Music of Kerala: A briefing from Sopana Sangeetham to Temple music

Kerala is described as ‘Gods’ own country where there was a King, whose kingdom where all were treated equally, everyone lived happily, and there were plentiful resources. An ideal place to live. The king left such an impression on his disciples that they celebrate his ‘coming’ every year, as Onam. Onam is a festival of music and great merriment. The traditional music of Kerala either be the ones associated with folk arts or festival music revolves around south India classic music. The people of the state generally are the biggest critiques of everything, but such critiques propagate quality. With half of the population of the state living elsewhere around the world, Keralites enjoy a fair share of International influences in their lifestyle and music.

Traditional music unique to Kerala is Kathakali Padam and Mohiniyattam songs. Although there are great influences of neighboring states like Karnataka and Tamil Nadu folk arts and south India classical music, the region is very unique in evolving its own characteristic music. The visual arts associated with many forms of music are very earthy and very much in harmony with nature. Use of colors made from natural sources to bring expressions in various art forms, make the traditional dance and music art performances associated with unique smells and colors. Each festival has a special earthy color and the smell associated with it. Only those who lived there will know what this means. Coming to acceptance of visitors, Keralites are very warm welcoming people who accept everyone. Thus its culture is open to anyone to go and feel in its purest form by living to the basics of life. Music is so much intertwined with religion and is basically the main character of many art forms and associated music.

Sopana Sangeetham

Sopana sangeetham is one of the major classical music art forms only unique to Kerala. The typical Sopanasangeetham not always, but mostly in its traditional style, depicts a Hindu god’s praise. The performances are typically done at the Kalam where Kali happens. Both words roughly translate to Stage and Play respectively. A little more details to the origins of this music relates to the most reverent scripture Geetha Govindam written by an 11th century Sanskrit poet Jayadeva. The very word Sopanam means ‘steps‘ that lead to a Kerala Hindu temple structure. That in itself is a beautiful concept that it represents the steps one takes in own life and each of those steps leads to his/her destiny. The most unusual musical instrument is called Idakka and its heavenly vibrations create the ambiance for this type of singing (The sound of this instrument is truly heavenly). Sopanam is traditionally sung by men of the Marar and Pothuval community, who are Ambalavasi (semi-Brahmin) castes engaged to do it as their hereditary profession. If one looks into the history of music there was an entire time period the music (like in many other states of India) was in the hands of the upper caste.

Here we embed one of the rarest videos of Sopanasangeetham performed and explained by its most revered maestro Harigovindan Ramapoduval. For the non-speaking readers here is an explanation of the first part of the video. He first explains basic raagas that are normally sung during dusk time and there are raagas that are sung during the late night performances. He later explains how the Idakka’s sound (see the musical instrument in the video) is an integral part of the principles of the song and aksharas. The performance added here is a depiction of the love between Lord Krishna (he is God) and Radha ( is an earthy human being) and their separation, their worldly relation that has all human feelings of love and passion.  The subject of Geethagovindam revolves around Lord Krishna and his life on earth. Listen here, how this music despite a language barrier, will convey all that complex sensations of human existence expressed using some simple singing techniques. We are sorry some part of it is in Malayalam but yet this genius maestro has basically talked music so give a listen, sure you will understand. Watch this video for sure.

Njeralathu Harigovindan is a young propagator of SopanaSangeetham. Here enjoy this video. Harigovindan was a faculty in a higher education institute and quit his profession to pursue singing. He is also a very socially responsible human being and he created some novel versions of the Sopanam with lyrics not essentially from Geethagovindam. Here in the embedded video, the song is the praise of Hari (another name for Lord Krishna). At the end listen to the famous ‘Vande Mukunda hare‘  really beautiful. Lord Krishna himself is one of the Hindu gods we can write a whole thesis about.

Kathakali padam

Unique to Kerala and the most famous art form of stage drama. Here we highlight the singing that goes with this art form performed by one of the younger generation singers of this style of singing. The language used in these songs is called Manipravalam (It is a mix of Tamil and Vedic language Sanskrit, Malayalam which is a derived version of this ancient language according to references have been derived from Tamil; Controversial statement though). The songs are sung in Sopanam style as well. See the above video to compare. Veera viraada of Uttaraswayamvaram play.

Mappila Pattu

The origins and descriptions of this music from Kerala need a feature of its own. The influence of the Muslim dialect on the Malayalam language and the Persian, Hindustani influence on Malayalam songs is enormous. The harmony of incorporation of a beautiful culture into the Hindu majority of Kerala’s fabric is very unique. We will be very happy to include this form of music in a future feature and would encourage singers of excellence on Smule sing who like to sing this style of music to write to us, so that we may take a look at your profile to write about this beautiful music style from Kerala.

Ottamthullal Songs

The following is a video of another unique form of art and singing. Pioneered by legendary Kunchan Nambiar, the following is a video of Kalamandalm Geethanandan who died very recently during a performance, a Great performer of this art form and singing. This blog keeps all our hands here to heal all the people hurt seeing their favorite artist die in front of them. A perfect way to go for any artist.

Pulluvan Pattu

A form of music sung to worship Snake, the caste that known to perform these rituals treat snake as their deity. Have you heard of snake worshipers from Appalachia (US)? if not watch this video here. The most unusual musical instrument in display in this video is called PullorKutam.

Sarpam Pattu: A very old tradition of singing practiced in some parts of Kerala. A rare video.

