Khanak Newsmailer

Think Music- A path-breaking approach to make South Indian music a global marvel

Think Music has emerged as the distinctive label in South India with a performance that has many others playing catch-up. With a grounded visionary Santhosh Kumar (Vice President Think Music) at the helm South Indian Film, Non film and Independent music, can be assured of the most incredible talent scouting, promotion and marketing for its widening canopy on the Global stage.

Santosh Kumar, in a candid yet revealing chat with Khanak expounded upon the unprecedented success of the label and what he envisages lies ahead for the label.

Nagi (N. Nagarajan) – Redefining Rhythm over and over  

Master Percussionist | Rhythm Programmer | Founder – Art of Drumming Institute

From the gentle heartbeat of the Mridangam to the pulse of electronic grooves, Nagi – fondly revered as one of South India’s leading percussionists and rhythm programmers – is a man who breathes rhythm. Born into a lineage steeped in musical tradition, Nagi carries the soul of ancient rhythms while dancing effortlessly with the demands of modern music. His versatility gives him the ability to encompass the realms of classical purity, contemporary fusion, film soundtracks, and electronic innovation with unparalleled flair. At home on stage or a recording studio, Nagi draws admiration from peers and fans.

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From classical roots to contemporary radiance

Perhaps in no other state of India will you see this incredible sight except in Tamil Nadu. Here, in the buzzing Chennai metropolis, leave aside the interiors, travelers often have to take the longer route to their destination; the reason- a music program (Kacheri) being held on the arterial streets.

The love for music in Tamil Nadu distills down to reverence of artists and art. Flippant interest in music as a means of recreation is an aberration in the cornucopian musical culture of Tamil Nadu. It could be averred that every second home has a music student or enthusiasts that keep the musical art aglow.

The Kacheris see a gathering of a Vidhwan (Learned) audience. That their profound interest is in complete sync with their ability to absorb music around them and runs deeper than the average listener in the other parts of India makes them a truly special breed.

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Q & A with Staccato

Q Making a band is a dream, but carving your own identity is the real deal. How long did it take for Staccato to carve that identity?

A I think we had a clear vision right from the beginning of what we wanted to achieve, but the path wasn’t quite what we expected. We went with the flow, yet we never lost sight of our vision. I believe we are still on the journey toward what we set out to do, and the experience so far has been great — rewarding and enriching.

Q A bands energy is core to its appeal… something that Staccato is known for.  what is the fount of your effervescence as a band?

A I think at heart, we’re still like a group of college friends jamming together, bunking classes. That spirit hasn’t changed. We genuinely look forward to playing together, traveling together, and growing together — both as musicians and as people. That sense of friendship and shared passion is what keeps our energy alive.

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Nagaland’s Abdon Mech represents India at global songwriting camp in Budapest

Nagaland singer-songwriter Abdon Mech represented India at the Artisjus Songbook Camp 2025 in Budapest, marking a defining moment for the Indian independent music scene.

The international songwriting camp brought together 30 artists from across the globe, with Abdon standing out for his authenticity and storytelling rooted in the hills of Dimapur.

At the camp, Abdon co-wrote original tracks and penned the anthem for the globally renowned Sziget Festival, collaborating with artists from genres ranging from Japanese pop and Afro beats to Hungarian folk and Indian indie.

“It was like building bridges through beats,” said Abdon. “There were 30 of us from different corners of the world, but music made us one family.”

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