Composer and Coke Studio Tamil S2 curator Sean Roldan Interview: Music is timeless, not tied to trends or fleeting moments | EXCLUSIVE

It has been an eventful year for composer Sean Roldan. Not only did he taste success with films like Lover and Lubber Pandhu as his music not only resonated with many but also became an organic earworm gradually. And to add to this, Sean also served as curator for the second season of Coke Studio Tamil.

With Sean’s work, especially in 2024, steering away from the mainstream aesthetics of fast beats and heavily mechanised sounds, the composer says, “It was not necessarily a conscious decision to move away from mainstream aesthetics. It was more about experimenting with new concepts and challenging myself to explore different creative spaces. I wanted to tell stories that resonate with me personally, believing they would also connect with my audience in a more meaningful way.”

Sean Roldan Interview: Curating Coke Studio Tamil S2

The Coke Studio initiative aims to celebrate Tamil music by blending traditional folk elements with modern genres. As a curator, Sean has worked towards creating a platform for diverse sounds to be heard, with the main focus on enabling emerging artists and communities, such as the Irula tribe.

With Coke Studio working closely to integrate the voices of unheard communities into the mainstream, Sean says that music is a profoundly powerful force for empowerment and upliftment, with the ability to transcend language, culture, and social barriers. He continues, “Throughout history, music has been a source of resistance, expression, and solidarity, enabling communities to reclaim their narratives and advocate for change,” as he highlights how Coke Studio Tamil is a platform that actively amplifies the voices of artists from hinterlands, giving them the opportunity to share their stories and heritage with a global audience.

In this season of Coke Studio Tamil, it collaborated with the Irula community, specifically Mullai Kalai Kuzhu, for the song “Oh Hoi” which amassed around 6.6 million views on YouTube. “Through efforts like these, music serves as a powerful means to uplift and celebrate these communities, bringing their cultures to the forefront and honouring their invaluable contributions,” Sean says.

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Asked how the platform intends to bridge the gap between contemporary and ancient Tamil history without diluting the latter, the composer elaborates how songs like "Oh Hoi," "Kalyana Kacheri," and "Nammaaley" incorporate instruments such as the mridangam, veena, and folk rhythms, reimagined through modern production techniques. With the fusion keeping the essence of Tamil traditional music intact, it is also made accessible and appealing to a younger audience. “The goal was to celebrate the roots of Tamil culture while ensuring they remained relevant and exciting in today’s world.”

On Coke Studio Tamil being enabler of indie music

Sean also throws perspective on how the initiative also is a helping hand for indie music’s growth in Tamil. With Coke Studio Tamil Season 2 experimenting with a diverse range of genres, Sean says that Indie music, though often underrated, is becoming a dynamic force in the music scene. “By bringing together artists like Yanchan Produced, Vidya Vox, and others, this season has introduced a unique fusion of sounds that has the potential to connect with a broader audience. The season's approach was focused on connecting with younger audiences as well as both new and existing ones. It is thrilling to see the growing love and response our songs are receiving across various platforms. The rising appreciation for indie music is a promising indicator of its future, and it is only a matter of time before this genre reaches an even larger audience.”

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But what about listening to music in an era where its lifespan has been shortened to adhere to reel culture? Sean responds by saying how he believes music is timeless and not tied to trends and fleeting moments. “I still feel that there are many songs that hold a special place in our heart irrespective of time in the same way my goal is to craft songs that feel deeply personal and resonate with people long after they have heard them,” he mentions.

If there is one thing that Sean would like to see change in the music industry at present in Tamil Nadu, it would be having independent artists receive more encouragement and support. “These artists are not only experimental but also pushing boundaries with fresh and innovative music that has the potential to resonate with a wide audience. It is important to create more platforms where indie artists can showcase their work, innovate freely, and bring new, original sounds to the forefront, allowing them to reach the recognition they deserve,” he signs off.