Role of Music Journalism in Indian Music
Subhraparna Biswas,
Ph.D Research Scholar, Performing Arts (Music), Sister Nivedita University, DG1/2, New Town, Action Area-1, New Town, Kolkata: 700156, West Bengal, India.
Abstract:
Music journalism has long been a vital component of the global music ecosystem, documenting the development of musical trends, artists, and industries. In India, where music is deeply woven into the cultural and social fabric, music journalism has played an integral role in chronicling the evolution of various music genres and their interactions with society. The Indian music industry, rooted in classical traditions yet embracing modern popular forms, provides a unique context for understanding the function of music journalism. This paper explores the historical significance, current trends, and challenges facing music journalism in India, examining its role in shaping public discourse, promoting musical talent, and influencing the industry’s dynamics.
- Key Words:
Music Journalism in India, Indian Classical Music, Hindustani Music, Carnatic Music, Bollywood Music, Indian Indie Music, Rock Music in India, Playback Singers, Music Critics, Print Media, Digital Media, Streaming Platforms, Music Festivals in India, Indian Music Industry, NH7 Weekender, Sunburn Festival, Fan Magazines, Alternative Music Scene, Film Music Reviews, Cultural Preservation in Music, Algorithm-driven Music Discovery, Impact of Social Media on Music, Music Criticism, Emerging Artists in India, Challenges in Music Journalism
- Introduction:
The role of music journalism in India is multifaceted, reflecting the diverse musical traditions that have evolved across centuries, ranging from classical forms like Hindustani and Carnatic music to contemporary genres such as Bollywood soundtracks, indie music, and fusion. As a mediator between artists and audiences, music journalism not only serves to inform and entertain but also contributes to shaping public perceptions and the evolution of music itself. However, the digital revolution has fundamentally transformed the landscape of music journalism, presenting both opportunities and challenges in an era dominated by social media, streaming platforms, and algorithm-driven content.
This paper seeks to examine the history and impact of music journalism in India, focusing on its influence on the development of Indian music, the promotion of artists, and the industry’s adaptation to modern media ecosystems. By tracing the evolution of music journalism from its early days in print media to the current dominance of online platforms, we aim to highlight the critical role this form of journalism plays in preserving India’s musical heritage while also nurturing new musical forms.
- The Evolution of Music Journalism in India:
- Early Beginnings:
Music journalism in India has a long history, particularly tied to print media that began flourishing during the colonial period. With the rise of newspapers and magazines in the early 20th century, music critics and journalists started to engage with classical music forms such as Hindustani and Carnatic, providing reviews of performances, discussions on the aesthetics of music, and commentaries on the emerging trends. Publications like The Illustrated Weekly of India and Shankar’s Weekly regularly featured music reviews and interviews with prominent musicians, thus setting the stage for a sustained dialogue between artists and audiences.
During the pre-independence era, music journalism primarily focused on classical forms, documenting performances and providing educational articles aimed at promoting cultural nationalism. The voices of renowned classical artists were amplified through such platforms, helping to codify what is considered the “classical” canon in India. Critics like B.V. Keskar, who played a significant role in All India Radio’s music programming, emerged as influential figures in shaping public taste and defining what constituted “good music.”
- Bollywood and the Rise of Popular Music:
The 1950s and 1960s witnessed a seismic shift in Indian music journalism with the emergence of Bollywood and its associated music industry. Music became an inseparable part of Indian cinema, and film songs gained unprecedented popularity. This shift was mirrored in the content of music journalism, as magazines like Filmfare and Screen began covering Bollywood music extensively, reviewing soundtracks, discussing trends, and offering glimpses into the lives of playback singers and composers. Playback singers such as Lata Mangeshkar, Kishore Kumar, and Mohammed Rafi became household names, and music journalists played a significant role in shaping their public personas.
This period also saw the rise of “fan magazines,” which catered to the growing middle class’s fascination with film music and stars. These publications served not only as a source of entertainment but also as a platform for critical engagement with Bollywood music, discussing trends, influences, and the industry’s changing dynamics. Music journalists, while often focusing on the celebrity aspects of musicians, also provided space for critical discussions on the quality of music, the influence of Western genres, and the evolving tastes of the Indian public.
