Media Release
Mangaluru, Sep 7: Music Connect, an initiative by Sandesha Foundation in association with Music Book, was launched on September 6 evening at Sandesha Kalakendra. The event drew artists, composers, producers, audio engineers, video editors, studio professionals, and music enthusiasts under one roof, offering a new platform for collaboration and networking in the music industry.
Welcoming the gathering, Fr Sudeep Paul MSFS, director of Sandesha, said that Music Connect was built on a simple idea: ‘Where music minds meet.’ He noted that too often those in the music field work in isolation, missing opportunities and collaborations. “This platform seeks to change that,” he said, describing it as a space to network, share ideas, discover new talent, and build meaningful partnerships.
Calling the launch ‘more than just an event,’ Fr Sudeep emphasized that it marked the beginning of a movement to strengthen the music ecosystem and celebrate music as a bridge that connects people, cultures, and creativity.
Melroy Fernandes, founder of the Music Book app, set the context for the evening by comparing Music Connect to a business networking platform. “A BNI-kind of event should happen in music, and we as a team should lead the way by making such gatherings happen repeatedly,” he said, underlining the need for continuity in building a sustainable ecosystem for musicians.
Voices from the participants
The interactive session that followed captured the enthusiasm and aspirations of participants:
• One participant set a personal goal of releasing a song by next month, showing the workshop’s immediate impact.
• Another highlighted that collaboration in music is rare, adding: “Networking is a key piece for collaboration. AI music is trending, but it is taking away the quality of music.”
• A composer from Honnavar, who has produced over five albums, traveled specially to be part of the event, underscoring its pull for musicians across regions.
• A keyboardist shared how music is his escape from stress: “One side of my desk has a laptop, the other side a piano—together they bring me relief.”
• Another participant, once rejected in music, spoke of how perseverance now allows him to perform at different events. He expressed eagerness to connect with like-minded musicians.
• A young flautist voiced her desire to perform at various events but lamented the lack of platforms to showcase her talent.
• Several participants noted that Music Connect gave them a sense of belonging, with one participant saying she was delighted to finally connect with like-minded musicians.
Looking ahead
The event concluded with participants setting goals for the next meet, committing to work on projects, songs, and collaborations in the coming months. Many expressed the hope that Music Connect would continue as a regular platform for growth, networking, and creativity.
With its successful start, Music Connect has already ignited a sense of shared purpose. By connecting stories, struggles, and aspirations, it promises to grow into a hub where musicians not only meet but also create together.