Think up a drizzle trip with whiffs chaperoning you. You put on your earbuds and start your favourite playlist. Sounds like a whole mood, right?
From Dj parties to weddings and walking, music shows the easiest route to uplift a gloomy mood. Music is universally adored due to its potential to uplift spirits and provide complimentary relief. And it's not the case for the listeners; musicians also find their solace in making music.
Proma Debnath is a running MBA student from the University of Dhaka, pursuing her degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Being a regular stage performer and vocalist of Music Wing, a DU FBS-based music club, she shared her bittersweet memories of her musical journey.
"After finishing a song when the audiences shout saying once more, I feel overwhelmed. I think I probably did it well," she smiled gracefully.
"Well, I am happy as a musician. But sometimes, talented artists don't get the proper appreciation they deserve. This hurts me."
When asked about dealing with performance anxiety, Proma said, "When I feel nervous, I look to loved ones like friends and juniors. They keep me smiling. Especially when audiences enjoy my song, it reduces anxiety."
As the old debate of original vs remix has resurfaced again, Proma had to face some related queries, and she clearly prefers originals.
While she prefers getting nostalgic with original ones, she has no issues with remixing songs that bring the old songs close to the youth using modern instruments.
Arman Pial, an intern of IPE global and music personnel, differentiates his thoughts on the scenarios with Proma.
This young musician by hobby said, "Though India is a huge country with an enormous cultural background, the Indian music industry is not so rich in terms of band music. On the other hand, Bangladesh has a wide variety of alternative rock, heavy metal, and metal industries. In contrast, India excels in classical and traditional Indian and Bengali music and film songs. But their culture is rich, along with their traditional and historical music."
"Undoubtedly, we have a rich culture and heritage, in terms of music too. We have a huge musical background, like Nazrul Geeti, Ravindra Songit, and diverse folk music. Bangladesh has a strong pop, rock, heavy metal, and metal band music tradition too. With the rise of globalisation, younger generations are gravitating toward bands and Western music culture," Pial added.
"The purest feeling is when the audience is carrying the music by singing along with you, and you don't have to sing; that's where the gratification lies. It's an extraordinary fulfilment for a musician, mostly for an authentic musician. It feels like goosebumps."
He occasionally posts his covers on social media, believing it's a good platform for musicians to stay connected with their fans.
Sumaya Zafreen, an intern at a multinational company in Bangladesh and former Head of Public Relations at FBS Music Wing, Dhaka University, talked about some changes she wants in this industry.
She said, "Compositions of '60s-'90s songs have the classiest vibe of all time. '90s songs carry the best memories of my generation. So I would love to bring back the vibe in the music industry. I think the lack of public reach is the problem. Both nationally and internationally, we should ensure its reach. On another note, the artists are poorly paid. Artists should be given more respect and value."
Zafreen is an admirer of the Indian music industry.
"Big budgets with huge orchestras can make any music composition lovable. This is why the music industry of India is globally popular. Unfortunately, Bangladesh has small opportunities to grow in this industry, and due to budget constraints, many dreams do not translate into reality," Zafreen remarked. Being a ‘90s kid, she is no exception in terms of loving old music.
For the change we cherish seeing in our music industry, these young musicians have to be prioritised. Their thoughts, preferences and other creative dynamics have to be taken into consideration to revive our music industry and take it to another level.
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