- The Indian Rock and Indie Music Scene:
From the late 1980s onwards, India saw the emergence of an alternative music scene, particularly in urban centres like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore. Rock bands like Indus Creed, Parikrama, and Indian Ocean began gaining popularity, and a new breed of music journalists emerged to cover this burgeoning scene. Publications like Rock Street Journal (RSJ) became key players in documenting the evolution of Indian rock and indie music, providing a platform for reviews, interviews, and features on underground bands that were largely ignored by mainstream media.
RSJ, in particular, is credited with nurturing the Indian indie music scene by giving voice to a generation of musicians who were experimenting with genres like rock, jazz, blues, and electronic music. These journalists not only helped shape the narrative around alternative music in India but also fostered a community of listeners who supported non-mainstream music. This period also saw the rise of fanzines and other grassroots publications, which played a crucial role in promoting local bands and organizing music festivals that have now become iconic, such as the NH7 Weekender and Sunburn Festival.
- The Role of Music Journalism in Shaping Public Perception:
- Cultural Preservation:
One of the primary functions of music journalism in India has been the preservation and promotion of its classical and folk traditions. Through in-depth coverage, interviews with maestros, and reviews of classical performances, journalists have played a pivotal role in keeping these forms alive, especially in an era where they might otherwise have been overshadowed by the dominance of popular music. Magazines like Sruti and columns in newspapers such as The Hindu have long provided spaces for critical engagement with classical music, helping both to document its evolution and to introduce it to newer generations.
For instance, Carnatic music, with its complex raga system and spiritual significance, has found a consistent place in music journalism, where critics have debated its innovations, reviewed concert seasons like the Chennai Margazhi festival, and spotlighted emerging artists. Similarly, Hindustani classical music has been chronicled in great detail, with critics offering insights into the gharana system, individual performances, and changing aesthetics within the genre.
- Influencing Popular Music and Trends:
In terms of popular music, Indian music journalism has both reflected and shaped the tastes of the masses. From the early days of Bollywood soundtracks to contemporary pop and indie genres, music journalists have often served as gatekeepers, determining which artists and songs gain visibility and success. The review culture, particularly for film music, has had a profound impact on the success of soundtracks. Critics’ reviews in leading newspapers and magazines can influence audience perceptions, and positive reviews often contribute to a song or album’s commercial success.
Moreover, music journalists often serve as cultural critics, examining how music interacts with broader social and political contexts. For example, in recent years, the rise of independent music in India, often referred to as the “indie” scene, has been accompanied by a wave of journalistic coverage that not only reviews the music but also discusses its cultural significance. This genre, which includes artists like Prateek Kuhad, Ritviz, and Nucleya, has been framed by journalists as representative of a new, globalized Indian identity, one that blends Western influences with local elements.
- Music Journalism in the Digital Age:
With the advent of the internet, the nature of music journalism in India has undergone a profound transformation. The rise of blogs, social media platforms, and music streaming services has democratized access to both music and music criticism. Today, anyone with a smartphone and internet access can become a music critic, and platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube have emerged as critical spaces for music discourse.
This has led to the decline of traditional print publications, with several long-running music magazines either shutting down or transitioning to digital formats. However, this shift has also given rise to a new generation of music journalists who utilize online platforms to reach a broader, more global audience. Websites like Rolling Stone India, The Wild City, and Score Magazine have embraced the digital age, offering multimedia content that includes written reviews, video interviews, and live-streamed performances.
In the digital space, music journalism also plays a crucial role in giving visibility to marginalized voices and alternative forms of music that may not fit within the commercial mainstream. The internet allows for the creation of niche communities around genres such as Indian hip-hop, EDM, and experimental music, providing a platform for artists and fans to connect and engage in dialogue.
- Challenges Facing Music Journalism in India:
- Decline of Print Media:
As with other forms of journalism, the decline of print media has had a significant impact on music journalism in India. Many music publications have struggled to survive in the face of dwindling subscriptions and advertising revenues. This has led to the consolidation of media houses and a reduction in the number of platforms available for in-depth music criticism.
