Unifying old school with the new

CHENNAI: The Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music celebrated its graduation with a performance in conjunction with Unseen Underground last Wednesday, at Geoffrey’s Pub, Rhada Regent. The concert showcased the students and faculty by rotating performers for the entire evening.It was a unique opportunity for students to perform outside the concert hall at a regular venue, rather than a traditional graduation performance. “They’re all about the music and it’s great that all the students are getting to play and see the diversity of music that’s actually happening in our Academy. We can always sit and talk and we can give lectures, but the music speaks much more than words,” said Prasanna, president of Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music.The concert featured a wide milieu of musicians and styles that covered everything from funk to jazz to Indian classical music. The bands were tight and blended well, a testament to their formal training, but the music wasn’t so academic that it was inaccessible to the average listener.Many of the students incorporated South Indian harmonies and rhythmic structures into their music. They created incredibly engaging textures through the incorporation of Hindustani vocals and Indian melodies and created a sonic landscape. They even incorporated Konnakom, a South Indian verbal percussion technique that utilises syllables to imitate instruments. It’s a mathematically complex technique that takes meters and rhythms beyond western styles, helping them evolve a complex and intricate style.“I always like to diversify and I don’t want to stick to a particular genre because each one has its own charm,” said Dr S Karthick, a faculty member at Swarnabhoomi. “But it’s like food, if you have an open mind you can taste everything.”Although these new-age methods and styles have received some criticism, they incorporate traditional Indian music to synthesise old and new styles in both academically, and aesthetically appealing way that helps preserve the essence of classical music.Vivian Barghese, a guitar student at Swarnabhoomi Academy, said their instructors put a lot of emphasis on synthesizing classical music with modern, western styles. “It’s something I grew up hearing, but most people aren’t use to it. It’s different. Not everyone can do that. I’m excited.” The concert culminated with a performance by the faculty members that left everyone picking their jaws up off the floor. Prasanna utilised advanced techniques like finger taps, harmonics, and slides to play his Paul Reed Smith like a sitar, sometimes even doubling his lines with his voice. Karthik came in on the clay pot and played some truly incredible licks, and traded fours with the drummer and the guitarist. Overall, they showcased the amazing talent of the academy and proved how beautiful it can be when one combines tradition with modernity in music.