MUMBAI: National Award winning sound engineer KJ Singh is one of the jury members for the upcoming Artists Aloud Music Awards (AAMA). Singh is also currently at work on his documentary called ‘Attention Please!’. The documentary highlights the independent music scene in the country, and features bands like Indian Ocean, Agnee, Soulmate, Pangea and Spud in the Box, amongst others.
Radioandmusic.com spoke to Singh about his experience being on the AAMA jury and the current scenario of sound engineering in the country. Singh said that he has known Artists Aloud Vice President Soumini Paul for a long time.
He also said that being a part of AAMA is like being connected to another platform to see what is happening across the scene. “I do not think giving an award can change the indie music scene, but it definitely is an impetus; a good validation to indie artists, which is good,” opined Singh. He further added, “An award show is a good platform to recognise the budding talent in the indie scene, only if it is done right.”
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Speaking about sound engineering in India, Singh said that is growing by leaps and bounds, something that was not seen two to three decades ago. “Now, there are courses being offered for people to learn sound engineering and many people now are looking at it as a mainstream career choice,” he said. “Even the various sub-categories within sound engineering, such as sound engineering for broadcast, for films, for TV, for bands, for post-production, have all gone up,” Singh added.
He also added that there is an increase in demand for sound engineers. Everything from bands to festivals requires a sound engineer, Singh said. “Now, there is going to be a shakeup between the people who are really into sound engineering and the people who are just getting into it for fame,” he further added. “However, the recognition given to sound engineers can be increased, especially when it comes to visibility, credits and wages,” opined Singh. He further added that even now, sound engineers are referred to as technicians, when in fact, they are creative people. “They are the fifth or sixth member in a band; they are the unseen important people,” added Singh.
When asked about the music featured in his upcoming documentary on indie music – ‘Attention Please!’, which is currently in its editing phase, Singh said, “The film is mostly driven by interviews. The music that will be featured in the film will be by the bands themselves, who will use their own tracks to intersperse between the interviews.”
