When it comes to fusing Carnatic music with progressive rock, few bands have struck the perfect chord like ‘Agam’. Led by the charismatic Harish Sivaramakrishnan, the band has carved a niche for itself in India’s vibrant independent music scene. With their unique blend of metal, Carnatic classical, and progressive rock, Agam has become a household name for music lovers across the country. And if there’s one festival that embodies the celebration of their South Indian roots, it’s Red FM’s ‘South Side Story’.
Recently, Harish sat down for a candid chat with News18 Showsha, just before Agam’s performance at the festival. And while the conversation started off with Red FM’s South Side Story, it quickly ventured into the band’s musical evolution, Harish’s thoughts on AI in music, and even a potential dream collaboration with the legendary Hariharan.
South Side Story: A Festival Close to Agam’s Heart
Red FM’s South Side Story, a festival that celebrates the musical diversity of South India, has seen ‘Agam’ return year after year. Harish attributes the band’s strong connection to the festival to its excellent curation and intent. “There’s a lot of thought that goes behind the way this festival is envisioned and programmed,” he notes, emphasizing the careful balance the organizers strike between giving the audience what they crave and providing artists the perfect platform to perform.
According to Harish, Red FM’s South Side Story’s deliberate programming stands out in an industry filled with hurriedly put-together events. “Whenever there’s a festival that’s programmed in a way that is audience-first and gives artists the right opportunity, it naturally becomes a great festival to play at. Red FM’s South Side Story ticks a lot of good boxes,” he says, clearly appreciative of how the festival exposes northern audiences to southern music.
Red FM’s South Side Story isn’t just another gig for Agam—it’s a reunion with fans who otherwise might not get a chance to see them live. And that’s precisely what makes it special. Harish highlights how playing in front of audiences who don’t typically get to hear southern sounds is one of the most rewarding aspects of the festival. “It’s a good opportunity to come and play for people who don’t usually get to hear our music. It feels great when we’re invited back,” he adds.
As the conversation drifts towards Agam’s upcoming set at the festival, Harish reveals that the band has a treat in store for fans. With new music in the pipeline, the performance will include songs that haven’t been performed live yet. “We don’t come here as often as we’d like, so we’ve got new music we haven’t performed. We’ll be playing some of our repertoire today,” he teases.
For fans eagerly awaiting Agam’s return to the stage, this performance is bound to be a cathartic experience. Harish recalls how the band’s last concert at the festival had to be postponed due to unforeseen circumstances in the NCR region, leaving many fans disappointed. But this time, he’s hopeful that the audience will show up in full force, ready to hear new material. “People have been asking when we’d get back here to play. Hopefully, a lot of them are coming today,” he adds.
Coke Studio and Agam’s Breakthrough
For many fans, their introduction to Agam came through ‘Coke Studio’, where the band performed the now-iconic track ‘Malhar Jam’. Harish reflects on how pivotal the platform was for Agam’s early career. “Coke Studio gave us a great head start. We were part of the second season, and it was a platform that allowed us to reach a pan-Indian audience,” he explains. At the time, the internet was still in its infancy in India, and streaming services like YouTube were just starting to gain traction. For independent artists like Agam, getting their music out there wasn’t easy, which is why Coke Studio’s platform was so crucial.
“It was a different time. Pre-streaming, YouTube was just going mainstream, and mobile internet wasn’t a thing yet,” Harish recalls, emphasizing how important it was for Agam to be showcased on such a widely watched program. The exposure not only brought their music to the masses but also helped them reach parts of the country where they might have otherwise struggled to break through.
Interestingly, Harish also recalls an apologetic comment he left under the video of ‘Malhar Jam’ on YouTube. One viewer had expressed dissatisfaction with the track, prompting Harish to respond with a humble apology. But today, that same track is beloved by many. “The comment was directed at one person who had a more puritan view of music,” he says, laughing about the change in public perception over the years. “Sometimes, music takes its time to reach people, and with new generations, the resonance increases.”