Temple Music (Panchari melam)

It gives us immense pleasure to introduce this form of music one never will see anywhere else in the world. It is the music of Keralam. The temple music. One has to listen to this beauty. Organization and discipline of various kalams that goes through entire evenings and nights and a whole lot of music listeners that stand on their legs to listen and encourage these musicians. This music is very loud and always wondered how those elephants feel about this, all the time.

Vipin’s own place and its music. Thrissur Pooram. It is almost like the Mardi Gras famous in the western world.

MAIN REFERENCEs:

1. Rolf, Killius (2006). Ritual Music and Hindu Rituals of Kerala. New Delhi: BR Rhythms.
2. Many web resources and discussions with our featured singers

END NOTES

We like to end this music discussion with the hope that our readers are a little bit more aware of yet another unique style of music found in the southernmost corner of the peninsula on the shores of the Arabian sea. The effect of the traditional music of Kerala on an entire culture is very evident, time and time again when we screened tens and hundreds of profiles from this state. Everyone here seems to yearn for that perfection in their own singing and in their judgment on others singing as well; thus many times come out very arrogant and judgemental on aspiring singers. There is a lot of openness to a new world culture is needed; need people to stop reading between the lines too much.

Smule Sing as the name says is the Sonic Mule ( In other words, it is “Kazhutha raagam”; a mule is a hybrid of a horse and a donkey with a cry that sounds like a donkey, OMG, have you heard one, it is awesome. We could see why the creators of the app when given the power of Karaoke singing in hands of everyone expected all sorts of music made using this app.  But the creators themselves had shown this app may be used for creating great music like Stanford laptop opera. Essentially this app in your hands can be used for a lot of good creative music and nurture the propagation of it. Let Ge Wang’s innovative idea revolutionize Kerala’s progressive thinking music world. Hope this app will do that magic soon.

Here is a famous Malayalam movie scene in which the Sopanasangeetham is beautifully incorporated. These scenes stay in the hearts of Malayalees like a never-forgotten incident because the directors of this scene knew how the use of Sopanasangeetham will strengthen the mood of this scene. Vande Mukunda Hare’s song is sung by none other than M.G. Radhakrishnan sir. MGR was a famous Malayalam music director who made music that brought the heart and soul of Kerala music to popular film and lights classic music.

{Note: We tried our best to come up with the most correct interpretation of the music of Kerala in our writings. Nothing is written without proper research and references}

This is a reblog of a write-up published a year ago about traditional music from Kerala. A lot of research went into this and it went so unnoticed we want our readers to get a second chance to know more about the music from the State of Kerala.

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POETRY TIME

We like to dedicate this blog to two great poets of Malayalam who gave us the best lyrics that are used in light classical music and film music: Kavalam Narayanapanikar and O.N.V. Kurup. The following is a video of Kavalam’s own son Sreekumar singing his dad’s lyrics. Listen; if you can sing Malayalam lyrics you can speak any language in this world. It is one of the toughest languages to learn.

Malayalam is blessed by one and only ONV sir (O.N.V.Kurup) and his lyrics that made some of the Malayalam movie songs at such lyrical quality levels that they exceed the standards of film music nationally. Here we leave you with this beautiful music from an older movie “Ullkadal” and a song written by ONV sir, The actors in the scene are Venu Nagavalli and very beautiful Shoba (National award for acting at age of 17). Beautiful and beyond words and forgive a poor translation of these great lines.

LYRICS TIME

Poet O.N.V. Kurup
Movie: Ullkadal

Saradindu malardeepa naalam neettee   (The moon of Autumn looks like small light floating in water with red ‘chethipoo’ around)

surabhilayaamangal sruthi meettee (This beautiful evening is playing a musical note)
saradindu malardeepa naalam neettee (The moon of Autumn looks like small light floating in water with red chethipoo around)
surabhilayaamangal sruthi meettee (This beautiful evening is playing a musical note)(saradindu …) 
ithuvare kaanatha karayilekko (Are you calling me to a shore we never seen?)
iniyoru janmathin kadavilekko (or are you calling me to the shores of our reincarnation?)
madhuramaai paadi vilikkunnu (Is that what this sweet song is calling me for?)
aaro madhuramaai paadi vilikkunnu (I hear a distant sweet unknown singing calling me for)

(saradindu …) 

ariyaathoridayante venu gaanam (like a lonely shepherd boys’ song from his flute)
akale ninnethunna venu gaanam (that music played on his flute from a distance is reaching my ears)
hrudhayam kothichu kothichirikkum ( my heart is yearning for his love messages)
pranaya sandhesham akannu poke (it seems all that messages I yearned for seems too far)
hari neela kambala churul nivarthi (like a beautiful blue satin that spread from a crumble)
varavelkkum swapnangal ningalaaro (are you the one, accepting dreams of mine as yours)
varavelkkum swapnangal ningalaaro (are you the one, accepting dreams of mine as yours)

(saradindu …) 

iniyum pakal kili paadiyethum ( Still I hear that bird of day come to me singing)
iniyum thrisandhya poo choodi nilkkum (still this dusk is waiting with a flower in her hair)
iniyum nammal nadannu pokum (still we will walk long distances together)
vazhiyil vasantha malar kilikal (on the way we will see many good things)
kuravayum paattumaai koodeyethum (we together will have many merry times)
chirakaarnna swapnangal ningalaaro (who gave those dreams wings to fly?)
chirakaarnna swapnangal ningalaaro (who gave those dreams wings to fly?)

The above Song from the movie

Come back next week to meet with two singers of your choice from U.P. again. You chose them so make it a celebration you people so proud of your state’s singers.

