragas and compositions. I will also sing some of my compositions. While performing a manodharma or song on stage, it is always better to stick to your strengths.

fitness mantra: It is important to take care of the body. I try to go to the gym regularly and eat to satisfy hunger, not to satisfy a craving. When you take good care of your body and practice consistently, your voice will remain in good condition. Besides, I prefer quality over quantity. Although it’s hard to say ‘no’ to people who reach out to you, too many concerts can be overwhelming, especially when there’s so much talent around and everyone needs to be heard. So, I try to accept a manageable number of gigs, while maintaining a good balance.

thoughtful menu: In today’s era, when Perambur concerts can be heard in Perth, each concert must be put together with considerable thought and care. Since fans often expect something different, I try to avoid repeating songs unless it is the audience’s request. All musicians try to present honest music to the best of their ability. I encourage aficionados to attend concerts without prejudice and avoid comparing artists. All kinds of things are needed to create the world.

K.Gayatri

K.Gayatri. , Photo Credit: Ragu R

season special: Every season is unique in itself. Even though we perform throughout the year, Margazhi is the month that musicians look forward to.

concert repertoire: I try new Pallavi every season and of course, try to include new creations as well. After learning throughout the year, we try to come up with something new and interesting at the end of the year.

precaution: I avoid eating anything cold and keep my ears covered, especially in this cold weather.

route schedule: There are no specific criteria for accepting a concert. I have been performing for the past few years and prefer venues that have played an important role in my career. I also try not to repeat ragas and kritis.

Sriranjani Santhanagopalan

Sriranjani Santhanagopalan. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Margaazi moment:I enter the season with deep life experiences, introspection, and joy. As always, I will strike a balance between tradition and innovation.

fitness routine: I believe in building my immunity with right diet, pranayam and prayers.

pack it properly:I try to be selective when it comes to my travel schedule. I also make sure that the concerts are far and wide. The key to a good concert also lies in the packaging – an interesting range of ragas and kriti. You can sing a little for five days in a row and still make it exciting. That said, I love exploring a variety of ragas and kritis, especially during seasons. Fans can expect new creations and new perspectives.