Fact: A good number of us live on music. We thrive off it, it helps us make sense of our emotions, it drives our actions, it becomes our form of self-expression. Don’t believe? Just look around and watch any youth gathering. Note, how the two (music and youth, that is) are literally made for one another forming a dynamic and inseparable bond.
But why are they so intertwined? Possibly because for young people, music is an amazing outlet of personal identity development and expression. It’s influence on their brains is profound, affecting thought patterns, offering solace for stuff that is unfair and unjust, cheering them out of the depths of despair, or motivating them for a cause we hold dear.
From sparking discussions on climate change to toxic expectations that family elders have, from being gutsy enough to follow your heart in your chosen profession to junking the well-beaten path for an unexplored territory, there’s sure to be a song that speaks to your heart. Trust us, a young person believes in the power of music as plainly as she believes in the day following the night.
As a medium, music allows people to explore their identities, emotions, and experiences. As an art form, it continues to provide a soundtrack to your life through time, as you go through the phases of your existence, shaping moods, attitudes, and social interactions.
Music also pivotal role in social movements and activism, empowering young people to raise their voices and advocate for change.
If there are any parents and guardians reading this, please listen up! It has been proved by science that music education and participation in musical activities have numerous benefits for young people’s development. Learning to play an instrument or sing can enhance a child’s cognitive skills, boost self-esteem, and foster discipline and perseverance. Engaging in group music activities can promote teamwork, cooperation, and social skills.
Finally, music has the incredible power to bring people, especially the youth together. Attend any musical event and see for yourself. Music festivals, concerts, and live performances create amazing spaces for like-minded young people to come together, share their passion for music, and build a sense of community. The sense of unity that builds up in a live performance with great musicians is electrifying.
No prizes for guessing, therefore, that the relationship between youth and music is a multifaceted and essential aspect of youth culture. It will continue to remain a powerful means of self-expression, social connection, and personal growth and enrich the lives of young people in countless ways.
The Soul Local’s annual music festival, a treat for music lovers of the city, was held at Aquatica, Kolkata, on the 18th and 19th January 22, 2025. The multi-genre musical event saw the participation of some well-loved bands and artists. Camongo was present on Day 1 and spoke to some of them.
Gaurab Chatterjee (Gaboo) – Excited to be here! The Soul Local has emerged as a much sought-after festival where the crowd is receptive of great music. We will be performing for the first time, and that’s definitely a special feeling. Also, to be performing in Aquatica where I have personally listened to several notable artists feels wonderful. The lineup of artists is super and we are happy to be a part of it. I can say for sure that we’re in for a fabulous time out here!
Bodhisattwa Ghosh – We’re very happy to participate at The Soul Local, Kolkata’s very own, home-grown music festival. We’re definitely very excited. We shall be playing our own songs, our original music that we have been writing over the years as well as those from Moheener Ghoraguli. I know that we are going to enjoy playing our music, and hope that the audience will love what we play for them.
Rajiv Mitra – This is going to be our first performance at The Soul Local. We will attempt to present a tribute to Gautam Chattopadhyay Moheener Ghoraguli and Lakhichara’s own songs will feature in our performance. It feels wonderful to be here. Music concerts aren’t too many in our city but here’s one that has been happening over consecutive years. Hope there will be more and more taking place and Lakhichara gets the scope to be at them all! We expect the crowd to increase in a while and we’re set to start our performance. We look forward to continued success of The Soul Local.
Papon – Very good! Amazing experience!
Mame Khan – Great experience, much more than what I expected. It was wonderful to be here in Kolkata and meet some of my old friends from the artist community. Kolkata has a sensitive spirit that understands the nuances of good music. The listeners are so involved here, they sing with me, the dance to my songs, it’s amazing. I can see the future of folk music is in safe hands whenever I come to perform in cities like Kolkata. I am very happy!
With inputs from Neha Karmakar and Antaripa Mukherjee
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