Nidheesh Vijay – a singer in making

When we introduce Nidheesh Vijay we can’t thank enough Malayalam Smule’s own team Aarabhi. All the members of the team show the highest standards of singing and dedication to music on Smule Sing. Aarabhi and its team leadership by none other than our own Vipin Subramanian, who needs no introduction here. We have written about him and his team previously here. If you have missed it, read the link highlighted above. The feature highlighted why Vipin’s team Aarabhi is picked to represent Malayalam Smule and is a true representation of the land.

Person

His Name Nidheesh Vijay and a native of Aranmula in Pathanamthitta District from the state of Kerala. He came to live in Ottawa, Canada (freezing temperatures and the friendliest people of Ottawa) for his studies. Currently, he is doing his Masters in Electrical and Computer Engineering from prestigious Carleton University.

His early music

His mom is his biggest influence and the reason behind his early training. Nidheesh grew up in UAE for the early part of schooling, where his parents lived and worked. He said, he still remembers vividly how his mother trained him for competition at Sharjah when he was a very little boy; the song was an iconic Malayalam movie song Varamanjaladiya from the Malayalam movie Pranayavarnangal. He won first prize in that competition. That song, at that age, and first prize if a child can sing even, that is amazing. Nidheesh also acknowledges the support and influences from his sister.

Karnatic music training:

Later schooling of Nidheesh was done in Kerala when his family finally re-settled back in Aranmula. Then, he joined for his classical music lessons at Chilanka Dance & Music Academy; His guru is Sri. Puthupally Divakaran (who is also a Professional Violinist) from whom he learned classical music for all the rest of his school age. Nidheesh continued “I consider myself so fortunate, to have been born to music-loving parents and trained by a famous teacher. There hasn’t been anyone from my family who had formal training in music; I would say the earliest musical notes in my singing must be from my mother’s lullabies and chants.” Nidheesh who is so close to his mother seemed to be so excited when he talked about her and kept talking about her long, “It was her strong desire that I should pursue singing. Thus, I started singing on stages from a very young age itself.” Many recognitions very early in my life itself, were the essence of me forming as a singer”, Nidheesh remembers. He continued, “Such was the support that I got from my family, teachers, and friends. I would say, that is what made me who I am today. I used to be so scared on stages (even now), but once I step on the stage, I forget what’s happening around me and just sing my heart out”.

Guru Pranamam– Here is a concert by Sri. Puthupally Divakaran. He must have a lot to be proud about this student of his to be here and have his Kacheri embedded.

Engineering College days

Nidheesh fondly remembers that just like in School days the love and encouragement from his colleagues at the engineering college were overwhelming and pivotal in gaining confidence as a singer. Becoming a final-round competitor in my freshman years at engineering college events was something. “I chose the song Gange from vadakkumnathan for the final round performance. (a very tough composition, immortalized by KJ) “I still remember the standing ovation and multiple rounds of applauses while I was singing. It was one of the proudest moments of my singing career, and I feel so blessed.”

Life at TCS – Work and Music

Soon after his graduation, Nidheesh joined TCS Kochi. Although it is an IT business there also Nidheesh found excellent music groups and joined the music club called Iraaga. Nidheesh remembers, how talented the group was. He thinks “to be able to sing with such a great group of singers and perform with them was a learning experience for me”. He continued, “It truly helped me improve myself, not only as a singer but as a stage performer as well. It was during those days, I came to know about Smule Sing. Singing on Smule started as fun singing, but later it become something I’m so serious about. I liked it because It gave me an opportunity to get in touch with so many awesome talents all across the world. Smule has always pushed me to get better out of my singing. It was later that I got a chance to join the musical group Aarabhi, where I got to make friends with highly talented singers like Vipin. I am very thankful to Vipin Chettan to propose my name for a feature here. This is truly my dream come true.”

What do you want to do with your music?

“Sing every stage I can and learn as much music as possible, I can not stay away from music.”

What is you thoughts about your fellow singers on Smule Sing?

“There is a lot of talent up on Smule Sing. I enjoy all the experiences. My thought about fellow singers would be that I would like them to be more serious, professional about music so that they open up the better competition to newbies which will motivate them to improve. It’s all about getting better day by day.”

What genre of music do you like?

“Melodies, Semiclassical, Love to listen to dance and party numbers a lot, although I normally do not try to sing them.” Nidheesh for a change laughed big.

World music?

“Yes, growing up in the middle east made me listen to and like singers like Nancy Ajram, and I have a real liking for the music of Arabia.”

Nidheesh said it is the universality of music that amazes him most. “When I started living abroad then I realized this aspect of music more and more: Sometimes when on Smule people mix Ellie Goulding song ‘Love me like you do with songs like “Channa mereya”, it sounds so right and that is amazing what happens quite often on Smule.”

Bad lyrics a problem?

“Strong support for good lyrics and nothing more can make me happy than listening to a good song with good lyrics.”

Any fav music directors?

Sharreth Sir, M.G. Radhakrishnan sir, Vidya Sagar.

Male singer fav?

Venugopal, M.G. Sreekumar and Arijit Singh

Female singers?

K. S. Chithra, Swetha Mohan, Shreya Goshal. Chitra’s voice is divine, while Arijit Sing’s feel in his songs makes Nidheesh move.
“I can keep going for male singers like, Hariharan and another singer I am absolutely in love with is, Sonu Nigam.”

