‘HOW WOULD INDEPENDENT ARTISTES EARN A LIVING?’
Anoushka is all for online concerts, but feels it’s ‘tricky’ for independent artistes
The pandemic affecting music industries across the globe has been a point of concern for months now, and everyone has their for hopes pinned on 2021 things to get better. While to funds are being raised help artistes in need, many feel online gigs seem to be the way forward for musicians to earn in such unprecedented times. Sitar virtuoso Anoushka a Shankar, however, has different perspective. “It’s atricky situation she with online concerts.” is feels, adding, “Everybody sudperforming online, so denly you could be watching your favourite artistes from wherever in the world, and that’s wonderto ful. But what happens How independent artistes? do they get achance? How do they earn aliving?” Shankaradds that online concerts aren’t acakewalk. And she’s still figuring things out about live streaming, how much liberty one can take and ensure agood experience. “These are tough times to and my heart goes out all artistes. I’ve been trying to work, write and compose a lot and being very careful about what Isay yes or no to. In these unpredictable times, everyone is figuring out a solution. We need to do more for artistes. After all, we’re also aviable economic the force,” she says, ruing “lack of necessary support and representation”. Work wise, Shankar’s album, Love Letters, has been nominated at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards (her seventh Grammy nomination). Besides, she’s busy with her next album and various collaborations. Recently, the 39-yearold, along with composer the Alex Heffes, composed music for Mira Nair’s web that show, ASuitable Boy, garnered praise. “It was a such agoodexperience, I’d learning process in fact. definitely want to do more TV compositions for both at and films. Somewhere, the moment, I’m looking
I for newer avenues and enjoy that,” she concludes.