Goa has that magical vibe, which cannot be replaced by any other city or state – the cool breeze, amazing beaches, tasty food – all of which Grammy award winner, flautist Rakesh Chaurasia, has fallen in love with.
The year has been amazing for Chaurasia, with two Grammy wins along with Ustad Zakir Hussain, Edgar Mayer and Bela Fleck for As We Speak (Best Contemporary Instrumental Album), and Pashto (Best Global Music Performance), and he attributes the Goan air to his inspiration.
WINNER TAKES IT ALL
After winning two Grammy Awards, life has not been the same for Chaurasia.
Says he with a sense of pride in his voice, “My life has been given a bit of importance now; people are appreciating, acknowledging and thanking me for getting an award for our country. It’s a big achievement for me to get this award for my country.”
Goa is all about relaxing, visiting churches, listening to the bells peal and creating music. But, my family loves to try out water sports and food.Rakesh Chaurasia, Flautist
Chaurasia, who performed at the 'Malhar and the Sea' event, at Arossim, talks about his achievements and says that Artificial Intelligence (AI) will bring about new music, but the feeling of listening to live music will not be replicated.
“Live performance is safe with people, I’m not sure about how AI will be able to do it. With the industry changing drastically, human intelligence will bring out the best of music. At the moment, I think live performance will be safe with humans.”
GOANS HAVE A MUSICAL EAR
Goans have played a major role in the film industry, especially in Bollywood, and Chaurasia says that there was a time when over 80 percent of the musicians were Goans.
“The film industry had some of the best musical players, especially for the western instruments, like violin and the cello. But now, things are changing, there is a mix of artists in Bollywood. Goa also has a growing tourism industry, where musicians are investing their skills back home,” he says.
GOA IS WHERE MUSIC IS
For Rakesh, the Goa air is something vibrant and helps him create music.
“Once you land here, suddenly your body relaxes. I’m very close to nature and the flute is a piece of wood and the music is very organic. When I come here, I like to compose my music. I made an entire album on the wind. I went to the beach and sat there for a few hours, and the winds inspired me,” says Rakesh.
A trip to Goa is a must for every musician, says Rakesh as he poses for some pictures. He goes on to say that when he is in Goa, he must visit the nearby churches.
“Goa is all about relaxing, visiting churches, listening to the bells peal and creating music. But, my family loves to try out water sports and food,” he smiles, as he signs out.