“My last thoughts, sometimes many good singers when commented about their mistakes are either annoyed or ignore it altogether. It is very sad. But for me every song I take is important and I do a lot of practice and see every join or comment on my invites as an important lesson to learn from. I am so thankful for all my co-signers on team Aarabhi, and all my followers who regularly listen to my music and write to me. I am so grateful to all and they all are so valuable in my music career. I want to thank everyone for this. You guys have constantly supported me throughout my musical journey and have never failed to push me to my limits. The results of all this have been very fruitful. At this point in my life, my heart is filled with gratitude and hope to pursue a career as a musician. I aim for creating a signature in people’s hearts through my music.” Well said and we wish Nidheesh all the best wishes for this.

With that, we came to a very long chat with Nidheesh on a very cold Sunday morning in Ottawa. At the end of it, it was so evident how Nidheesh’s view on music is mature and how serious a singer he is. More to it, the encouragements that his mother and other family and friends showered on him mattered forming Nidheesh as a singer. Most of the stories we brought here also strike a chord in our thoughts when we all look back on ourselves as well. Each story is unique and we are very happy to bring Nidheesh’s story of a very young talent just starting his adult life. Let us all encourage him and stand with him in this journey.

Let us hear his singing without much delay. Here is one of the toughest compositions made in Malayalam. Tough 100/100. Listen to how Nidheesh nailed it. The beautiful song made in the Reethigowla, music director Sharreth made this so tough, only this could be sung effectively by KJ. Listen to Nidheesh version of it. There are only a few singers on Smule ever able to try to sing this. Nidheesh is one among them.

Nidheesh sings an award-winning song by M.G. Sreekumar from an iconic Malayalam movie Kireedam. Beautiful composition by Johnson master. MGS is Nidheesh’s favorite song as well. Give a listen.

Raveendran’s beautiful composition and again MG Sreekumar’s signature songs. Interestingly, this song is also is made in Reetigowla raaga. Beautiful lyrics by Kaithapram. This raaga as per analysis elsewhere evokes Karuna and Bhakti rasas. It is a challenging raaga that is challenging in its form known as Ghana raaga and typical compelling upper registers with zig-zag breathtaking glides. Definitely one of the toughest songs to sing. Listen to both this one and the above one by Sharrreth composition. Arohana avarohana for this raaga are S G R G M N N S and S N D M G M P M G R S.

Here Nidheesh takes a Smule trendsetter song by music director Kailas Menon Sir. A fan of this song and give a listen. The female singer is Sapna Ram.

Vidyasagar sir’s magic in Raaga Dharmavathi was sung originally by Hariji and Chitra. The female singer who joins here is a phenomenal Malayalee singer Mufi Majid is an absolute pleasure to bring here. Her name had been suggested by a million people on Smule for a feature and we will cover her story if she is ready to speak with us directly. This performance here is outstanding by any standards of professional singing. Lyrics by Kaithaparam.

All of Aarabhi team members (Vipin as well) want to mention Sowmya and her support on Smule. Here she joins on Nidheesh’s invite. Super singing here as well. Again this is an MG Sreekumar song music direction under his famous brother music director MGR. Raagam Shankarabharam. Originally sung along with MGS is beautiful Malayalam singer Manjari.

END NOTES

At the end of it, all we can say is that it was one of the easiest cases when screening for a singer to take a spot here. Many agreed that he totally deserved a spot here. Nidheesh is one of the singers who told us during the interviews that he had dreamed of this day when he will be a featured singer on the India Smule blog page. Indeed it was our pleasure to write and present him here and show our support in his music career. Hope when Nidheesh goes on to become a famous musician this feature remains his first published record of achievements. We are happy it is that way. All the best wishes for Nidheesh and hope he keeps up your good work.

Vipin Subramanian- a singer who know the heart of Kerala

INTRODUCTION

This is an effort to keep our promise to previously featured singers whose stories are published as combined with another singer that they all get a chance to tell their stories individually. Vipin had been such great support and a friend to the blog. Last time around when we featured him we talked about one of a kind group called Aarabhi he lead Smule Sing (with the main members of the team being Jyothi Rajan, Swetha Soman, and Yadunath) all great singers.

The team Aarabhi member Swetha Soman went on to be one of the finalists on a highly acclaimed show called “Super4” on Mazhavil Manorama TV, where music directors Sharreth, Shan Rahman, Deepak Dev, and singer Sujatha Mohan were the judges. Not a feat to be the finalists on such tough judges on the panel. On the other hand, Jyoti Rajan another Aarabhi member, and her highly acclaimed join on Prassanna sirs invite on Smule Sing is a remarkable achievement and endorsement of the quality and hard work of singing from this group. Vipin’s support and leadership of its members had been the key reason for this quality of singing. That is why Vipin is here one more time in our features. He kept his cool despite all the odds and tried the best of his abilities to keep this group encouraged.

When we got him on the phone line as usual the calls to our cultural capital Thrissur was problematic with no ability to hear on this end. Despite all the problems, when we finally got connected with Vipin, we saw a very familiar Vipin with his pleasant smile and more striking simplicity. It was one of the most enjoyable times when one meets with such simple people and their stories that one realizes how life became so complex for most of us. Thanks to Vipin for proposing Nidheesh from his team Arabhi for a feature to go with him. No end to such open-minded and supportive members on Smule Sing.

Vipin -The person

Vipin works for the Kerala State Electricity Board and Vipin is from the great cultural capital of Kerala Thrissur. Vipin grew up in the world of temples and music and a lot more of the cultural capital to offer. He is trained in classical music very early age itself, even though he did not continue his studies in his later life.

