Stage Matters
Stage Matters
Podcast Description
Stage Matters is the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the art of live performance. Hosted by Aravind Murali, this show delves into the profound transformation artists undergo when they step onto the stage. It's more than just a presentation of talent; it's about the vulnerable, exhilarating, and often unpredictable interplay between countless hours of dedication and the raw energy of a live audience.Join Aravind as he chats with a diverse range of artists, from established icons to emerging talents, to uncover the secrets behind their transcendent moments. "Stage Matters" explores the highs, the lows, the practical techniques, and the critical mindset that define a performer's approach to their craft. If you've ever wondered what it truly takes to command an audience, connect deeply, and consistently deliver breathtaking artistic experiences, this podcast is your backstage pass to understanding the true essence of performance.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes such as the transformative journey of artists, the interplay of preparation and spontaneity in performances, and the impact of audience interaction. Examples include discussions on personal milestones in live performance and focusing on the emotional connections created between artists and audiences, encapsulated in episodes featuring artists like Vijaynarain and Siennor.

Stage Matters is the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the art of live performance. Hosted by Aravind Murali, this show delves into the profound transformation artists undergo when they step onto the stage. It’s more than just a presentation of talent; it’s about the vulnerable, exhilarating, and often unpredictable interplay between countless hours of dedication and the raw energy of a live audience.
Join Aravind as he chats with a diverse range of artists, from established icons to emerging talents, to uncover the secrets behind their transcendent moments. “Stage Matters” explores the highs, the lows, the practical techniques, and the critical mindset that define a performer’s approach to their craft. If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to command an audience, connect deeply, and consistently deliver breathtaking artistic experiences, this podcast is your backstage pass to understanding the true essence of performance.
Join us for a captivating conversation with guitarist and composer Shylu Ravindran, known for his powerful work with the contemporary fusion band Jattayu. Shylu opens up about his extraordinary transition from being a prodigious Carnatic mridangam player—the son of a legendary vidwan—to becoming a groundbreaking Carnatic-influenced electric guitarist.
In this episode, Shylu shares:
- Life Before and After Guitar: How the stage shifted from being a ”second home” (with the mridangam) to a ”nightmare” (with the guitar) and the five years it took to find confidence.
- The Preparation Process: His essential rule for maintaining a ”calm mind” before a gig, why a peaceful soundcheck is paramount, and his surprising pre-show routine.
- The Spiritual Performance: Why he believes music is a sacred ritual and how he enters a ”trance world” on stage where the only focus is his bandmates and the monitors.
- The Business of Music: His candid advice on building a successful career in original music by establishing a parallel teaching ecosystem, and why being fit is as crucial as being financially smart.
- Rehearsal & Mistakes: Why ”too much rehearsal is bad,” how Jattayu balances spontaneous improvisation with a tight structure, and why human ”errors and flaws” are necessary for a beautiful live experience.
- Life on the Road: Managing the intense pressure of touring with a close-knit band and the differences between the conservative Carnatic environment and the free-form world of fusion.
Shylu offers a rare, honest glimpse into the dedication, discipline, and sheer joy that powers one of the most exciting voices in Indian contemporary music.

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