Stage Matters

EP. 29 Kanaxx - High Energy, Great Vibes

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2508371/open_sms] In this episode, we sit down with Ramkumar Kanakarajan, better known to the music world as Kanaxx. As one of India’s most prolific and versatile drummers, Kanaxx’s journey is a masterclass in staying grounded while playing at the highest level. From peeking through a hole in a brick wall in Besant Nagar to watch legends like Sivamani and S. Murali Krishnan, to sharing stages with A.R.Rahman, Harris Jayaraj,   D.Imman, Sean Roldan, Sid Sriram, Amit Trivedi, INDOSOUL by Karthick Iyer, Grey Shack, SNAX, Maalavika Sundar, Kanaxx has seen it all. In this candid conversation, he opens up about the "flashy" early days of his career and his transition into a seasoned professional who prioritizes the soul of the song over technical flair. In this episode, we explore: * The Origins: Growing up in the musical hub of Chennai and how being neighbors with maestros like John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain shaped his subconscious. * The Philosophy of the "Pocket": Kanaxx explains the fine line between playing for the song versus playing at it. * The Professional Rigor: Why punctuality is his greatest prep tool and the meticulous work that goes into managing a professional drum kit. * Stage Realities: Navigating "freak accidents"—from broken kick drum heads during competition finals to beaters getting caught in his pants. * The Modern Spectacle: How the role of a musician has expanded to include stage persona, time-synced visuals, and creating an immersive experience for the crowd.

Ep 28 Tenma - The Artivist

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2508371/open_sms] Join us on Stage Matters as we sit down with Tenma—composer, bass player, and the driving force behind Chennai's most vital musical movements. From his beginnings in a Pursavakkam church choir, soaking up jazz and the sounds of Anglo-Indian string players who worked with Ilaiyaraaja, Tenma’s journey is a powerful exploration of music as both an art form and a political act. In this deep-dive conversation, Tenma shares: * The Bass Awakening: How picking up a Yamaha bass for a school farewell, after years of singing, defined his path, and the moment a complex funeral performance revealed the true depth of music. * The Cultural Vacuum: His frustration with the decline of Chennai's original music scene and the hyper-competitive, yet creatively limiting, college rock circuit. * The Inseparability of Politics and Performance: Why the performance space in Chennai is still structurally exclusionary and how the fundamental problems of caste and gatekeeping stifle creative evolution and growth. * The Militant Maestro: An exclusive look at the intense dynamics of running the 19-person Casteless Collective—a band that merged rock, rap, and Gaana music. Hear about the unconventional methods, including fines for "bum notes," he used to mentor diverse musicians and elevate their performance to a near-flawless level. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music, culture, and social change. Tenma doesn't just talk about music; he talks about building a movement. Tune in for a raw and insightful discussion on escaping the aesthetic status quo and finding the collective groove.

Ep 27 Siva ananth - Allrounder

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2508371/open_sms] In a truly unique and introspective conversation, writer, producer, and lyricist Siva Ananth (Ponniyin Selvan, Madras Talkies) joins Aravind to dissect the very nature of performance, blending personal history with deep philosophical insight. From a nervous four-year-old on stage to his seasoned perspective on a film set, Siva explores his "complex relationship" with performance, attention, and the fundamental shift facing artists today. * Stage vs. Screen: Football vs. Cricket: Discover the fundamental differences between the collective, improvisational energy of theatre (where co-actors are allies) and the isolated, technically perfect demands of cinema (where the actor must "switch on and switch off" on demand). * The Director's Eye: Siva details what makes an exceptional performer: not just talent, but the intelligence and creative choices visible in a first impression. He shares his core belief that a director's job is to guide and choose the best performance, not to micromanage or teach acting. * The Higher Purpose of Art: Moving beyond mere narcissism, Siva shares how the global COVID experience revealed the spiritual necessity of art—music, film, and performance—to sustain and enrich life, even when compared to life-saving professions. * The Future of Human Value (The Final Question): The episode culminates in a profound discussion on the dawning AI age. Is AI just the newest tool (like digital color correction), or a threat to the inherent value of the human fingerprint on art? Siva argues for AI to be subservient to the artist, making the mastery of new technology simply the next essential human skill. A must-listen for anyone interested in the soul of acting, the craft of direction, and the preservation of human creativity in a mechanized world.

Ep 26. Karthick Iyer - The violinist entrepreneur

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2508371/open_sms] This episode of Stage Matters features a fascinating conversation with Karthick Iyer, the highly accomplished violinist and founder of the popular band, IndoSoul. Karthik offers a deep dive into the complex world of professional performance, detailing his journey from a traditional Carnatic musician to an international showman and, ultimately, a music entrepreneur. Key Discussion Points: * The Performer's Evolution: Karthik outlines the distinct phases of his performing life, from overcoming stage fright in his early years, to mastering technical skills in the studio, and finally embracing the role of a "showman" on large international stages with acts like Raghu Dixit. * Philosophy and Technique: He discusses the vital difference between clinical technique and being in "the zone," prioritizing the latter as a deeply spiritual and relatable experience for both the artist and the audience. He also explains how IndoSoul balances planned arrangements with completely improvisational solos. * Preparation and Gear: Learn about his unique pre-show routine, including his strict avoidance of eating before a show, and the evolution of his sophisticated, MIDI-controlled violin rig designed to keep his hands and feet free for movement and expression. * The Business of Music: Karthik candidly addresses the financial realities of a performing artist. He shares his successful model for building IndoSoul as a brand—where commercial gigs feed the passion projects (Indie music)—and offers sound financial advice for young musicians on savings, emergency funds, and avoiding artistic idealism. * Life on the Road: He touches upon the physical and mental toll of long shows, his strategies for managing violin-related physical issues (cervical prolapse), and the magical, irreplaceable energy exchange that defines a live performance.

Ep. 25 Shylu Ravindran - Guitarmaama

Send a text [https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2508371/open_sms] Join us for a captivating conversation with guitarist and composer Shylu Ravindran, known for his powerful work with the contemporary fusion band Jattayu. Shylu opens up about his extraordinary transition from being a prodigious Carnatic mridangam player—the son of a legendary vidwan—to becoming a groundbreaking Carnatic-influenced electric guitarist. In this episode, Shylu shares: * Life Before and After Guitar: How the stage shifted from being a "second home" (with the mridangam) to a "nightmare" (with the guitar) and the five years it took to find confidence. * The Preparation Process: His essential rule for maintaining a "calm mind" before a gig, why a peaceful soundcheck is paramount, and his surprising pre-show routine. * The Spiritual Performance: Why he believes music is a sacred ritual and how he enters a "trance world" on stage where the only focus is his bandmates and the monitors. * The Business of Music: His candid advice on building a successful career in original music by establishing a parallel teaching ecosystem, and why being fit is as crucial as being financially smart. * Rehearsal & Mistakes: Why "too much rehearsal is bad," how Jattayu balances spontaneous improvisation with a tight structure, and why human "errors and flaws" are necessary for a beautiful live experience. * Life on the Road: Managing the intense pressure of touring with a close-knit band and the differences between the conservative Carnatic environment and the free-form world of fusion. Shylu offers a rare, honest glimpse into the dedication, discipline, and sheer joy that powers one of the most exciting voices in Indian contemporary music.