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In this episode, we sit down with actor, host, and entrepreneur Anu Hasan to discuss her multifaceted career and the often-unseen struggles of a life in the spotlight.

Anu shares her deeply personal journey with performance anxiety, a feeling she grapples with before every talk show but never with acting. She reveals her unique preparation strategies, from rehearsing public speeches while walking to creating flexible outlines for interviews that allow for spontaneous conversation.

Anu also gets candid about the darker side of the industry, addressing the intense pressure on appearance and the body-shaming she has faced throughout her career. She offers a refreshing perspective on an artist's relationship with their audience, explaining why she focuses on satisfying her directors and guests rather than the public.

Drawing from her own experience, Anu provides invaluable advice for young artists on navigating the financial instability of a creative career by having a "parallel track" for income. She emphasizes the importance of physical and mental well-being to withstand the demanding lifestyle of a performer and speaks on the privilege of being able to stand her ground in a difficult industry.

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On this episode of Stage Matters, host Aravind welcomes his bandmate and friend, saxophonist and composer Maarten Visser, for a captivating conversation about the art of performance. Maarten takes us on a journey from his childhood in Holland, to his evolution as an artist.

Maarten opens up about moving beyond the need to impress with technical skill and finding his personal truth in music. He shares his meticulous preparation process for a show, highlighting the importance of a deep connection with his bandmates and the audience. He also reflects on his unique relationship with his beloved saxophones, the clear distinction between practice and performance, and the crucial role the audience plays in a successful show.

This episode offers a profound look into the mind of a master improviser who believes that at its core, performance is about sharing a personal truth with others. Join us as Maarten discusses the future of live performance in a digital world and shares his insights on everything from stage persona to handling feedback.

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In this compelling episode, music producer GVV steps out of the studio and onto the stage, sharing his journey from a behind-the-scenes creator to a live performer. For years, GVV's music lived in the digital realm, a solitary process where he'd release songs without knowing "who's hearing or who is hearing."

He candidly discusses the "eye-opener" moment when he experienced the raw energy of a live crowd and felt truly "alive." This discovery, fueled by a desire to break out of the monotonous loop of studio work, led him to pursue performance. GVV also reveals how his passion for cinematic scores by legends like Ennio Morricone shapes his sound, creating vivid, emotional "soundscapes" that transcend words.

Join us as GVV explores the challenges and triumphs of his new path—from battling stage fright and the pressure to improvise, to the ultimate reward of directly connecting with his audience. He shares the most difficult part of performing: trying to stay true to the song's core and convey its deepest emotions on stage. It's an insightful look at the journey from producer to performer, and the vital role of authenticity in art.

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In this episode of "Stage Matters," host Aravind sits down with Srikkanth Natarajan, a concert promoter, event organizer, and artist manager, to discuss the often-overlooked side of the live music industry. Srikkanth shares his journey from being a music lover with a knack for organizing to becoming a key player in the Chennai scene.

He delves into the "magical" experience of live performances and how his understanding of music has evolved to appreciate both technicality and artistic expression. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on a successful show, from the crucial steps of booking and tech advancing to the frustrations of promotion and the importance of adaptability when things go wrong.

Srikkanth offers a candid perspective on his relationships with performers, revealing what he expects from artists and the challenges of dealing with unreasonable demands and "tantrums." He also provides a realistic and insightful take on the state of the live music industry in India, discussing the financial realities, the dominance of big-name artists, and the uphill battle faced by the independent music scene. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the hard work, passion, and stress that go into making live music happen.

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Episode Description:

In this episode of "Stage Matters," Harini Iyer, a talented singer, songwriter, and musician, shares her incredible journey from a confident 10-year-old singing "Vaseegara" in her hometown to an acclaimed touring artist.

Harini opens up about the evolution of her craft and the key lessons she's learned along the way. She talks about how her training in various art forms, from Carnatic music to theater and Bharatanatyam, has shaped her unique stage persona. She also shares her practical preparation rituals, including vocal care and her personal mirror-talk that helps her ground herself before a performance.

The episode delves into the deeper, more spiritual side of performing, with Harini explaining her belief that being on stage is a service to the audience, not about seeking validation. She also offers a candid look at the financial realities of being an independent artist, revealing how she diversifies her income through teaching, acting, and session singing to sustain her passion for music.

