Avril Quadros on Indian Music

Avril Quadros, Singer on the changing face of Indian music.

Do you see a change in the Indian music scene today?

Yes. The world's changing, and India has no choice but to follow the trend. We can't keep doing remixes and ripping off others tracks. I've just done a Hindi rock album, and the response was amazing.

Is this realisation happening within the music industry?

Even Bollywood music is changing to something with more western undertones. As for concerts, the world's realising there's so much money in 'different' music, with a message.

U2's expected here rockers with a message. The Black Eyed Peas, too, sing songs with messages, but they're so much fun. Even Flipsyde combines Spanish rhythms with messages.

Where is music headed today?

The music scene is literally exploding with new talent. People are learning to accept music which isn't just traditional.

Why do we need the comfort of working in a box? I was initially told I was too western, but when I recorded with technicians who've worked with singers like Mohammad Rafi, they were amazed at the sound.

So 'different' is what works?

We need that. We have one hit wonders around, who do a song and a dance and are gone. Himesh Reshamiyya's voice isn't regarded as great, but he's got an edge because he experiments.

When an Indian band sells 15,000 tickets for a show abroad — is the day I'm waiting for. You have to be original and take a calculated risk.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1624772.cms