Music's Soul Over Tech: Shankar Mahadevan on Craft

Grammy-winning artist Shankar Mahadevan identifies the decline of musical craft as the primary challenge facing the music industry. He cautions against a future where the study of melodies, ragas, and the mathematical richness of music traditions is abandoned, likening music to other disciplines that require deep study. Mahadevan notes that while viral hits and AI have their place if used ethically, the core concern is the potential loss of fundamental musical education.

He highlights independent music as a space where artists thrive due to complete creative control, fostering the emergence of timeless compositions. This freedom, Mahadevan suggests, allows music to develop naturally without external pressures. Reflecting on his own journey, he states that accolades like Grammys and global fame are merely by-products of his passion.

For Mahadevan, the true reward lies in the act of creation and the profound experience of music itself. He finds humility and renewed inspiration even in his own work and that of other great artists. While acknowledging the appeal of elaborate concert experiences, he points to ensembles like Shakti and classical performances as examples of music's profound impact, achieved purely through sonic artistry.