The music landscape in India is evolving rapidly, with independent releases challenging the dominance of film soundtracks. Sufi maestro Mujtaba Aziz Naza, in a candid IANS interview, unpacked the allure of indie music and why AI falls short in the creative realm.
Film music, once the ultimate stage, comes with strings attached—multiple stakeholders dictating every note. ‘Indie music liberates artists to create from the soul,’ Naza explained. Free from external pressures, musicians pour their genuine emotions into their work, resulting in more resonant tracks.
Digital platforms have leveled the playing field. ‘Social media lets artists bypass gatekeepers and connect directly with listeners,’ Naza observed. This shift has sparked a indie boom, with fresh voices emerging daily.
Addressing AI’s encroachment, Naza drew a clear line. Music isn’t just rhythm and harmony; it’s a vessel for human experiences. ‘AI lacks the emotional depth to compose something truly moving,’ he stated firmly.
Probing deeper into Sufi traditions, Naza argued that spiritual nuances like devotion and ecstasy elude algorithms. ‘Machines follow patterns; humans transcend them through lived pain and joy,’ he elaborated.
A pressing concern is voice cloning via AI. ‘Artists must be compensated for their likeness,’ Naza demanded, stressing ethical imperatives. As indie thrives, it reaffirms music’s human core amid technological advances.
