Stage Matters
By: aravind murali
Language: en-us
Categories: Arts, Performing, Music, Interviews, Tv, Film
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...
Episodes
Ep 28 Tenma - The Artivist
Dec 16, 2025Send us a text
Join us on Stage Matters as we sit down with Tenma—composer, bass player, and the driving force behind Chennai's most vital musical movements.
From his beginnings in a Pursavakkam church choir, soaking up jazz and the sounds of Anglo-Indian string players who worked with Ilaiyaraaja, Tenma’s journey is a powerful exploration of music as both an art form and a political act.
In this deep-dive conversation, Tenma shares:
The Bass Awakening: How picking up a Yamaha bass for a school farewell, after year... Duration: 00:53:29Ep 27 Siva ananth - Allrounder
Dec 09, 2025Send us a text
In a truly unique and introspective conversation, writer, producer, and lyricist Siva Ananth (Ponniyin Selvan, Madras Talkies) joins Aravind to dissect the very nature of performance, blending personal history with deep philosophical insight.
From a nervous four-year-old on stage to his seasoned perspective on a film set, Siva explores his "complex relationship" with performance, attention, and the fundamental shift facing artists today.
Stage vs. Screen: Football vs. Cricket: Discover the fundamental differences between the collective, improvisational energy of... Duration: 01:05:10Ep 26. Karthick Iyer - The violinist entrepreneur
Dec 02, 2025Send us a text
This episode of Stage Matters features a fascinating conversation with Karthick Iyer, the highly accomplished violinist and founder of the popular band, IndoSoul.
Karthik offers a deep dive into the complex world of professional performance, detailing his journey from a traditional Carnatic musician to an international showman and, ultimately, a music entrepreneur.
Key Discussion Points:
The Performer's Evolution: Karthik outlines the distinct phases of his performing life, from overcoming stage fright in his early years, to mastering technical skills in the studio... Duration: 00:49:52Ep. 25 Shylu Ravindran - Guitarmaama
Nov 25, 2025Send us a text
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 f... Duration: 00:46:45Ep. 24 Aravind SA - Get up Stand up
Nov 18, 2025Send us a text
Join us on Stage Matters as we welcome Chennai's stand-up comedy sensation, Aravind SA. While his stage presence is magnetic, Aravind reveals that his career was a complete accident, rooted not in confidence or wit, but in a profound sense of insecurity, desperation, and a relentless need to be heard.
In this deep-dive conversation, Aravind details the surprising mechanism behind his success:
The Power of Anxiety: Discover how his "perennially anxious and dissatisfied" personality became the fuel for a thriving career built... Duration: 01:11:19ep 23 Sean Bout - Sound engineer to the stars
Nov 11, 2025Send us a text
Join us for a fascinating conversation with veteran Front of House (FOH) Sound Engineer, Sean Bout, as he takes us behind the console of major live performances.
With over 30 years in the industry, Sean shares invaluable insights, starting from his roots in college rock bands to his current role managing sound for top artists in the Indian and Tamil music scene.
In this episode, you'll hear about:
FOH vs. Monitors: Sean clearly explains the critical differences between the Front of House mix... Duration: 00:54:26ep. 22 Sahib Singh - The player and the manager
Nov 05, 2025Send us a text
Join us on Stage Matters as we sit down with Sahib Singh, the bandleader and frontman of the instrumental powerhouse Jatayu. In this candid conversation, Saib details his 15-year evolution in performance, starting with a hilariously accidental debut simply to bunk class .
Sahib takes us beyond the notes, discussing how he conquered stage fright by building a bold onstage persona and the profound shift from focusing on technical perfection to achieving internal freedom while playing. Learn about:
The Spiritual... Duration: 01:05:23Ep 21 Padmini Chettur - The outsider
Oct 28, 2025Send us a text
Stage Matters: Beyond the Classical - A Conversation with Padmini
Join us on Stage Matters for a fascinating chat with Padmini Chettur, a leading contemporary dancer and choreographer. In a genre-bending episode, Padmini takes us from her early training in Bharatanatyam and her eye-opening time at BITS Pilani to becoming a dedicated full-time artist.
