The music is in session

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Session musicians have always been a part of the music industry but rarely talked about. Although, the term is loosely used in the City and sometimes even implied for creative collaborations, session artistes are called so because they record and perform only for a particular recording or performance session. They play for multiple bands and artistes and hence may or may not be part of another project.

 As independent bands proliferate, the City has seen the growth of session musicians – both vocalists and instrumentalists. They are not just confined to bands but also provide vocals for films, television theme songs and jingles. Some even sing backing and harmony vocals on tours. One can see a number of them in Bengaluru, majorly sessioning with artistes who are on tour or working at recording studios and films.

Singer Hannah Mathew explains that there are different types of session musicians — while some look at making a livelihood out of music, some wish to be exposed to a variety of styles. A permanent member of ‘Clown With A Frown’, she has also sessioned with ‘River Man Band’. “A session musician adds his or her own style and creativity to the gig and most bands look for different flavours of music. If I play for a rock band and am a session artiste for a pop band, I bring my influence to the pop band. Most musicians are session musicians unless their permanent project is doing extremely well. Here, the band sends you a track beforehand with their parts having been laid out already.”

Noted musician Prakash Sontakke says that with the number of increasing live acts and performances, session musicians are getting plenty of opportunities to perform. “People don’t want the others to record anymore and instead play live. Session musicians need to have the ability to add a human element to the performance. They should be able to revolutionise the song through their experience and expertise as otherwise, there is no point calling them.” He adds that while session musicians thrive in Mumbai in the recording and film industry because of a strong Film Association, the tribe in Bengaluru has relatively reduced when compared to five years ago. “In Mumbai, session musicians have a lucrative career,” he informs.  

A session artiste essentially has to be able to read music and pick up parts quickly, which requires sheer ability and professionalism. Ramanan Chandramouli, a guitarist who has sessioned with many bands and musicians abroad, says that one has to be extremely knowledgeable about the theory of music. Having sessioned for ‘Thermal And A Quarter’, ‘Lou Majaw, ‘Mad Orange Fireworks’, ‘The Bicycle Days’, ‘The Leslie Charles Trio’ and ‘Alexis’, he says, “One doesn’t really spend a lot of time writing songs here but he or she has to be really good. In other countries, they are given a sheet or chart and asked to play. So they have to know their theory really well.”

Jim, a guitarist for ‘Eastern Fare’, has sessioned for bands such as ‘Veenar’ and ‘Voodoo Child’. He says that session agencies usually find their artistes themselves either through the recommendations of the producer or based on the reputation of the artiste. “Many artistes also go on social networking sites and build relationships with band leaders and managers. It is worth it as one gets accustomed to different genres, gets a feel of various venues and ultimately, networks one’s way into the industry,” he notes.

As Prakash concludes, a session musician is generally looked at as one with aces up his or her sleeve.