by Vishal Venkatesh
“The album launch actually gave me more questions than answers.”
Following the completion of the album and its diverse content, ‘Gana’s Musical Melange’
took place at Riverside Theatre in Parramatta, on the 1st of September 2019.
Eager and anticipatory crowds gathered in the dark theatre before the live album launch
took place.
Behind these few hours of marvel was a year’s worth of organisational input and more
importantly more than a decade’s work of creativity.
Throughout Gana’s interview, the idea of being “mentally fresh” was constantly referred to
as a source of hope and inspiration.
1st September 2019: Irelon Stomp (Photo Credit: Film Drop)
With Irelon Stomp (the last item of the second half) in particular, Gana believes that the
output was a healthy blend of different artists and their personal influences rather than just
him.
With immense pride and joy, Gana said: “One compliment I got was that it was a flag for
multiculturalism. It’s the best compliment I’ve got in regards to the music I make”.
It was a compliment made by Maaye Ragavan.
1st September 2019: Standing Ovation at Gana's Musical Melange (Photo Credit: Film Drop)
The community support was phenomenal, to say the least.
The feet of many audience members were constantly tapping and towards the end most
sprung out of their seat energetically, which goes to say a lot about the engagement factor
that was maintained throughout.
There was a very memorable part of the event where Gana was playing the guitar with one
hand, and not only did this evidence his mastery of the instrument, but an open desire and
intention to explore the depths of what each and every note has to offer by themselves and
in combinations.
1st September 2019: Mahatma (Photo Credit: Film Drop)
Gana had well and truly achieved his grand vision for the melange.
“I was not just relieved but pleased that everybody was able to enjoy it.”, said Gana humbly
when asked about the mass appeal and reception of his music.
Gana credits the host, Maathumai Ranjan, for her sincere efforts.
She helped steer the direction and pacing of the event with a strong element of suave and
elegance.
Timing-wise, he was satisfied that the event wrapped up at 8:45 pm on the Sunday evening
because “it meant that people had a night out”, proving Gana’s appreciation for the
audience.
Beyond the logistics, passion, music, nostalgia and various collaborations, the magic behind
the melange in Dr Graham Sattler’s words, ultimately came down to “Gana’s expression
being authentic”.
“To get that feedback from him was an indication” that Gana knew what was genuine to
him.
1st September 2019: Modern Carnatic Dream (Photo Credit: Film Drop)
‘Authenticity’ is the key of Gana’s music and it is this gem of a trait that the audience
treasure and value through their support.
‘Gana’s Musical Melange’ was simply a reiteration of this fundamental notion.
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