She details the decade she spent under the mentorship of the legendary Chandralekha, a period that fundamentally shaped her belief that dance must be ...
Duration: 00:44:24Ep 20. Hrday Sunil - The Introvert
Oct 21, 2025Send us a text
Performing isn't just about technique—it's about presence. Our guest Hrday Sunil shares a powerful, honest look at their evolution from an anxious introvert who dreaded the spotlight to an artist who actively feeds off the crowd. We explore the profound difference between the perfectionism of the studio and the fleeting, beautiful "compromise" of live music.
They detail the practicalities of gig life, the importance of systematic troubleshooting over frustration, and the one piece of advice that helps them survive the "dry months" of a to...
Duration: 01:09:27ep 19 Ranjani Sivakumar - Performance is like a sport
Oct 14, 2025Send us a text
Podcast Episode Description: The Inner Game of Performance: From Stage Fright to Shoonya
Carnatic artist Ranjini offers a deeply personal and reflective look at what it truly takes to step onto the stage, blending the rigor of sport and engineering with the art of musical expression.
In this episode, Ranjini details her evolution from an uninhibited child artist to an introspective professional, exploring the constant "tussle" between the personal space of creation and the public nature of performance.
<... Duration: 00:56:26Ep. 18 Sanjeev T - the rockstar
Oct 07, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of Stage Matters, we sit down with Sanjeev T.—a powerhouse guitarist, composer, and music director known for his work with icons like A. R. Rahman and Sid Sriram.
Sanjeev dives deep into the philosophy of live performance, sharing insights from his journey from being a young Bee Gees fan to a global touring musician. He discusses how his understanding of performance has evolved from raw expression to a complex mix of diplomacy and science when sharing the st...
Duration: 00:49:53EP 17 Pranav Krishnan - The Moonlighter
Sep 30, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we dive into the life of the "new breed" of musicians who successfully juggle full-time professional careers with demanding, successful gigging schedules. Our guest is Pranav Krishnan, an established bass player on the scene.
Pranav shares his evolution from an aspiring guitarist inspired by Eddie Van Halen to a committed bassist, and how his understanding of performance has shifted from mere technical skill to captivating "showmanship." He gets into the practicalities of a working musician's life, detailing his meticulous preparation (including a strict...
Duration: 00:54:07Ep. 16 Sharanya Gopinath - Performance is magic
Sep 23, 2025Send us a text
In this captivating episode, host Aravind speaks with musician and performer Sharanya about her lifelong journey on the stage. From her beginnings as a child prodigy to her current understanding of performance as a soul-searching and spiritual experience, Sharanya offers a fascinating look at the evolution of an artist.
She shares her unique perspective on the intersection of skill and spirituality in performance, referencing a powerful Theiyum ritual that transformed her view of a performer's power. Sharanya also delves into the practical aspects of her craft, discussing...
Duration: 00:35:58ep 15. Lakshmi and Kiran - The commercial bandleaders
Sep 16, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we sit down with Lakshmi and Kiran, the dynamic duo behind the commercial band Yaazhi and a popular rehearsal space in Chennai. They share their journey from aspiring musicians to professional performers, offering a candid look into what it takes to run a successful function band.
Lakshmi and Kiran discuss their personal musical awakenings and how their understanding of performance has evolved from simply playing notes to becoming true entertainers. They reveal their meticulous preparation rituals, from detailed rehearsals to pre-show routines, and share their views on the...
Duration: 00:46:56Ep 14 Bharath Narayan - Whistle Podu
Sep 09, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of "Stage Matters," Bharath Narayan, a talented Carnatic vocalist and whistler, delves into the world of live performance. The episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the dedication and meticulous preparation required for a successful Carnatic music concert.
