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Matangbhai Parikh, a well known name in the Ahmedabad light classical music circle, has been playing tabla since 1993. Having learnt tabla from Krishna Kant ji, a disciple of Pt Jasraj ji himself, he has also been trained in light classical by Pt Hariharan. Matang bhai has also played a prominent role in promoting classical music in Ahmedabad.
We bring to you an excerpt of our talks with Matangbhai.

Your views on the use of technology in music.

Technology can really helpful to benefit the musicians and the singers, but only if used in a limited and judicious way. The real instruments have a charm of their own which digitization cannot replace.

What do you think about internet’s role in the promotion of original music?

I think internet with its wide reach can be a great tool to promote original music. There is no dearth of music talent, but what is missing is the right platform. Many struggling but very talented artists are there, who either succumb due to lack of opportunity or end up selling their music to the big shots for a paltry. This is where I think internet and a site like TempoStand can be really helpful. By acting as a meeting ground for artists and the musicians, it gives the much needed thrust for original music.
As a classical artist i firmly believe that live performances are the place to be. However, the recorded music on the web can help draw people to our shows. That would be a big boost.

Creative Commons India was launched early this year. How do you think such a phenomenon will affect the Indian Classical Music scene?

I think such an ideology would be great for Indian classical and light classical music composers especially the independent artists. As I have already mentioned there are many talented upcoming, struggling artists, such a licensing would be a boon for such artists. It would give them an assurance that their work is safe and at the very same time allowing free distribution of their work. But there is a lack of awareness amongst the Indian artists regarding all such activities. They need to be made aware of all this so that they can also avail the benefits.

As a lay user I am not able to distinguish between classical and light classical forms of music. How do these two differ?

Well, classical is more rigid and structured with almost no experimentations allowed. If something has to be sung in a particular way, you are not allowed to change it. Light classical is comparatively more flexible in the sense that there are certain areas where experimentation is allowed. Ghazal , Thumri, Kagri and Chauti for example are some of the popular light classical forms. However, these experimentations should not cross certain boundaries. A classical artist can be compared to a fish in an aquarium with its boundaries defining the area in which he is allowed to move (read: experiment.)

Sir, what do you think about the classical music scene in Ahmedabad?

Ahmedabad has a rich tradition in pure classical. There is also a great demand for sugam sangeet. Light classical, however, is still in its nascent stage but it is growing and will continue to grow.

Your advice to the upcoming artists and singers.

Firstly, the foundations should be strong before one even thinks of donning the stage. Music is not just about having a good voice or playing covers. You need to understand the basics, about why a particular part is sung in that way. Everyone can croon others’ compositions but making music is an art. Original music is the real music. It requires a lot of creativity, thought and innovation and for that mastering the basics is a must. So be clear with the basics.