Raghu Dixit on how being ‘mocked as effeminate’ pushed him to learn guitar, sing English rock song

Meet Raghu Dixit, a musical alchemist who is known for redefining Indian Indie music and introducing it to global audiences.  

As the frontman of the Raghu Dixit Project, the Kannada singer and composer has captivated people across the world with his infectious melodies and soul-stirring performances. Dixit has emerged as a standout figure in the independent music scene, captivating audiences with his unique compositions on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.

Known for blending folk traditions with contemporary rock, his music transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries. In an exclusive interview with indianexpress.com, he discusses his musical journey, creative process, the future of Indie music, challenges as an artist, and the much-awaited launch of his latest album – Shakkar.

Read the edited excerpts below:

Tell us about your journey into music and what inspired you to pursue it as a career

Raghu Dixit: Wow, that takes me back about 30 years. I am a trained classical dancer and studied Bharatanatyam from the age of seven until I was around 22 or 23. Simultaneously, I pursued a master’s degree in microbiology. I was a gold medalist and the top-rank holder at my university.

During my undergraduate years, I performed a dance routine at my college. Afterward, while removing my makeup, a classmate named Jeffrey, who played the guitar and sang English songs, mocked me. He said I looked effeminate with my makeup, contrasting himself as “macho” with his guitar and constant female attention. I got angry and challenged him that within two months, I would learn to play the guitar and sing a rock song in English.

Coming from a traditional Tamil Brahmin family, western culture was strictly forbidden. Playing the guitar and singing English songs were things I associated with Christians. I sought help from my Christian friends and eventually, two brothers, Ivan and Peter, from a church, taught me to play the guitar and sing a song. Through this process, I discovered the incredible joy of playing the guitar and singing, something I could truly love for the rest of my life.

Can you share your thoughts on the impact of AI on music? Do you see it as a threat or an opportunity for musicians?

Raghu Dixit: Twenty years ago, we feared the internet would ruin our lives, but we now see it has both positive and negative sides. AI is taking things to the next level, with both good and bad aspects. It’s up to us to decide how we use it. While AI presents opportunities, there are also concerns. Non-musicians might create music or imitate someone’s voice, potentially infringing on original artists’ rights. Record labels might handle this better, but independent artists could struggle unless strict laws support them. It’s a challenging and uncertain future.

 

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You’ve performed at various international festivals. How do you see the representation of Indian indie artists on global platforms?

Raghu Dixit: Sadly, there’s not much representation. For example, when we performed at Glastonbury twice, we were the only Indian name on the list, out of around 150 bands over three or four days. Indian acts going abroad are relatively new. However, some acts, like Bloodywood in the rap-metal scene, have managed to break through. Artists like Prateek Kuhad, Peter Cat Recording Co., and When Chai Met Toast now have international representation. While more artists will find their way internationally, very few incorporate Indian culture and music into their storytelling.

What can be done to provide platforms for these musicians?

Raghu Dixit: It’s a tough world out there, and artists must take the initiative to build their careers. We’ve been touring abroad for 10-12 years, often at a financial loss. The first tour in 2009 cost me Rs 36 lakh, and even now, we lose Rs 2-3 lakh annually. We’ve built a reputation step by step, aiming for higher recognition, like pre-headlining at major festivals. We book our venues, sell our tickets, and market our shows. It’s a long, ongoing process, and no one will hand us a platform. We still struggle to break into the American market due to a lack of suitable festivals and booking agents.

Many music festivals have been cancelled recently due to organisational issues. How does this impact musicians and bands like yours?

Raghu Dixit: As a festival band, we love playing at festivals, so cancellations are unfortunate. Many festivals suffer from poor organisation, leading to bad experiences for audiences who don’t return. However, some festivals in India like Lollapalooza and Ziro Festival in Shillong are well organised. Festivals shutting down affects us, especially because bands rely on these events for exposure and income.

You made your Bollywood debut years ago. How has it influenced your career?

Raghu Dixit: I’ve done only three films in Bollywood. While working with certain people was incredible, it didn’t lead to anything substantial for me. I feel I wasted time in Bollywood and Kannada films, which led to a 10-year gap between my previous independent album and the upcoming one in July. Film music is more about connections and less about music, so I’ve stopped doing film music in the last four-five years.

Tell us about your latest album. What inspired it, and what’s the meaning behind its name?

Raghu Dixit: The album is called Shakkar, with the hashtag #SongsAboutStayingAliveWhenYouDontWantTo. The songs emerged during a phase of acute depression when I had lost interest in life. A musician from Kolkata, John Paul, reached out, and we started jamming. This collaboration reignited my passion, leading to 45 tunes, eight of which are in the album. Despite the dark origins, the album is my happiest and most vibrant, aiming to fight negativity with positivity. The single Shakarpari is about a girl spreading sweetness, symbolising hope and resilience.

What prompted your comeback after a decade-long hiatus, and how has the response been?

Raghu Dixit: There was no specific prompt. It was Paul’s initiative to make music. I’ve always been a spontaneous composer. This album happened through jamming sessions and collaborations with various artists, including Grammy award-winner Béla Fleck and musicians from around the world. Each song is in four languages: Hindi, Kannada, Tamil, and Telugu. The response from fans has been exciting, and they are eagerly awaiting new music.

As the frontman of the Raghu Dixit Project, the Kannada singer and composer has captivated people across the world with his infectious melodies (Source: PR Handout)

Your music blends Indian ethnic music with global styles. How do you balance this diversity?

Raghu Dixit: Honestly, it balances itself out. I’ve never formally learned music and don’t approach composition technically. I hear the final sound in my head and work with my musicians to achieve it. It’s a collaborative effort, taking time and patience. This album took four years to complete, and the process is more intuitive than planned.

As an independent artist, what are the biggest challenges you’ve faced in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?

Raghu Dixit: I haven’t overcome them; I struggle daily. Getting heard is difficult now with people’s reduced attention spans. People come to shows to document their presence rather than to listen. This barrier makes it challenging to convey my poetry and music. Breaking through this and genuinely being heard is a constant challenge.

What sets indie music apart from other genres, and what drives your audience to listen to music composed by independent artists?

Raghu Dixit: Independent music is straight from the heart, free from the constraints of scripts or marketing. It’s a genuine artistic expression. Film music, on the other hand, is more about marketability. While independent music faces challenges, some artists create truly original content. However, there’s a trend where successful indie musicians are often imitated, which is unfortunate.

What can your fans expect from you in terms of concerts, music festivals, albums, and any exciting projects or collaborations in the pipeline?

Raghu Dixit: Currently, I’m focused on promoting Shakkar and touring. We’re launching the album in London at O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in July. There are plans for multiple albums, and I promise not to make fans wait another 10 years for new music. The next few years will bring more music and performances, ensuring our fans always have something new to look forward to.

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