Join the conversation as Harini shares her insights on the importance of aesthetics, the power of improvisation, and her compelling approach to a career in music.

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In this insightful episode, join us as we delve into the world of Carnatic music with the incredibly versatile musician, Raghavan Manian. Raghavan shares his captivating journey from a child prodigy performing at age seven to a prolific composer and performer who effortlessly blends various musical genres.

Discover the early influences that shaped his unique artistic voice, including the transformative impact of witnessing legends like Dr. Balamurali Krishna and Madurai Somu. Raghavan reflects on how his understanding of performance evolved from a quest for perfection to a path of self-discovery, fueled by unexpected inspirations like heavy metal music.

Gain an exclusive look into his unconventional preparation process, where mental clarity and emotional internalization of lyrics take precedence over rigid rituals. He candidly discusses the "positive gap" between practice and performance, the profound spiritual dimension he finds on stage, and his refreshing perspective on embracing mistakes as an integral part of artistic expression.

Raghavan also sheds light on the intricacies of Carnatic soundchecks and the evolving role of rehearsal in a tradition deeply rooted in improvisation. He offers a compelling view on the dynamic relationship between a performer and their audience, emphasizing connection, empathy, and the beautiful interconnectedness of global musical traditions. Whether you're a seasoned music lover or new to the world of Carnatic music, Raghavan Manian's reflections offer a unique and inspiring perspective on the art of performance.

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On this episode of Stage Matters, we're sitting down with the incredible rock guitarist Vikram Vivekanand. He's pulling back the curtain on the real world of live music, from the sometimes chaotic but always revealing soundchecks where anything can happen. Vikram shares how his laid-back personality translates directly to his stage presence, proving you don't always need a wild persona to be a rockstar.

We also dive into the nitty-gritty of working with gig organizers, what a musician truly expects, and why the technical rider is basically gospel. Plus, Vikram gets real about the often-tough financial realities for full-time musicians, offering some smart, practical advice on saving money and planning ahead – including a surprising tip about home cooking!

Finally, we explore the enduring magic of live performance in today's digital age. Vikram explains why those raw, unedited moments on stage create an unparalleled connection with an audience, something you just can't get from a perfectly curated 30-second video. It's a candid look at the passion, challenges, and unique joy of playing live.

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Join us on Episode 4 of "Stage Matters" as host Aravind Murali sits down with the phenomenal Pradeep Kumar – a name that resonates with soulful vocals, exceptional musicality, and captivating live presence. Far more than a singer, Pradeep is a multi-award-winning artist, a band leader, a prolific composer, and a producer whose musical fingerprint is felt across the globe.
In this deeply insightful first part of our conversation, Pradeep delves into his lifelong relationship with the stage. He traces his journey from his earliest days learning Carnatic classical music, revealing why for him, "music equals performance," viewing it as a continuous, evolving process of self-refinement. He shares captivating anecdotes from his formative years, where the unique expressions of everyday people – like being utterly captivated by an Nadaswaram player for three hours in a temple – profoundly shaped his artistic spirit more than any grand concert.
Dive into this episode to discover:

• The Evolution of Authenticity: Pradeep shares how his performance philosophy has matured from technical mastery to a profound quest for truthful and genuine self-expression on stage, even embracing his own confusions as part of his authentic artistic voice.
• The Unseen Rituals: Get an exclusive look at Pradeep's unique pre-show preparations with his band Oorka, where camaraderie and the seemingly simple act of "drinking tea" become a vital part of the creative "jam."
• A Living Connection: Explore his almost spiritual bond with his instruments, which he views not as mere tools, but as living entities that actively contribute to his creative flow.
• Embracing Spontaneity & Risk: Learn about Pradeep's love for improvisation and calculated risks in live performance, including his bold choice to debut unreleased songs at major commercial concerts, turning a show into an "emotional treasure hunt" for the audience.
• Beyond the Click Track: Understand his dynamic relationship with the audience, viewing them as active collaborators whose reactions directly shape the live experience, leading to his recent decision to shed the confines of the click track for greater freedom and responsiveness.

Tune in as Pradeep Kumar, with his characteristic blend of humility and profound insight, invites us into his world, revealing why for him, the stage is a sacred space for honest, evolving artistry.

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