While digital media has opened up new avenues, it has also contributed to the phenomenon of “clickbait” journalism, where the quality of music criticism is often sacrificed in favour of generating web traffic. Short-form reviews, listicles, and sensationalized headlines have become common, undermining the depth and rigor that traditionally characterized music journalism.
- The Role of Streaming Platforms:
The dominance of music streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube has also changed the landscape of music journalism. These platforms, driven by algorithms, have replaced critics as the primary gatekeepers of music discovery. In this environment, the role of the music journalist has shifted from one of authority to that of a curator, helping listeners navigate the overwhelming volume of music available online.
Moreover, the reliance on algorithms has created an environment where popular artists receive the most attention, while emerging or alternative musicians struggle to gain visibility. Music journalists, therefore, have a vital role to play in highlighting underrepresented artists and genres, offering critical perspectives that go beyond the metrics of streaming numbers and chart rankings.
- Conclusion:
Music journalism in India has played a crucial role in documenting the evolution of Indian music, from its classical roots to its contemporary forms. It has influenced public perception, promoted emerging talent, and provided a critical framework for understanding the broader cultural and social implications of music in Indian society. From its early beginnings in print media, with a focus on classical music and the rise of Bollywood, to the coverage of indie and alternative scenes, music journalism has not only reflected the changing tastes of audiences but also actively shaped them.
In the digital age, music journalism faces both unprecedented challenges and opportunities. The decline of print media, the rise of digital platforms, and the dominance of algorithm-driven music discovery have altered the role of the music journalist. While traditional models of criticism and gatekeeping are waning, the democratization of content creation has opened the door to more diverse voices, enabling a wider representation of genres, artists, and perspectives. Nevertheless, the challenge for music journalists remains the same: to maintain the depth, rigor, and cultural insight that has historically defined their craft, even as they adapt to the demands of a rapidly changing media landscape.
As the Indian music industry continues to evolve, embracing new genres, technologies, and global influences, music journalism will remain an essential part of this ecosystem. It will continue to preserve India’s rich musical heritage while championing new and experimental sounds, offering audiences not just a window into the world of music, but also a deeper understanding of its cultural significance. By providing critical analysis, fostering dialogue, and promoting a diversity of voices, music journalism will help ensure that Indian music continues to thrive, both within the country and on the global stage.
- Bibliography and References:
Books:
- Bhattacharya Mehta, Rini, and Rajeshwari V. Pandharipande. Bollywood and Globalization: Indian Popular Cinema, Nation, and Diaspora. Anthem Press, 2011.
- Booth, Gregory D. Behind the Curtain: Making Music in Mumbai’s Film Studios. Oxford University Press, 2008.
- Dasgupta, Rohit K. Bollywood’s India: Hindi Cinema as a Guide to Modern India. Reaktion Books, 2016.
- Dwyer, Rachel. Filming the Gods: Religion and Indian Cinema. Routledge, 2006.
- Hesmondhalgh, David. The Cultural Industries. SAGE Publications, 2012.
- Raja, Deepak. Hindustani Music: A Tradition in Transition. Bibliophile South Asia, 2006.
- Sanyal, Ritwik, and Richard Widdess. Dhrupad: Tradition and Performance in Indian Music. Routledge, 2004.
- Sruti Magazine archives. Various issues between 1980 and 2020.
- Subramanian, Lakshmi. From the Tanjore Court to the Madras Music Academy: A Social History of Music in South India. Oxford University Press, 2006.
Journal Articles / Magazine Articles:
- Ghosh, Tanya. “How Streaming Services Are Shaping India’s Music Industry.” Variety India, 2021.
- Gurbaxani, Amit. “The Rise of Indie Music in India.” Rolling Stone India, June 2017.
- Khan, Zaid. “The Role of Algorithms in Music Discovery: India and Beyond.” TechCrunch India, 2021.
- Sankar, Kiran. “Digital Journalism and the Streaming Revolution in India.” The Score Magazine, April 2020.
Interview:
- The Wild City. Ritviz and Nucleya interview, March 2020.