MUMBAI: Very much part of the new breed of musicians, Akshay Hariharan, son of noted singer-composer, Hariharan displays all the characteristics of 21st century youth power- talented, hard working and pragmatic- in his approach to work and view of life.
Although having an illustrious father like Hariharan can get him the vital toehold, Akshay is well- aware that he will have to fight his own battle in a hugely democratized music industry. And like many of his generation, he believes that he is qualified to balance the the demands of the market and satisfy his artistic cravings.
He has already made his debut as a music director (for Manish Manjrekar's 'Konkanastha' and is laying finishing touches to a (yet untitled) fusion album that will be a mix of electronic and Indian classical music that will be released in June.
Hariharan highlighted that today musicians and artists had more avenues to apply their talents and skills set to strike a balance between commercial and artistic work.
" Today's musicians have to strike a balance- between Bollywood and Indian music- what they love. Look at Himesh Reshammiya, he is an amazing musical talent and he uses that good effect in commercial cinema. There are many channels to showcase your talent beyond cinema too- audience for different music has increased."
Hariharan, who plays the guitar and piano, is also well versed in the process of making music and feels his forte is in all stages of production right to the mixing stage.
What Akshay is clear about is the fact that Bollywood and Indian music are not mutually exclusive. While the film industry has borrowed and incorporated many styles of music, Indian music as a standalone category is different stylistically in its pproach.
" Indian classical music has enough of content especially in tones and shades. That is why it can even do without a bassline compared to a more simplistic Western classical music which depends on the bass to provide the bottom notes and melody."
On the new trend of using profane lyrics and item numbers in bollywood he said, "I do not mind doing an item song. I believe that there is nothing wrong in doing an item song- it has always been there and is part of Hindi cinema. I don't see any dilution of my musical integrity. But what I would do is leave my mark in the song- my signature that would
differentiate my work from others," he said.