The Inner Self Awakens: A Reflection of Agam’s Musical Diversity
Agam’s debut album, ‘The Inner Self Awakens’, remains a testament to their versatility and the broad spectrum of influences that shape their sound. Rooted in Carnatic fusion, the album also explores sub-genres like folk and metal, reflecting the band members’ diverse musical backgrounds. Harish, who was trained in Carnatic classical music, explains how the album came together as a natural reflection of their cumulative experiences. “Our first album is a sum total of everything we heard growing up,” he says.
The album wasn’t premeditated or carefully curated to reflect a particular style. Instead, it’s a melting pot of the different influences each member brought to the table. Harish explains how their love for metal music combined with his Carnatic classical training resulted in the unique sound that defines ‘The Inner Self Awakens’. “We all come from metal music backgrounds, except me, perhaps, who was trained in South Indian classical music. So, it was natural for our first album to be a mixture of all those influences.”
The success of ‘The Inner Self Awakens’ also speaks to Agam’s ability to connect with a wide range of audiences. Harish attributes this to their exposure to diverse musical styles from across the globe. “The beauty of listening to great music being produced worldwide is that you take a little bit from everyone,” he adds, emphasizing how their eclectic sound has been shaped by years of listening to various genres.
The Secret to Agam’s Longevity: Friendship First, Band Second
The conversation takes a personal turn when Harish opens up about the secret behind Agam’s stability as a band. While many bands go through frequent lineup changes, Agam has remained largely consistent, with the core group intact for nearly two decades. Harish explains that the key to their longevity lies in their friendship. “The band was created later, but the friendship came first,” he says.
Agam wasn’t formed with the sole intention of making music. Instead, the members came together because they were already friends, and music happened to be a shared passion. This strong bond has kept them grounded and allowed them to weather the storms that often break other bands apart. “We came together as friends first and started fooling around with music before the band even materialized,” Harish explains.
Despite some lineup changes over the years—such as founding member Suraj leaving in 2011 to pursue his PhD—the band has remained a tight-knit unit. Harish expresses gratitude for the stability they’ve managed to maintain, especially over the past decade. “For the last ten years, we’ve had a consistent lineup, and it’s been great,” he says, adding that their friendship has only grown stronger over time.
AI and the Future of Music Production
The world of music is changing rapidly, and one of the most significant developments is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in music production. From composing to mixing and mastering, AI is reshaping how music is made. But what does this mean for a band like Agam? Harish is candid in his response. “To be honest, I’m as uninformed as many people about what AI will become. But I do think musicians get better when they’re challenged,” he says.
While some fear that AI could threaten the role of human musicians, Harish sees it as an opportunity to push creative boundaries. He believes that AI will likely challenge the more mundane aspects of music production first—much like it has in industries like software development and photography. “It’s the mundane part of music-making that will get challenged first. Musicians will need to apply more of their creative thinking and get better at what they do,” he explains.
Harish welcomes the idea of AI aiding musicians in areas like mixing, mastering, and even generating new ideas. He sees it as a tool that could enhance creativity rather than stifle it. “I think AI will force musicians to get better at their craft and do better than what they’re doing today. It should aid the creative process, not hinder it,” he says optimistically.
The Evolution of Agam’s Sound
Over the years, Agam’s sound has evolved, becoming more atmospheric, dramatic, and orchestral. Harish attributes this change to the band’s evolving listening habits and the increasing accessibility of music. “Back in 2012, we didn’t have the same access to music that we have now,” he says. “Today, you can listen to anything, anytime. Spotify, YouTube, podcasts, Instagram—there’s so much music out there, and it naturally influences how we create.”
Harish believes that this evolution is a continuous process. “As you mature, your ideas about music firm up,” he explains. “You start to understand the space where you want to create. But it’s also about being open to new influences. Younger artists are doing amazing things, and we’re constantly learning from them.”
