Drowning #pandemicwoes one musical note at a time
The lockdown was a struggle initially, but music proved to be an escape for me,” says Atishay Bansal, one among the many youngsters who decided to make the best use of time to tune himself musically. The Delhi resident, who recently graduated, would’ve been enjoying his college farewell party right now, if not for the pandemic. “Nothing can replace the feeling of being on campus or attending the graduation ceremony, but yes, singing with friends on Instagram live sessions does give me and my gang a sense of belonging!” Bansal shares.
Youngsters, who have turned night owls while conducting or participating in such live sessions, say singing is de-stressing and it becomes special when they post their music covers online.
“Students have certainly revived their interest in old hobbies during the pandemic, but music has made a special comeback! I know many in my circle and even otherwise who are posting covers of their favourite songs and making videos. Some who are really good have even been contacted by their idols on Instagram,” says Manan Thapa, a Delhi-based graduate who has been jamming with his #boysquad online.
What’s been motivating the youth to turn to music in greater numbers is the knowledge of the fact that we might never get this time again. “Another motivator is their proximity with the viewers. There are lesser things in the world outside that can distract,” says Mumbai-based Shweta Shrivastava, who has been uploading music covers and conducting live sessions to engage with youngsters amid the lockdown. She has also been contacted by various artistes from the industry such as Bollywood composer Ehsaan Noorani (of the trio ShankarEhsaan-Loy), who has appreciated her talent and gone live with her. Youngsters who’ve taken to music as a stress buster have been an audience to their friends’ online musical performances. She adds, “They give feedback to my originals, suggest songs for my mashups, express their love for the music they like. They are also a source of motivation for me.”
“In between the debate of offline and online exams, the stress of placements and the dearth of jobs, I found my peace in music. I don’t know if I sing well enough, but when I’m recording or going live with my friends and we sing just like old times, it’s an affirmation that amid such hard times, there is a ray of hope. The only difference is that earlier, we used to sing or play tabla on the canteen table, but now, we do it using our desks,” quips Alka Yadav, a PhD student at Delhi University.