Can creativity survive ?

Craig Fernandes' note, 'A tradition betrayed', in the Business Standard poses an issue that has been debated long. Though the article specifically deals with 'music scenario' in India, it also takes upon itself an issue that has wider implications. Craig bemoans the state of 'sound' emanating from artists in India at the moment. He talks about how 'traditional sounds' that were distinct and unique have given way to crass 'remixed' music.

Is he right ?
I don't know. But what I do know is, that the consumer decides what he wants to hear. No one can force him otherwise. The fact that 'crass' music is played, could be a result of listeners taking to it more than the glorified music of the past. Sure, consumers are not purists. They may never know or understand the fine nuances of music, but they do know what appeals to their sense of hearing and they go after that. That is not to say, traditional music won't appeal to the listener's senses. Maybe it will. Maybe Music stations need to give such music a chance. Or maybe they did, and found that their coffers were far from ringing. And that could be reason why they gave up.

It needs to remembered that artistic expressions don't necessarily need to find takers. Its like French movies. No one can understand what the movie is about. It may nevertheless be made. the bottom line is, the consumer decides. Are you in tune with his wants and needs? If yes, you make a killing. If not, you better have had inherited a fortune.

As a closing note, Will this 'consumerism' then sound a death knell for creativity.
NO!
Take Scorsese, his brilliant movie, 'The Departed' was a class apart.
Did it win an Oscar ? Yes!
Did it make money? Yes! In fact it was his most successful commercial movie!
Now, there is a lesson to be learnt.

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