With Music Around, You Will Never Walk Alone

“When you walk through a storm

Hold your head up high

And don’t be afraid of the dark…”

Bet when Gerry and the Pacemakers wrote ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ little did they know they were writing a landmark piece…. one that would go on to be an anthem of sorts. But that is the thing about music, it can create magic where there is none. It helps you find meaning in the melodies and purpose in poetry. With music, boring become beautiful. All you need to do is – identify what piece/genre uplifts your soul.

Sitting home, in the middle of a pandemic, I am aware that a lot has changed and will continue to do so. However, for me and also for most of us at RCA Music Academy, music is a constant. And we choose to look at this crisis as an opportunity to grow and not the time to cower.

So we decided to bring you a list of tracks that are sure to bring in some cheer during these times of social distancing. It sure works for me!

EARLY MORNING

1. Gurbani (Koi Bole Ram Ram)

Soothing and serene, starting your day with a devotional track brings in that subtle calm amidst this chaos. For me, Koi Bole Ram Koi Bole Khudai by Bhai Jaswinder Singh Ji works like an anchor to my day.

2. Prabhatiya

Often times, I switch over to ‘Prabhatiya’ a compilation of Gujarati Devotional Music. It’s packed with nostalgia and a rustic feel that takes me back to my roots. Lyrically simple and musically very warm, ‘prabhatiya’ or Prachin bhajans will appeal to even those who do not understand the Gujarati. Music is a language that transcends all boundaries.

3. Bhimsen Joshi (Raag Basanti)

About the legendary Pt Bhimsen Joshi, there’s nothing that I can say which hasn’t already been said. His music is meditative and therapeutic.

AFTERNOON

4. Western Classical: Beethoven , Bach , Vivaldi & Mozart

I am utilising my afternoons with some laid-back work that has been vying for attention for months now. But there’s always some scope for background music, especially to a mundane chore. If you’re of the same mindset then try putting on this track and I can guarantee a good, productive hour.

5. Thumri

Another genre of music that is worth exploring if you haven’t yet is – Thumri. A light classical style of Indian music. Thumri as a form is connected with dance, dramatic gestures, evocative love poetry and folk songs.

6. Kajari

Yet another genre of semi-classical singing, Kajari is notably sung during the rainy season often to describe the yearning and longing for a lover.

Some noted exponents of Kajari are Pandit Channulal Mishra, Shobha Gurtu, Siddheshwari Devi, Girija Devi, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Sharda Sinha, and Rajan and Sajan Mishra. I thoroughly enjoy this particular track.

EVENING

7. Chill Out Jazz – Instrumental

Time for a Sundowner evening with your family? Put on some smooth chill out pass to relax. Particularly a piece around Saxophone, Guitar or Piano. Great way to escape and set your mind free.

8. House Music

A huge impact on pop and dance music, House is a genre of electronic dance music. It sets the mood to groove and dance. Hardly any vocals with minimal instrumental music, I prefer House music during evenings and mostly enjoy tracks by Carl Cox , Sanna Hartfield.

9. Jazz

There’s a genre of Jazz for everyone out there! Jazz has an interesting history and multi-layered ethos. Even if you are a neophyte, you’d find Jazz “cool” and that’s just a beginning. There’s a whole new world of wonder as you start understanding and soaking up jazz.

But whatever genre speaks to you, always remember: