MUSIC IS THE UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE
Create & Collab, the IP Division of TM Ventures Pvt Ltd, is an innovative organization that focuses on creating exceptional concepts in music and entertainment. One of their notable achievements is the creation of the All About Music conference, which has become India’s leading music industry conference.
The conference offered a platform for networking, innovation, and business growth in the music industry. It served as a gateway to the Indian music market, connecting global professionals and fostering collaboration and innovation.
Through their work, Create & Collab has demonstrated a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the music industry. Their forward-thinking approach to intellectual property and their dedication to creating exceptional experiences has earned them a reputation as a trusted partner in the entertainment industry.
The official theme of All About Music 2024 was ‘Synthesis,’ which focused on embracing change, promoting collaboration, networking, and envisioning a sustainable future for the music industry. This eighth edition marked the beginning of a new life cycle for All About Music, with the theme serving as a call to action for attendees to work together to create a brighter future for the industry.
By centering the conference around the theme of ‘Synthesis,’ organizers emphasized the importance of collaboration and networking in driving innovation and growth in the music industry. The theme also highlighted the need for the industry to adapt to changing times, embracing new technologies and business models to ensure a sustainable future.
Overall, the theme of ‘Synthesis’ captured the essence of All About Music 2024, providing a framework for attendees to engage in meaningful discussions about the industry’s most pressing issues and explore new opportunities for growth and innovation.
The recently concluded All About Music conference in Mumbai had left attendees with a sense of optimism for the future of the Indian music industry. Hosted at the Grand Hyatt over three days, the conference delivered on its promise of providing a platform for both seasoned veterans and hopeful aspirants to engage in meaningful conversations about the intricacies of the music business.
AAM has a unique ability to set the temperature of the times as far as the Indian music industry is concerned.”
Devraj Sanyal – Chairman & CEO – India, SASVP Strategy, AMEA, Universal Music Group
Devraj Sanyal is the curator for All About Music 2024! With over 25 years of expertise in media and entertainment, he’s a visionary leader at Universal Music Group (UMG), driving growth and innovation in emerging markets. As the Chairman and CEO of UMG India and South Asia, and the SVP Strategy for Africa, Middle East, and Asia (AMEA), Devraj’s influence is unparalleled. A fixture on Billboard’s International Power Players list for four consecutive years, his insights promise to shape the future of the industry.With a focus on networking, innovation, and business growth, the conference offered a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with industry professionals from around the world. The organizers at All About Music succeeded in creating an environment that fostered collaboration and learning, leaving participants inspired and excited for what the future holds.
With a focus on networking, innovation, and business growth, the conference offered a unique opportunity for attendees to connect with industry professionals from around the world. The organizers at All About Music succeeded in creating an environment that fostered collaboration and learning, leaving participants inspired and excited for what the future holds.
The success of the conference highlighted the importance of events like those in supporting the growth and development of the music industry in India. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from across the industry, All About Music has established itself as a leading platform for driving innovation and fostering growth in the Indian music market.
All About Music 2024, which wrapped up its eighth edition this year, featured an impressive lineup of speakers and panelists, including renowned music composer A.R. Rahman, Subhash Gai, TuneCore CEO Andrea Gleeson, and Grammy-winning sound engineer Alan Meyerson, among others.
Throughout the three-day conference, several key themes emerged, with one of the most prominent being the viral success of Hanuman kind and Kalmi’s music video and track, “Big Dawgs.” Additionally, discussions around the establishment of “I-Pop” as a genre, the need for systematic female representation in the industry, and the future of Indian hip-hop were also hot topics during the event.
As the conference came to a close, attendees were left with a sense of optimism for the future of the Indian music industry, inspired by the insights and expertise shared by the industry leaders in attendance. The success of All About Music 2024 highlights the importance of such events in fostering growth and innovation in the Indian music market, providing a platform for professionals to connect and engage in meaningful conversations about the industry’s most pressing issues.
A.R. Rahman, the renowned Grammy and Oscar-winning composer, shared inspiring insights for aspiring musicians and composers at the All About Music 2024 conference. His message emphasized the importance of originality, self-belief, and pushing creative boundaries in the music industry.
Embracing Originality
Rahman stressed the significance of developing a unique musical identity rather than simply following established trends. He encouraged composers to start with a “blank space” and follow their natural instincts, avoiding the temptation to draw references or influences from other composers. This approach, according to Rahman, is what sets truly innovative musicians apart and allows them to create something genuinely unique.
The Power of Self-Belief
The composer emphasized the importance of having confidence in one’s abilities and vision. Rahman advised aspiring musicians not to let others discourage them, stating, “People can break you, even family can think you are not talented but if you believe in yourself, you can always succeed”. He encouraged artists to pursue their passion relentlessly and trust in their potential to surprise the world with their talent.
Embracing Technology Responsibly
While acknowledging the benefits of modern music technology, Rahman cautioned against its potential pitfalls. He warned that the ease of digital composition could lead to less thoughtful and passionate music creation. Instead, he advocated for a balanced approach that combines technological advancements with genuine artistic expression and careful consideration of one’s work.
Nurturing Integrity and Spirituality
Rahman highlighted the importance of maintaining integrity in the music profession. He urged young musicians to be ambassadors for their craft, emphasizing the need to bring back integrity and spirituality in music. This approach, he believes, can help counter negative stereotypes associated with the music industry and elevate the profession’s status.
Continuous Learning and Growth
The composer encouraged musicians to expand their knowledge and skills continuously. Rahman emphasized the value of understanding diverse musical traditions, from Indian classical and folk music to Western classical and global genres. This broad musical foundation, he suggested, enables composers to create rich, multifaceted compositions that resonate with a wide audience.
A.R. Rahman demonstrated his commitment to innovation, artistic growth, and expanding the horizons of Indian music on the global stage.
By sharing these insights, A.R. Rahman offered a hopeful and empowering message to the next generation of musicians. He encouraged them to trust in their unique voices, embrace innovation, and maintain artistic integrity, ultimately inspiring them to set new trends rather than simply following existing ones in the ever-evolving world of music.
Paul Smith, Managing Director of YouTube Music, delivered a keynote speech at All About Music 2024, highlighting YouTube’s music initiatives and the platform’s operational scale. Here are some key insights from his presentation:
YouTube’s Operational Scale
Smith emphasized the significant impact YouTube has on connecting artists with their audience. He highlighted how YouTube’s platform enables creators to make their own music easily and create their own music videos independently.
Gen AI Music Initiatives
YouTube is actively embracing AI advancements in music creation and distribution:
1. Smith showcased new AI options on YouTube that allow creators to generate music and music videos more easily.
2. He discussed how AI is ushering in a new age of creative expression on the platform.
Partnerships and Artist Development
YouTube Music is focusing on fostering artist growth and success:
1. The platform is working on emerging artist success stories, as evidenced by the conversation between Sun Lee of YouTube Music and Viral Jani from Universal Music Group.
2. YouTube is likely exploring partnerships with labels and artists to leverage its AI tools for music creation and promotion.
Future Outlook
Smith’s presentation suggested that YouTube Music is positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven music innovation. The platform aims to provide creators with cutting-edge tools while maintaining a balance between technological advancement and human creativity.
By discussing these initiatives at All About Music 2024, Paul Smith demonstrated YouTube Music’s commitment to shaping the future of music creation, distribution, and consumption through advanced technology and strategic partnerships.
YouTube CEO, Neal Mohan, has shared the platform’s AI music principles and further outlined the company’s goals to “develop an AI framework to help us work toward our common goals,” with three fundamental AI principles that will “serve to enhance music’s unique creative expression while also protecting music artists and the integrity of their work.”
It seems that YouTube has taken a proactive approach to AI music by publishing a set of AI music principles and launching the YouTube Music AI Incubator. This initiative aims to explore the potential of AI in music while ensuring the protection of artists’ creative integrity and fair compensation. It’s great to see a platform as influential as YouTube recognizing the need for responsible innovation in the field of AI and collaborating with the music industry to ensure that AI technology is used in a way that benefits all stakeholders.
The celebration of 25 years of ‘Taal’ at the All About Music Conference 2024 featured a conversation between A.R. Rahman, Subhash Ghai, and Karan Grover from Dolby Labs, offering fascinating insights into the iconic soundtrack and its creation:
Musical Journey and Collaboration
Rahman revealed that ‘Taal’ was one of the most important tracks he composed for North India, highlighting how working with Subhash Ghai, an icon at the peak of his career, helped his music reach a wider audience. Ghai credited Rahman’s presence for giving him the confidence to name the film ‘Taal’, emphasizing how Rahman’s involvement elevated the project.
Composition Process
Rahman shared that he typically composes between 9 PM and 6 AM, and the team spent 70 nights creating the music for ‘Taal'[8]. He described his unique approach to composition, often recording extensive sessions with singers to capture spontaneous moments of creativity.
Challenging Compositions
The title track “Taal Se Taal Mila” was particularly challenging for Rahman to compose. He mentioned the difficulty in creating a simple yet effective tune based on Anand Bakshi’s lyrics.Innovative Recording Techniques
Ghai recounted how Rahman’s unconventional methods led to unexpected results. For the song “Ishq Bina,” Rahman had Kavita Krishnamurthy sing for hours, continuously exploring different vocal improvisations.
Enduring Legacy
Both Rahman and Ghai reflected on the album’s lasting impact. Rahman noted that people still consider ‘Taal’ one of his best works, while Ghai emphasized how the music transformed with different collaborators.
Cultural Impact
The discussion likely touched on how ‘Taal’ became the first Indian film to reach the Top 20 on Variety’s box-office list, showcasing its international appeal.
This celebration at the All About Music Conference not only commemorated a milestone in Indian cinema but also provided valuable insights into the creative process behind one of Bollywood’s most beloved soundtracks.
Sabbas Joseph, Co-Founder and Director at Wizcraft International Entertainment, delivered a compelling welcome note at All About Music 2024, setting the tone for the conference with the theme “Synthesis: Piece by Piece.” His address highlighted several key points:
Innovation and Collaboration
Joseph emphasized the importance of collaboration among various segments of the music industry to create a “harmonious whole”. This concept aligns with the conference’s overarching theme of synthesis, suggesting that innovation in the music industry comes from bringing together diverse elements.
Industry Integration
The welcome note touched on the need for different parts of the music industry to work together cohesively. Joseph’s message stressed the significance of uniting “fragments” of the industry to foster growth and creativity.
Future-Focused Approach
By framing the conference’s theme poetically, Joseph set an inspirational tone for the event, encouraging attendees to think creatively about the future of the music industry. This approach aimed to inspire forward-thinking discussions and ideas throughout the conference.
Diverse Perspectives
The welcome address presumably highlighted the importance of bringing together various stakeholders in the music industry. This diversity of perspectives was reflected in the conference’s lineup, which included artists, industry professionals, and students from different parts of India and other countries.
Technology and Innovation
Given the conference’s focus on the intersection of technology and music, Joseph’s welcome note likely touched on the role of innovation in shaping the future of the industry. This set the stage for discussions on topics such as artificial intelligence in music and new production technologies.
