Stage Matters
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.
Episodes
29 episodes
EP. 29 Kanaxx - High Energy, Great Vibes
In this episode, we sit down with Ramkumar Kanakarajan, better known to the music world as Kanaxx. As one of India’s most prolific and versatile drummers, Kanaxx’s journey is a masterclass in staying grounded while playing at the ...
Ep 28 Tenma - The Artivist
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 Ang...
Ep 27 Siva ananth - Allrounder
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 dee...
Ep 26. Karthick Iyer - The violinist entrepreneur
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 professi...
Ep. 25 Shylu Ravindran - Guitarmaama
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...
Ep. 24 Aravind SA - Get up Stand up
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 profo...
ep 23 Sean Bout - Sound engineer to the stars
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, ...
ep. 22 Sahib Singh - The player and the manager
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 hilarious...
Ep 21 Padmini Chettur - The outsider
Stage Matters: Beyond the Classical - A Conversation with PadminiJoin us on Stage Matters for a fascinating chat with Padmini Chettur, a leading contemporary dancer and choreographer. In a genre-bending episode, Padmini tak...
Ep 20. Hrday Sunil - The Introvert
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...
ep 19 Ranjani Sivakumar - Performance is like a sport
Podcast Episode Description: The Inner Game of Performance: From Stage Fright to ShoonyaCarnatic artist Ranjini offers a deeply personal and reflective look at what it truly takes to step onto the stage, blending the rigor of s...
Ep. 18 Sanjeev T - the rockstar
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...
EP 17 Pranav Krishnan - The Moonlighter
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 play...
Ep. 16 Sharanya Gopinath - Performance is magic
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 ...
ep 15. Lakshmi and Kiran - The commercial bandleaders
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...
Ep 14 Bharath Narayan - Whistle Podu
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 s...
Ep. 13 Anu Hasan - The beauty lies in the imperfections
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 anx...
Ep. 12 Maarten Visser - Horn OK Please!
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, ...
Ep. 11 GVV - The reluctant Performer
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 wh...
Ep. 10 Srikkanth Natarajan - The Chennai Scene
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 bei...
Ep.9 Harini Iyer - Do what feels true to you
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 arti...
ep. 8 Ragavan Manian - Performance is a distillate
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 compose...
Ep.7 Vikram Vivekanand - In the zone of tone
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 soundchec...