MUMBAI : When the Multi-genre music festival South Side Story came back to New Delhi on 31st August, it went successfully. In fact, it went so well that they are now coming back to Mumbai after seeing such an amazing response. The music festival is coming to Mumbai on 14th December.
This time, it is going to be refreshingly intimate and niche for the true lovers of South Indian music, culture, and food. Agam – The Band will headline the show and we will also get to see some strong rap forces coming in as Yung Raja, Vedan, Sooraj Santhosh, and Pal Dabba will mark their debut on the South Side Story stage.
In an exclusive interview with Tellychakkar, Sooraj Santosh talked about making his debut at the show, changing of scene in music and much more.
Making a debut at SSS, how do you feel about the event, something that is so unique and yet so essential for music lovers in order to know the culture better.
Festivals like South Side Story serve as vibrant celebrations of art, where one can immerse themselves in the music, cuisine, and creativity of diverse cultures and styles. They also provide a unique opportunity to connect with others, fostering new friendships and shared experiences. Isn’t it a beautiful feeling to discover fresh perspectives and explore new forms of art? At its heart, art is about the collective growth and enrichment of society and culture, and events like these play a vital role in that journey.
What do you think about the change of scene in music when focused on Independent artists entering movies?
In India, film music continues to dominate the music scene for various reasons. However, indie music is steadily gaining attention, with many talented artists emerging across the country. It’s great to see tracks by indie musicians being featured in films, as it introduces audiences to new music and artists. This trend is not only beneficial for indie musicians but also for the film music industry as a whole.
After so much open-ness in the music scene, do you think that language is still a limitation?
To be honest, while we often say that music transcends language barriers, a significant portion of listeners still prefer music in their own language. I don’t blame them—it’s simply a matter of exposure to music in other languages. For instance, Korean songs have gained worldwide popularity, regardless of whether people understand the language or not. I strongly believe that language is not a barrier when it comes to enjoying music.
Do you feel that the format or method of making music is getting too western?
I don’t understand the concept of something being ‘too western’. Harmony originates from Western music, while Indian classical music is primarily melody-driven with no emphasis on harmony. When creating music, we often blend these two concepts. What is considered ‘too western’ is subjective and depends entirely on the kind of music being made or produced.
If you had a chance to collaborate with an Indian artist or a duo, which one would it be?
I would love to collaborate with as many artists as possible. I deeply admire the music created by various musicians across India. To name a few, Avial, Dualist Inquiry, OAFF, and Amit Trivedi - the list goes on.
Tell us about your upcoming projects?
I have composed music for an upcoming web series titled Sambhava Vivaranam Naalara Sangham in collaboration with Varkey. We've been working on this project for a year, and I’m thrilled about its release. In addition, I’m currently working on my second EP as well as an electronic album of my own. Apart from these, I have lent my voice to songs in South Indian movies, which are also awaiting release.
This was our conversation with Sooraj Santosh before the show, which will be held in Mumbai on 14th December.
Stay tuned to tellychakkar.com for more updates from the world of entertainment.
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