When we met him this time around, he is stepping into his adult life and was very excited to share the good news of his marriage to his long-time friend. Congratulations on the new milestone. This is our gift to Vipin and his new family.

Smule and Friends

Vipin is the true friend to many, he specifically mentioned Niksmb (Nikhil Bhaskaran) whose support in the beginning when he joined the Smule. Also, he wants to mention here Sowmya and her support. Vipin said this about his invites and joiners on Smule, “I make sure I write back to all my joiners something positive. I can’t go without doing so, despite hundreds of messages on my wall and Inbox. I value my supporters and followers the most. “

Meeting Kailasmenon Sir during Smule meet

Smule has brought many things that would not have been possible otherwise. “I get to meet with music director Kailas Menon sir during the Smule Samgamam. He was such a kind person and was willing to be judging in on one of the competitions Aarabhi conducted on Smule Sing.”

Vipin had run many competitions on the Smule Sing and thus kept a lot of local singers engaged in the Smule Sing. Vipin said, “Aarabhi, now have many new members, I will send you some collaborations we did together.” Nidheesh is a new addition to our group and I am very proud of him. Although some old members like Swetha Soman and Yadunath are not active with us, I am happy we added many more nice singers to our group. I wanted to do some group performances for a long time. We are at the moment is just singing through Smule collaborations. But we will be doing more active stage shows and that kind of program soon.”

Any particular genre of songs?

I love singing songs of our state (Nadan pattukal). On a different tone, I really like listening “adipoli” songs, although I can’t sing such numbers. Melodies are my heart is in and also same for semiclassical. I love all songs made by Malayalam music director M. Jayachandran.

A FAN OF JAYETTAN (Jayachandran)

“Singer Unnikrishnan is one favorite, But Jayachandran is my favorite singer of Malayalam playback singing. I can keep singing any number of songs from his collections.”

The music without good lyrics is a big no for Vipin.

“No lyrics, no music. Malayalam playback is always known for the poets as our lyricists. Such are the standards we keep here in the south. I am very proud of that and I hope it remains unique that way.”

The lack of a good internet connection cut short our conversations with Vipin and we had to say goodbye to him halfway through the call.

When we part, we were so glad we made this call and get to know about this small group of singers from a very culturally active part of our little state of Kerala. We have seen many good singers from here for sure previously. We are glad we come to know more singers like Vipin. Let us hear Vipin’s singing and his team Aarabhi collaborations without delay. We wish the team Aarabhi a very happy singing on Smule and we want to acknowledge all the singers on his team. All Aarabhi members please come and write a message in the reply line here we will add pictures from your profile into this feature.

Arabhi team’s first song pick is a classic from Sagara Sangamam sung originally by SPB sir. Aarabhi team get together to do magic here for sure. Very commendable collaborations.

A proud team of Aarabhi, a true representation of Malayalam. Under the proud guidance of Vipin. So proud to add this song here. Kudos team Aarabhi. Great job dressing up for the occasion. All the respect for the great culture and the nurture.

Vipin’s pick of his favorite collaborations with his Smule associations. This one is with Jyothi Rajan.

“Sharadindu Malardeepanalam”……The last time around we did cover this song in our lyrics section when Vipin was featured. The lyrics by the Malayalam poet ONV Kurup and sung by none other than Jayachandran who is Vipin’s favorite playback singer. This invite of Vipin is probably the best version of this song on Smule Sing and also as good as the original.

Joined here with Vipin is a friend absolutely phenomenal voice on Malayalam Smule Nima; She is super shy, don’t even realize how good a singer she is. She is a very young Pharmacy student from Kerala. Listen to this singer and also follow her at her Smule ID here. An absolute pleasure to add this song of Nima in Vipin’s feature.

Solos from Vipin’s choice. Enjoy this song In Pahadi raaga, Johnson Sirs music direction originally sung by MG Sreekumar. This is what is unique about Vipin when asked to pick songs and there is this beautiful taste for songs like this that absolutely define Vipin as a singer. It is what makes Vipin is a great singer. Careful choice of songs and absolute careful execution of it. Vipin needs just this song to show everyone who he is as a singer. Love this singer.

Raathingal poothali charthi, Johnson Sir music direction, music director M. Jayachandran Vipin’s favorite music director here. KJ sang the original. Careful execution of songs and the discipline in singing is something to learn from Vipin.

Minni Chinnum from a less known young music director/ singer Sreeraj Sahajan. Again this is what Vipin is. He has that ear for the best tunes. We say this is one of the best of best of Vipin.

Friends all the way. With Soumya who Vipin says had been a support all through. Enjoy this. Another original Malayalee music director Ousepachan song, Sung originally by KJ and Chithra.

Etho oru paatu en kathil kelkum, A tamil song originally sung by Hariharan.

END NOTES

We are so happy to write about Vipin due to several reasons. He is so unassuming that he supported his friends on Smule and team Arabhi unconditionally with all his heart. There are two singers from his team that he took with him to our features here. His small efforts to encourage many singers from Malayalam is amazing. He is the super magnet for the team and the best bet. Team Arabhi, by its nature and meaning of the name, very much reflects the heart of Kerala. It is one of the most promising groups from Kerala, that stand a great chance to bring great music of Kerala to all of India. I Hope Vipin pretty soon will make his team perform in public and be successful with stage shows throughout India. All the best guys. Enjoy more of Vipin’s singing here.