One of the band’s earlier experiments with Hindustani classical music was ‘Live Again’, a song that explored the Hindustani side of ‘Agam’s’ musical identity. The song fused Raga Durga and Raga Patdeep with ‘Agam’s’ signature sound, and it left fans wondering why the band hadn’t explored more Hindustani classical fusion.
“There’s nothing stopping us from doing that,” Harish says thoughtfully. “Live Again was created as a cause song, and it wasn’t initially written as a band song. But now that you ask, I think it’s something we could explore more in the future. It’s just a matter of timing and finding the right inspiration.”
If Not Carnatic, Then What?
Imagine Agam deciding to shake things up and explore a new sound—one that strays far from their Carnatic fusion identity. When asked what that alternate universe might sound like, Harish initially pauses, clearly grappling with the question.
“Hard one. Because it’s very hard to think. What else could you do?” he laughs, contemplating the idea. “I think, yeah, it will probably get more orchestral. It’s not a space we are experts in, but we’ve used elements of it in our music with our limited understanding of Western classical music. But that’s where we would go. Big brass, big band sound, maybe even Broadway. Who knows?”
The idea of Agam going full orchestral conjures images of expansive symphonies blending with choral harmonies—an intriguing departure from their traditional roots. But would the rest of the band agree with Harish’s vision? He chuckles again, “I don’t know if the band thinks the same way, but I’d definitely love to try!”
The Hariharan Dream Collab
It’s no secret that Harish holds Hariharan, the iconic Indian vocalist, in high regard. Given Hariharan’s work with Colonial Cousins, the idea of a collaboration between the two seems like a match made in experimental music heaven.
“I hope it happens, man. I really hope it happens,” Harish says, with a genuine excitement in his voice. He’s had the chance to meet the legendary singer, though the collaboration hasn’t materialized just yet. “I’ve been fortunate to interact with Hariji, and let me tell you, he’s such a profound musician with vast experience. He’s cut through all chasms of music. Just sitting down with him and listening to him speak about what drives him is an education in itself.”
You can feel Harish’s admiration as he talks about his interactions with Hariharan. But, as with all things in music, it’s a matter of timing. “It’s still not manifested, but I hope it does. We’re all fans, not just me, the entire band is a huge fan of Hariji. If it happens, it’ll be a dream come true.”
Legacy? Not So Fast
Most artists think about their legacy, but Harish doesn’t seem all that concerned about it. When asked what legacy Agam might leave for future bands, he quickly dismisses the idea of leaving behind a grand legacy, opting instead for something more humble.
“I don’t believe in legacies, man. It’s a very pervasive environment that we’re in, and everyone has a part to play,” he muses thoughtfully. “I’d rather hope that our music stands the test of time and is listened to long after we’re gone. I just hope people get a sense of what we attempted to do.”
Harish’s goal for Agam’s music isn’t tied to a lasting monument in the halls of music history, but more about inspiring others to break free from conventions. “If, as artists, we’re able to, in some small way, influence others to continue playing music and challenge convention, then our journey as musicians would be fruitful,” he says. “Legacy is a large word. I don’t think we’ve created enough to leave a legacy. There are others who have done much more.”
What’s Next? A Grand New Album
Of course, the burning question on every fan’s mind: what’s next for Agam? Harish is visibly excited as he discusses the band’s upcoming album, which he promises will be their biggest and boldest project yet.
“We’re working on our third studio album. It’s the biggest we’ve created so far,” he reveals. “We’re doing six songs—maybe seven. They’ll come out as singles, since albums aren’t really a thing anymore. Nobody’s printing CDs, you know?”
The project is in the final stages of post-production, with the first single expected to drop in November. “This is probably the longest we’ve taken to put an album together. It’s also the hardest we’ve worked,” Harish says with a mix of pride and anticipation. “But, at the end of the day, the audience doesn’t care about how much time or money you’ve spent. If the music works, they’re happy.”
Despite the challenges and the sheer scale of the new album, Harish remains grounded. “I just hope that all the hard work translates into good music, and that people like it,” he adds. “Because honestly, sometimes a bedroom record can work better than a high-production album. The music is all that matters.”
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