In a bid to discover fresh faces in the realm of blues music, acclaimed composer Ehsaan Noorani, along with his colleague Loy Mendonsa, is taking a seat at the judges’ table at a prominent blues music competition. The event is poised to scout for genuine and dedicated blues musicians, posing a unique challenge to the seasoned judges, especially when bands cross genres solely for the sake of competition participation. Noorani explains the dilemma: “sometimes you’ll receive a video from a band, but when you search for them online, you’ll notice that they are a heavy-metal band only submitting a Blues track to be part of the competition”. Young bands face the test of authenticity as Noorani emphasizes their quest for “pure Blues performers” at the Mahindra Big Blues Band Hunt.
The Mahindra Big Blues Band Hunt is more than just a competition — it’s a platform for up-and-coming talent to shine and potentially skyrocket to international stardom. Both Noorani and Mendonsa hold a deep appreciation for the blues genre, which historically has not always basked in the limelight. However, they maintain that the soulful rhythms and heartfelt storytelling of blues music have ensured its survival and continued enjoyment, particularly in live settings; the genre’s inherent vibrancy resonates with audiences around the world.
Blues music traces its roots back to the Deep South of the United States. It has long been recognized as the foundation of modern rock, soul, and R&B music, contributing to the evolution of popular music as we know it today. Despite this, blues musicians often find themselves navigating challenging landscapes to pursue their passions. “Surviving as a Blues artiste is tough,” admits Noorani, who speaks from experience gained through his prolific career as part of the musical trio Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy.
Finding sustainable success as a blues artist entails more than mere talent and passion; it demands adaptability and a degree of pragmatism. Noorani outlines the stark reality for blues musicians in the current industry, where the international scene may be more accommodating for traveling and performing artists compared to the local circuit. He points out that local clubs could do more to support these musicians by providing them with platforms to perform and connect with audiences.
Noorani goes on to describe a two-fold approach for blues musicians to make ends meet. Firstly, there’s a need to faithfully practice and refine their craft. Secondly, diversification is key — branching out into commercial endeavors, like creating jingles, can serve as supplementary income. Though not a complete solution, these commercial opportunities coupled with the occasional corporate show can at least offer a lifeline to those dedicated to blues music.
While navigating the complex music industry, Noorani imparts that blues musicians must embrace resilience and a willingness to explore alternative revenue streams without sacrificing the integrity of their art. The path to success is often riddled with difficulties, but for those who can withstand the pressures and persist in their artistic pursuit, rewards can be plentiful. The blues community is tightly-knit, and success within can reverberate through the genre and its devotees, heralding a new era for blues music.
In conclusion, the nurturing of new talent is crucial to the survival and progression of any musical genre. Competitions such as the Mahindra Big Blues Band Hunt are integral to unearthing and fostering these emerging artists. With experienced and passionate musicians like Ehsaan Noorani and Loy Mendonsa at the helm, the future of blues music looks promising as they champion the discovery of the next generation of blues virtuosos. Through their efforts, the hope is that these young talents will carry the torch of blues music forward, ensuring its vibrant legacy endures for years to come.