COKE STUDIO – a world of heaven for musicians

This is a reblog of a previously published feature, which went unnoticed. Coke Studios is a great effort from Pakistan, set for encouraging musicians who get a lot of freedom of self expression; on this music show singers get a platform to show their creativity and freedom which they never can ask for anywhere else.

It was MTV that had the MTV unplugged on Sunday evenings where they invite musicians and they just sit in front of the camera and sing. Smule Sing is an app that also can be used effectively to show what one singer can do freely. It is a powerful tool in the hands of this new age singers. Lots of singers we featured here especially Amritha, Tanmay and Riya, Dipanwita all showed how effectively the Smule Sing can be used to show their creativity and have the freedom to sing anything they want.

Atif Aslam

Coke studio is a Pakistani television series, where an artist established or emerging get ro record songs in live studio mode. It mainly uses singers from following languages Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, English, Persian, Pashto, Turkish and Sindhi. Although in the first season audience were invited to the studio for the live recordings, later the producers took the audience out of the show. Yet, all the episodes are recorded live recording in studio.

Fateh Ali Khan

There is a special feel in the music from Pakistan, it is music of India for sure, yet it got separated and may be this music will heal all that feelings. All the way fans of many Pakistani musicians and their ability to bring the heaven down.

Here we are adding the top 10 hits of all time from this beautiful television series here. Rahat, Atif and Momina songs goes to the top of our likes here. All the way Rahat, Atif and Momina fans. They are singers from Heaven. These three singers produced some music on this show is outstanding in its caliber.

Rahat Fateh Ali Khan ft.Momina Mustehsan  160 Million plays on You Tube. OMG this is what is one need to hear when one want to  go for a concert. Sure listen the first five. It is a ghazal song written by Javed Akhtar and composed by Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. Its success is unbelievable, with a you tube video hit a 100 million in less time.

No2 Taj Dare Haram- Atif Aslam 141 Million times viewed; hands down fan of him Awesome voice texture and best on Coke Studio productions. History of this song goes with the famous Pakistani Sabri brothers Sufi style Qwwali songs and this particular one is theirs. But Atif made it more beautiful by snging a classic even better.That is the genius in Atif as a singer. read about the Sabri brothers here Ghulam Farid Sabri & Maqbool Ahmed Sabri .

Tera Woh Pyar (Nawazishein Karam= mean kindness ) Asim Azhar and Momina Mustehsan 85 Million Hits. Momina, Momina, Momina all the way and more………………………………… Asim the youngest performer invited on Coke studio, he is also son of famous actor Gul e Raana, and Asim is into acting as well. Sing like that… great job.

59 Millioin hits, Have to ask this Is Atif an Angel from heaven? Her real name is Menzara, she is a Pashto singer, this song right here with Atif made a career for her. Pashto is also known as Afghani (pertains to Afghanistan). Pashto is a language of Pashtuns. Very unique culture and songs.

40 Million Arif Lohar is known for his folk singing from Punjab province of Pakistan. This one sure take one to the dance floor. Such is the rhythm of this song and it will keep one hooked to such beats.

35 Million, Another gem. Shiraz is a music producer who owns a music studio in Pakistan. Rafaqat Ali Khan is the first singer he comes from a great lineage of classically trained singer family. He is the son of the singer Nazakat Ali Khan and nephew of Salamat Ali Khan of Sham Chaurasia gharana. He is the cousin of Shafqat Ali Khan. His singing is out of this world.

19 Million hits

19 Million, Another from Fateh Ali Khan

14 Million hits, and this one most sweetest of the melodies. It will catch up more for sure. QB became famous from a TV serial title song. Beautiful song. Give a listen. Loved the way the singers dressed up to give the ambience.

We love this one, although it is not among the most popular ones; we added Bewajah, by Nabeel Shaukat Ali, is a close to heart song.

Ranjish Hi Sahi by Ali Sethi also is an awesome coke studio production. We also have our own Swapnil Gore singing this very version here as well.

Swapnil Gore

Tajdar e Haram- Sung by Tanmay Chaturvedi – our previous featured Singer 

Lyrics time (Translation)

Let a life of peace and contentment be my fate
May my ship never sink even in troubled waters
Let this be my fate
It’s not that heaven would not be acceptable to me, but
O Writer of Destinies, let Medina be my fate

O king of the holy sanctuary
O king of the holy sanctuary
Bless us with your merciful gaze o king of the holy sanctuary
Bless us with your merciful gaze o king of the holy sanctuary
Bless us with your merciful gaze
So that our days of woe may turn for the better
O patron of the poor, what would the world say
O patron of the poor, what would the world say
If we return empty-handed from your door?
O king of the holy sanctuary
O king of the holy sanctuary

We have no one to call our own, we are stricken with grief
We have no one to call our own, we are stricken with grief
We come and cry for justice at your door
Please spare us a merciful glance, or we will
Please spare us a merciful glance, or we will
Die at your threshold, crying your name
O king of the holy sanctuary
O king of the holy sanctuary

What should I tell you, O Prince of Arabia
You already know what is in my heart
In your separation, O you who bear the title of the Untaught One
Our sleepless nights are so hard to bear
In your love, I have lost all sense of consciousness
How long will I remain in this state of unconsciousness?
Cast a stolen glance towards me sometime
Turn your ear to my words sometime
No one has ever returned empty-handed from your door
No one has ever returned empty-handed from your door
No one has ever returned empty-handed from your door
Each seeker has returned with his desires fulfilled
Each seeker has returned with his desires fulfilled
For your sorrowful lover
O master, please spare a glance for your sorrowful lover
Else the pages of existence will become disarrayed
O master, please spare a glance for your sorrowful lover
Else the pages of existence will become disarrayed
O king of the holy sanctuary
O king of the holy sanctuary

Come, devoted lovers, let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go to Medina!
Come, devoted lovers, let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go to Medina!