Bharath shares his journey, from being inspired by his musician parents and icons like Vidwan Abhishek Raghuram, to evolving into a seasoned performer.
The conversation explores the complex process of concert planning, emphasizing the importance of creating a balanced setlist that avoids clashing ragams and talams. Bharath...
Duration: 01:11:08Ep. 13 Anu Hasan - The beauty lies in the imperfections
Sep 02, 2025Send us a text
In this episode, we sit down with actor, host, and entrepreneur Anu Hasan to discuss her multifaceted career and the often-unseen struggles of a life in the spotlight.
Anu shares her deeply personal journey with performance anxiety, a feeling she grapples with before every talk show but never with acting. She reveals her unique preparation strategies, from rehearsing public speeches while walking to creating flexible outlines for interviews that allow for spontaneous conversation.
Anu also gets candid about the darker side of the industry, addressing the...
Duration: 00:42:58Ep. 12 Maarten Visser - Horn OK Please!
Aug 26, 2025Send us a text
On this episode of Stage Matters, host Aravind welcomes his bandmate and friend, saxophonist and composer Maarten Visser, for a captivating conversation about the art of performance. Maarten takes us on a journey from his childhood in Holland, to his evolution as an artist.
Maarten opens up about moving beyond the need to impress with technical skill and finding his personal truth in music. He shares his meticulous preparation process for a show, highlighting the importance of a deep connection with his bandmates and the audience. He also reflects on his...
Duration: 00:37:59Ep. 11 GVV - The reluctant Performer
Aug 19, 2025Send us a text
In this compelling episode, music producer GVV steps out of the studio and onto the stage, sharing his journey from a behind-the-scenes creator to a live performer. For years, GVV's music lived in the digital realm, a solitary process where he'd release songs without knowing "who's hearing or who is hearing."
He candidly discusses the "eye-opener" moment when he experienced the raw energy of a live crowd and felt truly "alive." This discovery, fueled by a desire to break out of the monotonous loop of studio work, led him...
Duration: 00:31:59Ep. 10 Srikkanth Natarajan - The Chennai Scene
Aug 12, 2025Send us a text
In this episode of "Stage Matters," host Aravind sits down with Srikkanth Natarajan, a concert promoter, event organizer, and artist manager, to discuss the often-overlooked side of the live music industry. Srikkanth shares his journey from being a music lover with a knack for organizing to becoming a key player in the Chennai scene.
He delves into the "magical" experience of live performances and how his understanding of music has evolved to appreciate both technicality and artistic expression. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to put on...
Duration: 00:53:59Ep.9 Harini Iyer - Do what feels true to you
Aug 05, 2025Send us a text
Episode Description:
In this episode of "Stage Matters," Harini Iyer, a talented singer, songwriter, and musician, shares her incredible journey from a confident 10-year-old singing "Vaseegara" in her hometown to an acclaimed touring artist.
Harini opens up about the evolution of her craft and the key lessons she's learned along the way. She talks about how her training in various art forms, from Carnatic music to theater and Bharatanatyam, has shaped her unique stage persona. She also shares her practical preparation rituals, including vocal care and her personal ...
Duration: 00:55:53ep. 8 Ragavan Manian - Performance is a distillate
Jul 29, 2025Send us a text
In this insightful episode, join us as we delve into the world of Carnatic music with the incredibly versatile musician, Raghavan Manian. Raghavan shares his captivating journey from a child prodigy performing at age seven to a prolific composer and performer who effortlessly blends various musical genres.
Discover the early influences that shaped his unique artistic voice, including the transformative impact of witnessing legends like Dr. Balamurali Krishna and Madurai Somu. Raghavan reflects on how his understanding of performance evolved from a quest for perfection to a path of self-discovery, fueled...
