Contemporary folk artist of India

Raghu Dixit Project’, a multilingual folk music band, performed at the recently concluded Sula Fest, which was held from February 3 to 5 in Nashik. Raghu Dixit, founder of the band in a freewheeling chat after the performance speaks about his music and more…

Raghupathi Dwarakanath Dixit popularly known as Raghu Dixit has carved a niche for himself in contemporary Indian folk music scene. He performed across the globe and mesmerised the audience with his style of music.

His songs include “Lokada”, "Mysore se aayi," "Mumbai," "Antaragni," "Hey Bhagwan," "Har Saans Mein," "Gudugudiya," and "Khidki” among others, and closer home, he rendered his voice for the song "Rock On Bro" in the recent NTR and Mohan Lal-starrer Telugu film ‘Janatha Garage’.

He is an artiste, who believes in doing things his way, that is not necessarily the norm. He thrives on his young fans, even as he reaches out to people of all ages through his music whenever an opportunity presents itself. “Indie music survived longest because of college fests.

The young crowd there is made of the best pirates - but they are the best evangelist for musicians. They pirate the music, share with friends and put it on LAN and spread the music. Because of that, the band reaches the cult status,” he says.

What is the idea behind your band name?
We were a band earlier and people started leaving. New people were coming in, so it became a collaborative project every time - of a set of musicians going to an extent, where everybody feels satisfied with the journey. And at one point when you reach the feel, you need another journey to start and people leave. So now it just became my project because I am a constant factor and for lack of creativity I named it on myself (laughs). Every collaboration became a new project and that stuck on.

Do you think there is a financial stability for Indie artist?
I think so; the last 20 years proved me that it is possible. I am living a comfortable life without any problems. I have property in my name; I have a scooter in my name and I have a wife and she is not complaining (laughs). There must be something going right about it. It is like any other profession. If you are a good doctor, people will come to you and if you’re not then people will not come – likewise, if you are a good musician then you will get more shows, and if you’re bad then no shows; it is as simple as that.

Do Indie musicians get exposure as much as Bollywood artists?
Indie music artists do not get mainstream exposure. Radios and TV don’t play much Indie artists’ music. So we can’t fight Bollywood - it will be futile. The best thing to do is join Bollywood and fight from inside and make music you love. Bollywood is changing for good and lovely music happening.

What is best Bollywood rock film for Raghu Dixit?
It is a close call between ‘Rock On’, ‘Rock On 2’ and ‘Rockstar’; but ‘Jhankar Beats’ is very good.

Are you doing any music for Bollywood?
Yes, I am working on an upcoming film ‘Mujhse Frandship Karoge’.

Who are your favourite musicians?
Singer, writer Mahesh Raghunandan from Bangalore and then there is another band called ‘Local Train’ from Delhi and I really like Chayan and Smiti, Shadow and Light, Spud in the Box, among others. Nowadays a lot of acts have come up and I hope the trend sustains.

What is that one thing that Indian folk music bands lack?
They don’t lack anything. I think there is everything that needs to be seen in a folk band. I like the fact that there is fire and youngsters are really at it, and as much time as they are spending on their art, they are spending time on marketing themselves, and that is good.

So you think music should comment on issues and politics?
As citizens of this country, it is our responsibility to be vocal about what is right and what is wrong. And I think it is great if an artist can use his platform and his reach towards masses to say whatever he wants as long as his fans are agreeing and supporting it.

A lot of artists make their music as a medium of activism. But I have stayed away from activism in my music because the purpose of my life as a musician is very different. For me, it is to make listeners forget about negative things and make them more positive and happy about their lives. I will not go on stage and raise slogans, but if I have a message, I will definitely bring it up because it is my concert.

And I will take a break between my songs and will say whatever I have to say. But I will not make it a musical ambition to become an activist. Many times I have been asked why I comment on politics – ‘you are a great musician why don’t you just stick to playing music’.

I give it back to them and say, “Sorry you just lost my accommodation of you being my fan.” Sometimes they don’t understand that we are also humans and are part of the whole ecosystem of being an Indian. Sometimes you just have to be straightforward.

How do fests like Sula help to spread your work?
Festivals are more about fun. Half of the crowd is not there for the music. It is a new audience. Most of the people come for the fest like these as their friends recommend it to them. Fests are about enjoying food, etc and on sidelines, the music is on. Very few hardcore fans come to events like this. When there is a new crowd it is satisfying to convert them to our music. Fests lead to memories because of the music.