Unplugged is associated with music – that we know. But unplugged for us this time was all about listening to the inner voice of some highly acclaimed musicians, at our specially curated Conversation Over Cocktails event.

The Quorum made for an intimate yet exciting venue, where we had none other than celebrated musicians Lisa Mishra, Manasi Scott and Grammy nominated Raja Kumari taking the stage to share with us their thoughts on breaking the bias in the music industry.

While the conversation generated curiosity about how these women think and plan to achieve more in the industry they are a part of, we got some wonderful takeaways to share with our readers:

Lisa Mishra felt that people should invest in honing the skills of female artists holistically. The fact that some wonderful music is being created needs a bigger platform, more financial and people investment which will in turn create a bigger opportunity for budding and existing artists. To break the bias, it is important to wholly support the community, irrespective of gender.

Manasi Scott threw light on how women should come forward and demand a claim on any creative content being produced. From advertising jingles to gigs to appearances and acts – one has to be remunerated for the work being produced. That’s what drives dignity of work and sends a wave of achievement, accomplishment and self-worth, resonating through body, mind and soul.

Raja Kumari shared that women need to be empowered in taking creative decisions while on their journey of being an artist. A musician should come together as a package creating song, dance, lyrics, movement, styling, design – and creative decision making on most of these fronts should be up to the artist and not the decision of other stakeholders. Music eventually is an expression of art and that is best expressed by the performer of that art.

Song writing a gender equal world – free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination, and building a nest that is diverseand inclusive for women, was the anthem of these leading ladies, who closed the eveningjamming with each other and the guests alike.

Manasi crooned to a special self-composed anthem for Ladies Who Lead which struck an emotional chord with all the ladies in the audience, delivering a sense of belonging and equality.

Lisa strummed the guitar and magically merged into her avatar from her hit song‘Tareefan’, singing gracefully and eloquently, touching new highs and garnering a roaring applause from the crowd.

RajaKumari unabashedly belted out a powerful, energy stirring rap performance – something unique, unparalleled and unseen by majority of the audience, thereby making it a first of many.

At Ladies Who Lead, it is our endeavor to curate many more such intimate experiences, and along with our members, co-create the future!

About the Contributor:

Nikhil Sangha is a creative content writer, actor and voice over artist.

He has written social media content and shorts for brands like LWL, GQ, Coca Cola, MasterCard, Yes Bank Foundation, TLLLF – The Deepika Padukone Foundation, Bosch, Siemens, Škoda and HRX among others.