MM Keeravani Laments the State of Indian Music Industry: Calls for More Independent Musicians

Oscar-winning music composer MM Keeravani, who recently gained international acclaim for his work on the epic film RRR, has voiced his concerns about the current state of the Indian music industry. While he is delighted that his success has shone a spotlight on regional artists and Indian music on a global scale, he also expresses disappointment over the industry’s heavy reliance on films.

“In India, music is still very much about movies, and music artists are dependent on filmmakers for their work to reach a wider audience,” Keeravani states. He further adds, “If the film is a hit, the songs will do well. They do not shine on their own, which is disappointing. We need more and more independent musicians.”

A Contrast with the West

Keeravani draws a stark comparison between the music scenes in India and the West. He points out that in India, the process of creating music is often fragmented, involving multiple individuals for different aspects like composing, lyric writing, singing, and arranging. Moreover, the person featured in the music video is usually a film star or a popular actor, making the industry heavily film-centric.

“In their countries, there is one person who does everything — from writing to composing the whole track, and they often become the face of the video, too. That’s why, artists globally have a huge fan base and people know them well,” Keeravani explains.

The Need for Change

Keeravani emphasises the need for a shift in the Indian music industry towards nurturing independent musicians who can stand on their own merit, rather than being dependent on the success of films. He believes that the current situation is not encouraging for artists who wish to carve out their own identity, separate from the film industry.

His comments come at a time when the Indian music industry is grappling with the challenges of evolving consumer preferences, digital platforms, and the overshadowing influence of Bollywood. Keeravani’s call for more independent musicians resonates with many who believe that the industry needs to diversify and provide platforms for artists to showcase their talent independently.