Music as social commentary:exploring the musical soundscape

Nausheen Khan

Music as social commentary-exploring the musical soundscape and its influence

Introduction

An expression of social relatedness and self consciousness,music has evolved primarily as a means of social cohesion and communication,intricately woven in the fabric of human interaction,deeply influencing psychological functions and cognitive behaviour.As the fulcrum of social well being,music has been embedded deeply in everyday life to an extent where it has become the equivalent of a unifying adhesive.As a medium of communication facilitation,it has acquired a universal language manifested in the synchronisation of rhythm and lyrics.Time and again,the healing power of music has been banked upon to offer a critique to the socially paralysing aspects of religion,culture and politics.

Characteristics of Music as a Social Commentary

As a ground of artistry and self expression,scientifically,music induces motor outputs facilitating instant response,connecting with human emotions while building a homogenous form of mutual trust and social cohesion.

As a tool of social communication,it is believed to miraculously diffuse tensions expediting conflict resolution while fostering dialogue and cooperation.

The association of music with participatory activities is considered to create a singular temporal environment sustaining attentiveness and elevating experiential depth involuntarily.

“Sometimes the communication stems from a simple loss for words. I had to teach a conservatory music theory class the morning after 9/11. All I could do was play a recording of Pablo Casals performing Bach. It helped.I have come to believe that this deep level of communication is a kind of superpower. “ (Mark George,President and CEO,Music Institute Of Chicago).

Song lyrics help understand and modify cultural consciousness while venting out ideas of anger,hope,frustration and pain. The Tokyo University of the Arts and the University of Exeter both performed a study which affirmed how music unites us. Their studies found that different songs from all over the world have similar aspects which promote both coordination and bonding among social groups. Over 304 studied recordings were performed on diverse complex music from all parts of the world. The results established that consistent features related to rhythm and pitch resulted in statistical characteristics pertaining to inter-relationships and social context.

Historical Perspective-Throughout history,music has emerged as a venting funnel demonstrating social attitudes and conventions.It has long been harnessed by global movements seeking social change.A particular example of this is the social movement wave of the 1950s and 1960s where black and white musicians successfully addressed racism.

Sociological Perspective-Music and society have always been intimately related. Music reflects and creates social conditions – including the factors that either facilitate or impede social change.Music can validate your current emotional state and influence your emotional destination. Again, the Iso-principle can help us experience desired emotions,creating collective social impact..Sociologically speaking,the collective production of music,its microfoundations of interaction and macro level dynamics of inequality demonstrate its social relevance by closely ending the gap between individual and society.
“Music is sociological in at least five ways. it is a commodity, or a cultural object; it is an activity that organises social interaction; it contains and transmits cultural meanings; it expresses the identity of the listeners; and lastly, the venues, genres, and instrumentation of music reveal forms of social stratification, such as gender and race. “ William G. Roy
Music cannon,taste and social exclusion are closely interrelated as all are connected to the dynamics of society.
For example -The ever-expanding status quo is defined by high modernity and advanced capitalism. Participatory music making and dance are among a variety of activities that can be potent resources for social change and provide alternative models for citizenship because they operate according to values and practices diametrically opposed to capitalist ethics, are voluntarily open to anyone who is interested, and become the basis of special social cohorts—social groups drawn together by enthusiasm for the activity and shared preexisting tendencies toward the broader values that underlie the activity.Constraints on musical expression in the form of music censorship can impact artistic expression and social responsibility.Concerned with structures,practices and motivations for music making,the cathartic aspect of social responsibility makes music a cathartic collective participatory activity.

Transformative Influence of Music on Society

In the intricate tapestry of human existence, music stands as a powerful agent of change, intertwining rhythm and meaning to convey profound insights into society. Its unique ability to transcend linguistic barriers makes it a universal language, capable of resonating with individuals from all walks of life, irrespective of race, caste, class, gender, or disability. Studies conducted by esteemed institutions such as the Tokyo University of the Arts and the University of Exeter confirm music’s ability to unite diAnalysis of recordings from around the globe reveals shared elements of rhythm and pitch that foster coordination and social bonds.

