JOIN USMarti Bharath shows no predilection towards any kind of music. His brainchild ‘Sapta’, an electronic project with ‘Tapass’, not only includes the basics of Indian classical music – the melodious 7 notes – but also stays true to Western harmonies.
The Head of Electronic Music Production at the KM Music Conservatory in Chennai, he has never compromised on the aesthetics or mathematics of music. With albums like ‘The Straight Balance’ and ‘Sound of The Nation’ to his credit, which are complex in rhythms and rich in style, Marti has become a popular figure in the electronic realm. Here in the City for a concert, he shares his views on the electronic scene with Anushka Sivakumar.
Why did you decide to take the electronic route?
I feel I have more space to explore and experiment in this genre. There are no borders here and hence, I have nothing to worry. I can switch from electronic to orchestra. It’s my comfort zone and I love playing in my space.
How does your idea for a track evolve?
I like to think of my music as heavy indie-electronic. Ideas come to me all the time. It’s just about finding the time to put them all in one place. I make music and practise for 7 hours every day.
The name of your project means ‘7’ in Sanskrit. Is this your lucky number?
Yes. It’s all a code. I have always been a fan of numbers and for some reason, my lucky number has been 7. My birthday is in July, the seventh month. I did a lot of research on the name of my project when I started producing music in 2007. ‘Sapta’ felt right because it means 7. It has a link with Indian classical music as well because there are 7 notes.
Do you face any competition in Chennai which is considered the hub of Carnatic music?
I haven’t faced any kind of competition so far. I collaborate with a lot of Carnatic artistes who I respect. I am a Carnatic vocalist myself and I think it’s the basis for all kinds of music. It’s already a great institution by itself but I feel that if I add my electronic touch to it, it can only get bigger.
Have you come to Bengaluru before?
It’s my 100th time in Bengaluru. I love the City. The people, the food, the vibe and the places are amazing but I don’t think I will ever live in Bengaluru. I am more of a beach guy. I live by the beach in Chennai. At one point, I was here for 4 weekends in a row. I also feel that both cities have a common market in terms of music.
You grew up in so many places. Did these cities influence your music in any way?
Oh yes! It has to influence you as otherwise you would be cold-hearted. Cities and spaces affect artistes all the time. You just know which city affects you and where you belong through your art. Cities influence your ideas. I was born in Kerala and was raised in Dubai. I moved to Paris when I was 18 and got my degree in Sound and Music Direction and came to Chennai a couple of months back. I loved growing up in Paris. The lifestyle influenced my work.
How do you react when people say that too much technology kills creativity?
This criticism is an ongoing one and I don’t think I can ever shut off from this. I just see a different way to make music, which adds a new dimension to art. I have recorded so many amazing artistes through the use of technology and synths. I would also get bored if I keep doing acoustic all the time. I get bored very quickly. I also teach electronic music production.
What do you want the audience to take away from your shows?
If there are some venues or promoters, I’d say ‘take me away.’ Jokes apart, I wish everybody just has a good time and enjoys the music.
Future of electronic music?
It is the future!