Indian Music Band Analysis: Socio-linguistic Perspective

Draft- Academic Writing Indian Music Band “Indian Ocean”: Analysis From the Socio-linguistic perspective Abstract: This research analyzes the sociolinguistic dimensions of the Indian music band Indian Ocean, whose rebirth of contemporary musical narratives through a sophisticated blend of rock an...

Draft- Academic Writing Indian Music Band “Indian Ocean”: Analysis From the Socio-linguistic perspective Abstract: This research analyzes the sociolinguistic dimensions of the Indian music band Indian Ocean, whose rebirth of contemporary musical narratives through a sophisticated blend of rock and Indian folk and classical traditions also imbibes intricate linguistic and cultural identities. This paper examines how the band’s music echoes and signifies India’s multilingual composition, social awareness and dynamic cultural outlook by means of an interdisciplinary analysis of lyrical content, language selection and musical integration of regional forms. The research shows how Indian Ocean’s discography is situated within languages ideology, code mixing and identity construction, and how they use linguistic diversity for articulating their artistic expression and socio-political critique, marrying traditional oral traditions with modern urban sensibilities. Sociolinguistic analysis reveals how Indian Ocean’s lyrics handle the themes of environmental justice, tribal rights, and urban alienation, all of which are representative of post-liberalization India’s socio-political zeitgeist. Hindi and regional language serves as their deliberate choice of vehicle for intellectual and emotional depth thus questioning the hierarchies of linguistic prestige. Furthermore, the band’s collaborative work with tribal artists further demonstrates how language serves as a medium for intercultural dialogue, disrupting the urban-rural binary through musical hybridity. The band’s lyrical repertoire spread across the spectrum of the Indian languages runs like a microcosm of India’s linguistic pluralism from the Ma Rewa, on Narmada valley dialects and folk motifs to Cheetu, a song which draws from Assamese, Tamil and Telugu. Such linguistic choices are not restricted to an aesthetic appeal, instead, they are social acts of preserving culture and subversive of the all-encompassing forces of globalization. The paper demonstrates how their adaptation of Aramaic prayers (Kandisa) and Baul-infused vocals (Arrey ruk ja re bandeh) lends a pan-Indian sonic identity that traverses generational as well as regional boundaries. This research attempts to show how music can serve as the basis for collective memory and national identity by means of a younger set of musicians who look to the band’s ‘unapologetic Indian-ness’ as an important ‘forming moment.’’’ Thus, they ask us to revise how we think about performative multilingualism in South Asian arts as work that sustains minority languages and promotes modernity that includes other. It helps Indian Ocean to position Indian Ocean as cultural mediators in which India’s sociolinguistic complexity become an auditory universal experiment, a way to study how sound, language and power get mixed in the postcolonial creative spaces to generate global cultural nourishment. Key words: Sociolinguistics, Indian Music band, Multilingualism, Linguistic diversity, Intercultural Dialogue, Music hybridity, Folk music, Tribal rights, Post-Liberalization India, Socio-political critique. Introduction: “Indian Ocean is a pioneering Indian fusion rock band, known for blending Indian classical music with rock, jazz, and folk influences. Since their formation in 1990, they've captivated audiences with unique sound and thought-provoking lyrics that explore spirituality, social issues, and environmental themes. With iconic albums like ‘Kandisa’ and ‘Jhini’, Indian Ocean continues to shape the indie music scene, gaining a loyal fanbase both in India and globally.” (Indian Ocean) Indian Ocean has managed to make a mark in the vast expanse of music particularly Indian music as a band that has created a footprint like no other. Indian Ocean is an emerging sound, which came out in the early 1990s period that coincided with India’s liberalization and cultural transformation, perpetually propounding a sound that’s hard to label. The band, which is known for smooth mingling of rock, Indian folk traditions and classical influences, has turned into a unique sonic force that speaks the rich socio-cultural and linguistic gloss of India. This research endeavored to look at not only Indian Ocean as a musical band but also as a complex sociolinguistic process. Sociolinguistics is the field of linguistics which deals with