07 August,2017 11:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Shubha Shrivastava
With young artistes struggling to find their feet on the gig scene, a quirkily titled jam session for college musicians is a step in the right direction
Gandhar Shembekar and Prashant Nair
It's a beautiful feeling to see young artistes do what they believe in, fearlessly. But often, talent isn't the only prerequisite to get a foot in the door in a competitive industry. To provide a platform to budding artistes, ATKT.in is organising lab sessions with 11 young musicians from the city, who will not just create, but also collaborate. "There are a lot of talented students who need to reach a bigger audience. When we formed this venture, we found that the talent was super-sophisticated, but it existed in pockets and silos," says Ankur Johar, head of ATKT.in, adding that when artistes step out of their comfort zones for creative collaborations, they grow in the process. To keep the magic intact, it is necessary to stop worrying about the logistical overheads and focus on the art.
Neerad Sumeet
"Although there are a lot of people who appreciate music, there are relatively few who are keen to listen to original music. The good thing about this session is that most of the collaborators who didn't even know each other are making music together," says Gandhar Shembekar, one of the performers.
The event aims to push the college students beyond campus performances and create new opportunities to hone their skills. "We've put together three collaborations that will be heard for the first time, and each student will perform a short solo set prior to the headlining collaborative performances," informs Johar.
Neerad Sumeet, a jazz and blues performer, likens these lab sessions to a launch pad. "I am so proud to be part of this initiative as they have created a platform, which will help us get noticed. I will be playing my first original." Another performer, Prashant Nair, says, "While covers limit one's creativity, this is an opportunity to come together and grow."
ATKT also backs the students on the operational front, assuring them that they are not lone warriors. That's music to our ears.
ON: August 8, 6.30 pm to 9 pm
AT: The Cuckoo Club, Near Pali Hill, Bandra West.
CALL: 9619962969
COST: Rs 250
