Want to be an independent musician? Sign up for this workshop

The engines of indie music in India have only started purring so far, before the industry throttles forward in the right direction. This makes the time ripe for aspiring musicians to get into the driver's seat, so to speak. So feels singer-songwriter Zoya Mohan, who will be conducting a three-day workshop, starting tomorrow, on how youngsters can steer themselves towards a successful career, having navigated the business side of things.

A workshop at Furtados School of Music

"I think there's a lot of room to grow, and that's why upcoming artistes should take things into their own hands. This country is very youthful compared to other independent music industries around the world. So, get a band together, create a Facebook page and play a few shows, because this is the best time to do that since everything is just starting," Mohan says.

Zoya Mohan

With that in mind, the California-raised songstress has divided the workshop into three segments over three days. The first deals with the process of songwriting. "One of the things I'll talk about is how musicians need
to be fearless and not worry about writing sh't, since sh't is the best fertiliser for a new song," she reveals.

The next session will offer participants insight into how they should approach industry insiders, so that, for example, they don't end up with a raw deal courtesy a sketchy contract. Finally, the third session will involve the nuances of stage performance, since "the stage is your number one source of revenue generation."

The workshop, then, is meant essentially for those who want to kick-start a career as singer-songwriters or get a garage band out into the public space. And if that seems up your alley, check out the details listed below.

On: October 5, 6 and 7, 12 pm to 3 pm
At: Furtados School of Music, 49, Fern Villa, next to Quantum Park Society, 52 Union Park, Khar West
Call: 9820953536
Cost: Rs 2,500 per session