Come, let’s go to Medina!
Come, let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go this very month
Come, let’s go to Medina!
Come, let’s go to Medina!
Come, let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go this very month
Come, let’s go to Medina!

The wonders of His Glory are glitteringly manifest in Medina
The wonders of His Glory are glitteringly manifest in Medina
The ardent gaze knows boundless fulfilment in Medina
The ardent gaze knows boundless fulfilment in Medina
There’s neither sorrow of life nor fear of death in Medina
There’s neither sorrow of life nor fear of death in Medina
We will perform the prayer of Love in Medina
We will perform the prayer of Love in Medina
Clear and direct is the path to God in Medina

Let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go this very month
Let’s go to Medina!

Come, devoted lovers, let’s go to Medina!
Come, devoted lovers, let’s go to Medina!
Let’s go and drink from the hand of the
Cupbearer of Kausar
Let’s go and drink from the hand of the
Cupbearer of Kausar

Keep in mind that
Keep in mind that
Keep in mind that
Keep in mind that

There is fear of the storm, and dread of lightning
There is fear of the storm, and dread of lightning
Our distress is severe, master, to whom should we turn?
Our distress is severe, master, to whom should we turn?
If you would not trouble to see how we fare
Our afflictions would surely kill us
If you would not trouble to see how we fare
Our afflictions would surely kill us
O king of the holy sanctuary
O king of the holy sanctuary

O Mustafa, O Mujtaba, show us mercy
Yours is the hand all the helpless and hopeless grasp
I am a sinner, feeble and helpless
Friendless and destitute, and you
Are the only one who cares for me
O musk-willow, scattering fragrance
O sweet breeze of the early morn
O you who cures ills, O you with the breath of Jesus
O consoler of the grief-stricken
O auspicious messenger
I beg you in the name of that same fragrance
O morning breeze, if you go
To that sacred land someday
Present my greetings at the blessed grave
Where the revered Prophet rests

O king of the holy sanctuary, bless us with your merciful gaze
O king of the holy sanctuary, bless us with your merciful gaze
So that our days of woe may turn for the better
O patron of the poor, what would the world say
O patron of the poor, what would the world say
If we return empty-handed from your door?
O king of the holy sanctuary
O king of the holy sanctuary
O king of the holy sanctuary

END

Shravan Narayan- a genius musician from a genius lineage

Introduction

Shravan Narayan

This is continuation of last weeks series facilitated by two of our peers Lakshmipriya and LaxmiPreethi. This feature is one heck of an effort to bring this story to you all here. This feature was planned with Shravan and we also had interest to bring here an interview with his famous dad Cherthala K. N. Renganatha Sharma. Due to several scheduling conflicts these efforts kept post-poned. It had been four months since Shravan interviewed for this particular feature. Possibly the longest wait for anybody. Problems and delays apart here we are so proud to present this genius son of a great scholar of South India’s Carnatic music, Shravan Narayan

Never had such a tough time to get another singer on phone as Shravan. A phone line that so hard to hear on this end, the struggle to do this here is monumental. Yet we will try our best to comprehend what we heard.

Shravan and His musical family

When we talk about Shravan and his music we will have to speak about a long lineage of his forefathers being Carnatic musicians. Definitely we cannot miss mentioning his celebrated dad the famous South India’s Carnatic musician Dr. K. N. Renganatha Sharma. Our first question to Shravan was related to growing up as a son of a famous Carnatic musician and living under the limelight.

How difficult was to be known as coming from such famous family of Carnatic musicians when you started singing public?

“It is a blessing for sure to have had training from such great dad whose knowledge on Carnatic music was right with me when my sister and myself learned our basics. Appa, comes from a small place called Chertala near Cochin , Kerala and he went onto do M.Phil and PhD in music in Chennai and later accepted a Professorship at the Government Music College in Palghat. My mom is also a music teacher. My sister also now studying music seriously like my dad and she practices for almost eight to ten hours music everyday.”

When you sing on stage, are the expectations from everyone kind of high that it become an unwanted attention?

“Yes, it is a big problem, but I like music and it is not anybody forced it upon me. My music is my music and always enjoyed it and I am not under no peer pressure, never will give it up.”

Do you sing on stage for shows with your dad? What is your singing experience on stage with him?

“Yes, I only sang as a vocal support on Appa’s concerts. His voice and ability to sing is no match to my ability to sing Carnatic. So at the moment, I would listen to him and try to learn more from him.” Shravan smile big.

What is the big picture here or what is your music life going to be?

“At the moment I have a stable job, I work for Citi bank group. I want to become a stage performing artist. And will learn music more that will help me sing better. I want to achieve all I want in music by my own singing talent and not because of my lineage or connections.”

So we heard you are interested in music direction? Is it true? When can we hear your new album?

“No, No, I am not that grown to make my own music. But if you are thinking what I wrote on Smule profile, with that I meant to produce my own music videos and we few friends have already joined and formed a group called, EZHISAI. I like to make music videos with like minded music friends. That is all.”

What type of music do you like?

Of course, I have a huge inclination for Carnatic based songs. Any type of melodies. I like a lots of different types of music as you may see from the songs I choose to sing on my profile.”

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What are your main achievements?

