EarthSync collaborates with musicians Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan

Presenting the second edition of Baajaa Gaajaa, India’s only indie music expo

Chennai-based world-music label EarthSync has joined hands with well-known musicians Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan, in presenting the second edition of Baajaa Gaajaa, India’s only music expo. Conceptualized with the primary objective of working towards the holistic betterment of India’s independent musicians and the indie music industry, Baajaa Gaajaa is an annual three-day event, dedicated to the diversity of Indian music, independent artists and record labels. The event will be held between February 5 and 7, 2010, at Ishanya, Opposite Golf Course, Shastri Nagar, Pune.

An initiative by Shubha Mudgal and Aneesh Pradhan in 2009, Baajaa Gaajaa aims to provide an interactive platform which will enable people associated with the music industry (musicians, independent record labels, instrument dealers and music students, amongst others) to come together, share their experiences, network, and address issues specific to the non-film music industry. The festival will have a wide range of activities, including an expo, special evening performances, open stage performances, industry networking opportunities, seminars on themes focusing on Indian music, and film screenings followed by discussions with the directors.

Speaking about the event, Sonya Mazumdar, CEO, EarthSync, said, “We are proud to be a part of this movement, and give our commitment to the event, which aims to address the challenges of the non-film music industry in India, and empower independent musicians and labels. There are many independent record labels and artists in India today whose phenomenal work goes unrecognized. Baajaa Gaajaa is a platform for artists and industry professionals to share their thoughts and experience, and come together to build a healthy independent music industry. Given the tremendous response received last year, we expect more than double the number of people to attend this year. As more people join the movement, independent music will have a stronger voice to influence change, to bring within reach more platforms for both artistic and financial benefit, and receive the much deserved support and respect in India.”

A wide range of topics such as copyright issues, artist insurance, or identifying financial options for musicians, will be discussed at the expo. Some of the key panelists who will participate in Baajaa Gaajaa 2010 include Mr. Ashok Da. Ranade (Hindustani classical vocalist, musicologist, voice-culture expert, and an ethnomusicologist), Mr. Kanwar Sameer (National Programming Head, Radio Mantra, part of the Dainik Jagran Group) and Mr. Sunil Shanbag (well-known theatre producer-director and television writer-producer). Some of the films that will be screened include Forever Young (Director: Ranjan Palit), Soul Voice Sole Voice (Directors: Mallika Sarabhai and Yadavan Chandran) and Remembered Rhythms: Live in India (Conversation with Dr. Shubha Chaudhuri, ARCE, Gurgaon). The expo will also see more than 50 performances from some of the best-known Indian musicians and bands as well as non-Indian performers, who are endeavoring to spread Indian music globally.

The first edition of Baajaa Gaajaa received an overwhelming response. Some of the well-known artists who were associated with the event last year included well-known lyricist Gulzar, Carnatic vocalist Dr Balamuralikrishna, santoor maestro Pandit Shivkumar Sharma and vocalist Uday Bhawalkar. For more details, please visit wwww.baajaagaajaa.com

About EarthSync: 
EarthSync is a world music record label based in Chennai, South India, with a catalogue of global sounds and unique music productions. A label that is committed to nurturing folk, tribal and native music, their passion of cultures, music and sound often takes them to little-known lands and their music. Through a high-end recording studio in Chennai, EarthSync undertakes projects of and by musicians evolving their own style from the rich music of their roots. EarthSync also produces world music visual documentaries.