Charsur Digital Workstation, the Chennai based music company is all set to take part at WOMEX-2004, a World Music Exposition at Essen, Germany this month. Scheduled from October 27 to 31, the expo networks artistes and music organisations from around the world. Charubala of Charsur says, "We put up a stall, find distributors and try to find a place for Carnatic Music at international festivals."

Photo Caption : Charubala and Suresh of Charsur

Commenting on the music industry, Charubala says, "The market is really bad. Internet has played the tricks. People want to download music from internet and it is so easily available. And on the other side, artistes are expensive too, while dealers and shops expect a very long credit period." However, Charsur has been at its job, choosing themes and recording.

And what's driving them Says Charubala, "Frankly, we're fighting against all the rubbish that is happening in the music scene. And we're doing it only because the music is so spiritual and highly valuable. We're not looking at just the commercial angle. We want to present Carnatic Music has it has always been, without frills or fusion. We are trying to do our bit, simply because we're passionate about it."

How does the company survive "The game is to have more titles. We have almost 100 titles. And our first title still sells. Even albums released five or six years ago still move. And that's the freshness of Carnatic Music." says Charubala who adds that the company is planning six titles for the December Season.

And are there ingredients that make their albums special Explains Charubala, "We've been branding music. 'Kshetra' one of our first brands was themed on temples. 'Paddhati' is a revival of old recordings. 'Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi' explores the capacity of a musician at handling a raga. 'Dvayam' features just two compositions in an album, but rendered for about half-an-hour each. 'Myriad hues of a Raga' features compositions only in one raga."

Here are the latest from the company this month: 'Dvayam' the first in the series, features Sanjay Subrahmanyam rendering two compositions of about 30 minutes each, in Ritigaula and Kamboji. CD costs Rs. 195.

'Paddhatti' features a live recording of a concert by Maharajapuram V. Santhanam at South Delhi Music Circle, New Delhi in 1983. The three-volme pack is priced Rs. 575.

'Sadasraye' features compositions of Muthuswami Dikshithar by young vocalist Nisha P. Rajagopal. CD at Rs. 195.

'Suruti' delineates the raga as a Ragam-Tanam-Pallavi, rendered by T.M. Krishna. CD costs Rs. 195.

Charsur Digital Workstation is run by Charubala and Suresh. You can contact them at Ph: 24994119. E-mail: charsur@charsur.com URL: www.charsur.com