“There is nothing like that to highlight. I am happy that way. If you are talking about competitions, I have participated and won innumerable competitions and reality shows. I would say early in my school (Kendriya Vidyala, Bombay) days I did represent my school and the entire state of Maharashtra at a National level singing competition and the impressions I heard during this competition from judges and my teachers is still in the back of my mind like yesterday. Such encouragements very early in my music career were more valued than anything in my mind.”

So what do you think, Is Carnatic music relevant in this age? being a son of a great Carnatic music expert, let us hear your thoughts.

“It definitely helped me to sing better in a stiff competition in the music field. Every musician who want to take music serious must learn the basics”

Do you think in this age and time a youngster like you can take a career as a Carnatic musician? You did not? Why?

“Yes, I agree, but in places like Chennai, Mylapur etc, it is still possible to pursue a career like that. I had the bad luck of being too ambitious in my studies as well. Also being the older sibling in my family had pressures from to settle down in life quickly.”

So Shravan have sung for Playback and few other songs in the making?

“Yes, I have found an opportunity to sing for a Tamil movie and I have few other opportunities in the pipeline.”

I also did a lot of stage shows with many famous play back singers like ARR’s sister and playback singer AR Reihana; and at the music event organized to recognize the music director Ramani Bharadwaj for his achievements. I got the chance to sing lead at this show. All the singers selected were from his reality show, Super Singers, which I thought is a huge achievement. That competition was really intense due to best talents”

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When we ready to part with Shravan it felt like a new experience to know a singer who knew from the day he was born, the music; and hear his life experiences of growing up in a family where practice of Carnatic music is almost a ritual and part of daily life. It was natural talent and a passion for good music is what made Shravan keep going strong. He said he is here to entertain all us with all types of songs and he is seriously pursuing a singing career as a stage artist. Stages, shows and audience make Shravan sing. He just started his adult life and have a lot of time to do what he want to achieve. We hope to see in near future a famous singer who make music and sing for his audience.

Without delay let us hear this fantastic talent and his singing from his Smule Profile. We choose first a Malayalam song since Shravan is a born Malayalee and here he sings a beautiful Ghazal song originally sung by Hariharan from the movie Garshome Lyrics by Rafeeq Ahmad, and beautiful music direction by Ramesh Narayanan. The difficulty here is the highest. There is one another singer who sang this equally well on Smule is Sanjay Santhosh.

Here Shravan joins Laxmipreethi on her fantastic invites (literally there is no match for the taste of songs for Preethi). Kurai Ondrum Illai, devotional written by famous Rajaji (C. Rajagopalachari). It is taken after its publication in the famous political magazine of those days, Kalki, by MSS. It could never be more blessed and went on to be one of those unforgettable songs of its type. According to the experts the song is an expression of Rajaji’s empathy for untouchables and where he see the god in every human being no matter what cast or sect he/she belong to. Divine is the word here.

One of kind of invite from Preethi, of a short version of an all time classic from Malayalam movies. Aaro Viral meeti by Vidya sagar’s magic for the beautiful lyrics of Gireesh Putenchery. Listen to this and you know what is this all about. Shravan’s enthusiasm for good music is adorable and that strike us when we saw and spoke with him. His voice tone is amazing and it is a rare time Preethi will decide to make a Malayalam song invite.

Family friends, all the way, with Pallavi Vinoth; joins Shravan in Kuruku Sirithavale Movie : Mudhalvan Singers : Hariharan & Mahalakshmi Music : A.R.Rahman. So we all know who is Shravan’s favorite singer.

Joined here with Shravan in a rare join by his equally talented sister – song Albela original by Kumar Sanu, Ustad Sultan Khan, Kavita Krishnamurthy – Music Director- Ismail Darbar. A rare song made its way into a Hindi movie; made in raag Ahir Bhairav. You want to hear a beautiful version of this sung by Rashid Khan himself go here . Here an encouraging brother trying to bring to camera a shy sister. Blessed talents for sure.

With Lakshmipriya, Un samyal arayil a beautiful song original sung by Sujatha and Unnikrishnan. This beautiful melody goes to one of the best and favorite. Give a listen. Thanks to Lakshmi for her help behind this feature.

Katre en Vasal from movie Rhythm, sung originally by Unnikrishnan and Kavitha Subramaniam.

May be one of the videos where we saw indications of experimentation. Panivezhum malarvanam– an analysis – that is what we call this. A dad who have a doctorate in music must have given a bit of that gene to his son here. Illayaraja composition sung originally by SPB sir to make an immortal classic and Shravan sees Raaja sir’s composition like this. Beautiful. As Shravan says it is made in Naatai raagam.

Yeya en Kottikara, from Papanasam movie. A beautiful song sung originally by Sundar Narayana Rao and Malavika Anilkumar. Listen to this version may be better than the original.

We are leaving you all to enjoy two songs picked by Shravan himself. Pachai Nirame and Johnson Sir’s mashup. Both compositions of its own complexity and amazement. ARR and Hariharan for the first one and KJY and Johnson Sir’s tribute in the second one. There is no match than these two songs selected here to show Shravan’s fine tuned singing. Such is the care, Sure one need to listen to this both songs and it is a treat in itself.

END NOTES

When we decided to write about Shravan we knew that it is serious business. We did our diligence by asking him the right questions to bring the story of a great talent to all you guys. Thanks to all our peers for the help in discussing the interview. We encourage all readers to go here at Shravan’s profile and follow him, encourage him in his music journey. Thanks to all who helped bring this feature to all you guys.