Duration: 01:09:59Ep.7 Vikram Vivekanand - In the zone of tone
Jul 22, 2025Send us a text
On this episode of Stage Matters, we're sitting down with the incredible rock guitarist Vikram Vivekanand. He's pulling back the curtain on the real world of live music, from the sometimes chaotic but always revealing soundchecks where anything can happen. Vikram shares how his laid-back personality translates directly to his stage presence, proving you don't always need a wild persona to be a rockstar.
We also dive into the nitty-gritty of working with gig organizers, what a musician truly expects, and...
Duration: 01:01:54Ep. 6 Anjali Manoharan - Its all about Connecting
Jul 15, 2025Send us a text
On this episode of Stage Matters, we dive deep with Anjali, a Chennai-based indie artist and vocal teacher. Anjali takes us through her inspiring journey, from discovering her passion for performance at a young age to evolving past stage fright and embracing her authentic self on stage. She shares intimate details about her pre-show rituals, the importance of appearance, and how she channels personal emotions into her original music. Join us to explore her unique perspective on the magic of live performance and the challenges faced by independent artists in India.Ep. 5 Pradeep Kumar - Swami and Friends P.2
Jul 08, 2025Send us a text
Dive deeper into the world of Pradeep Kumar in Part 2 of our exclusive interview. Following our previous discussion on the struggles and realities of the music industry, Pradeep now passionately articulates the irreplaceable value of live performance, describing it as a "familiar place" where he feels "alive." He recounts intense moments, like learning and performing bass for an entire show on the fly, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to the stage. Beyond the physical, Pradeep unveils his visionary perspective on digital music, not as a replacement, but as an expansive... Duration: 00:45:56Ep..4 Pradeep Kumar - Swami and friends (P-1)
Jul 01, 2025Send us a text
Join us on Episode 4 of "Stage Matters" as host Aravind Murali sits down with the phenomenal Pradeep Kumar – a name that resonates with soulful vocals, exceptional musicality, and captivating live presence. Far more than a singer, Pradeep is a multi-award-winning artist, a band leader, a prolific composer, and a producer whose musical fingerprint is felt across the globe.
In this deeply insightful first part of our conversation, Pradeep delves into his lifelong relationship with the stage. He traces his journey from his earliest days learning Carnatic cl...
Ep.3. Vinay Ramakrishnan - Sexy bald guy
Jun 24, 2025Send us a text
Join us on "Stage Matters" as host Aravind Murali sits down with Vinay Ramakrishnan, the dynamic drummer for Swarathma and Siennor Trio. In this insightful episode, Vinay pulls back the curtain on over a decade of stage experience, sharing the thrill of his first electrifying gigs and how his understanding of performance has evolved.
Discover Vinay's unique pre-show rituals (hint: it involves food!), his essential gear, and his perspective on personal identity versus stage persona. He candidly recounts navigating technical failures...
Ep. 2. Vijaynarain - Thunder from down under
Jun 17, 2025Send us a text
IIn a "Stage Matters" podcast, singer-composer-lyricist Vijaynarain shared insights into his journey in live performance, highlighting its profound impact on his artistic development. His passion for performing was ignited by early childhood musical training and the unique intimacy forged with audiences.
Vijaynarain recounted pivotal moments, including his participation in A.R. Rahman's "Unity of Light" concert, and a significant personal milestone in 2023: a performance for 11,000 people in Malaysia, which occurred after he transitioned to pursuing music full-time.
He underscored the importance of continuous learning, particularly...
Duration: 00:31:48Ep. 1. Siennor - Music is in the Moment
Jun 10, 2025Send us a text
Aravind Murali's "Stage Matters" podcast features Siennor, a soulful Chennai singer-songwriter, who opens up about his journey into live performance. From accidental open mic nights to commanding stages, Siennor reveals the profound personal growth and freedom he finds on stage. He shares captivating anecdotes, including a powerful moment when an audience sang his song for him. The discussion covers his unique preparation techniques, the spiritual dimension of live music, embracing improvisation and mistakes, and his belief in the enduring power of human connection in performance. Siennor also offers grounded advice on...
Duration: 00:35:16