MUMBAI: South by South West 2009, better known as SXSW, one of the most influential and anticipated music festivals in the US, will also be hosting Carnatic vocalist duo Darshana and Souwmya on 13 March 2009 in Austin.
As reported earlier, Indian band ‘Ashu’ is also set to play this year.
On making it to the performers list at SXSW, Darshana says, “We had sent audio samples to the project head there and he seemed to like it. They were looking for artistes catering purely to Indian music and I think we were just lucky to make it. I don’t see it as just an opportunity but as a blessing.”
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Last year, SXSW drew 12,651 music industry professionals for compelling panels, industry discussions, demo listening sessions, trade show exhibits, and five nights of music by more than 1,800 acts hailing from 42 different countries, performing in over 80 venues in Austin.
On being asked if they are working on a special repertoire for their performance, Darshana says, “We will be playing the best of our music – stick to what we are best at. We won’t play anything that is just for the sake of the audience.” Since none of the Indian classical musicians have performed at the festival before this, it will also be the first time that an artiste will ‘sit’ and play. “The team at SXSW told me that it will indeed be the first time that someone will ‘sit’ and perform.” The duo will be accompanied by a violinist and Mridangam player on their tour.
Post their selection to play at SXSW, both Darshana and Souwmya are surprised by the kind of attention they have been receiving, “The amount of appreciation we are receiving through mails and phone calls from other side of the world is huge -it’s totally unexpected,” Darshana says.
Though the duo has been selected to perform at SXSW, Darshana also feels that there’s a lot one has to do to expose Carnatic music. “Most of the people listen to popular music, to attract that section one has to do a lot.” She adds, “Right now, our main focus is on performing live together. We are not really keen on albums – no one really buys them these days.”
Apart from the SXSW, Darshana and Souwmya will also be performing at Rishikesh this year on the eve of Mahashivratri, “Playing at a spiritual destination like ‘Rishikesh’ is certainly more special,” she feels.
