Progressive Rock as seen through Carnatic musician's eyes
We would like to call 'ProgRocKlassIndian' as how progressive rock is viewed through an Indian Classical musician's lens. In this post, Soumya writes about her evolution as a musician. She also, offers her perspective on Progressive Rock music as an Indian Classical musician. Here's what she had to say.
I've been learning Carnatic music since the age of 6. As I grew up, I had opportunities to get exposed to other genres of music such as heavy metal and progressive rock. Living with a heavy metal drummer brother and a heavy metal vocalist/guitarist husband, it wasn't even an option for me to ignore these musical genres.
The flag bearers of conventional Indian classical music in my circle forced me to believe, initially, that the progressive genres of music were too loud, devilish and completely against the traditional 'values'. In short, I was made to believe that these musical forms were completely DIFFERENT.
Once I decided to figure this out myself, I started seeing more similarities and less differences among various genres of music. I was pleasantly surprised to see the similarities among Indian classical, progressive rock and heavy metal genres of music and here are some of my observations:
1. The time signature changes are analogous to different Nadais of Thaalams.
2. The guitar riffing patterns are analogous to different Sangathis or variations.
3. The basic notes in the melodic structures could be related to different Raagas, most of the time.
4. It's not the music but, the experience that counts.
Have you noticed any similarities among different genres of music? Share your thoughts either in the comments section below or via the contact form.
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