The evolution of recording techniques and technological advancements has revolutionised access to music, democratising its consumption and distribution. However, challenges such as music censorship can impede artistic expression and hinder social responsibility, underscoring the delicate balance between creativity and societal norms.
Furthermore, the complex interplay between music, taste, and social exclusion highlights broader societal dynamics.
Impact of musical commentary in jails through Tinka Jail Radio

Dr. Vartika Nanda’s pioneering work with the Tinka Tinka Foundation exemplifies how music can serve as a tool for social upliftment and rehabilitation, amplifying marginalised voices and fostering inclusivity. Link: Tinka Tinka Jail Radio। Ep 90। World Music Day । Musical creations through Tinka Jail Radio। TTF – YouTube
Established as a public charitable trust aimed at instilling positivity,healing change and creativity in prisoners while integrating them into the nation-building process,Tinka Tinka Foundation has been taking micro steps at macro level for reforming the inmates through the power of art,literature,music,journalism,education and life skills.
Here is an insight into recent organisational endeavours bridging the gap between inmates and the world outside harnessing musical energy.

CASE STUDIES:

Podcast: Episode 77 Aaye Awadh mein Ram From Jail Radio:Jind: date:21 Jan 2024:Tinka Tinka Foundation:Link:Tinka Jail Radio। Ep 81आए अवध में राम। Prayers from Jind Jail।Tinka Tinka Foundation। Vartika Nanda
Released on 25 January 2024 by Tinka Tinka Organisation under the aegis of Dr.Vartika Nanda,this episode unleashes the coming true dreams of inmates lodged behind the bars.The podcast traces the story of Jai Bhagwan,an inmate incarcerated in District Jail,Jind,a singer before being imprisoned.Tinka Tinka created another rainbow out of his long held dream of releasing his own song written by him.A unique musical experiment,Jai Bhagwan’s song gham e zindagi mein muskurana chod de delving into ideas of hope,positivity and creativity is a soulful rendition.Following this,there was a unique collaborative effort between two distant jails of Jind and Dehradun,wherein exhorted by training material provided for Tinka jail radio,an innovative song was released.

Podcast:Episode 67: Tinka Tinka Dasna: A musical confluence of two jails: Released on 30 June, 2023:Link:Vartika Nanda: Tinka Jail Radio Episode 67: Tinka Tinka Dasna: A musical confluence of two jails
A unique musical collaboration between two jails and a free exchange of creativity as a musical confluence was discovered when the theme song for Tinka Tinka Dasna composed by Dr.Vartika Nanda to give creative power and open the senses of inmates 8 years ago was reworked in 2016.Sung by 13 inmates of District Jail,Dasna,the composition is a mosaic of experiences and stories sung in front of the main wall of the jail,later adopted as the theme song. Recreated by Mahendra Prajapati,an inmate lodged in Sabarmati jail,Gujarat,the song is aimed at infusion of creativity and music,a driving force,a space of change,a guiding light.

Podcast 75: Central Jail, Bilaspur: Released on 30 October, 2023:Link:Tinka Jail Radio। Ep 75। Music from Central Jail Bilaspur Chhattisgarh। THR। Vartika Nanda
Shyam Bai was a woman who spent 20 years lodged in the prison walls. A former folk singer with two released albums to her name, she was a passionate soul when it came to musical artistry.n 2017, she was able to reconnect with music through inspiration in the form of a poem from Thee…Hoon…Rahungi…, a collection of poems composed by Dr Vartika Nanda, the founder of the Tinka Tinka Foundation and India’s leading prison reformer. The words from the book have been painted across prison walls all over the country and the essence of the poem resonates with women in prisons.
Podcast 16: Central Jail, Ambala: Song on Corona by Sheru: Released on 22 May, 2021:Tinka Tinka Foundation:Link:Sheru: RJ, Singer and Star from Ambala Jail Radio

A song carrying hope,optimism and positivity at its heart,reverberating through the dingy cells of Haryana,amplified by the Haryana radio created a new dawn in the dark and treacherous prison life.Sung by Sheru,an inmate lodged within Ambala’s Central jail.

5.Podcast|Main Hoon Tinka। Tinka Tinka Foundation। Magic from Dehradun Jail:Released on 30 May 2023:Link:Main Hoon Tinka। Tinka Tinka Foundation। Magic from Dehradun Jail: Promo 2: 7 voices
Tinka Tinka Foundation,focused on creating rainbows within prisons,propelled dreams to the horizon when it manifested the vision of the visually challenged Suchit Narang into reality.Fructified with the assistance of three officers,Inspector General of Uttarakhand Prisons Vimla Gunjyal, Deputy Inspector General of Prisons and Senior Superintendent of Dehradun Jail, Dadhiram and Jailor Pawan Kothari,Main Hoon Tinka is a is the exposition of the talent of three inmates-Rohit Verma,Suchit Narang and Arun.Tinka Tinka Foundation provided them a safe space of creative expression where they have got the opportunity to release their signature tune.”Dr. Narang is a convict, lodged in District Jail, Dehradun in Uttarakhand. We celebrate music every day. ” Dr. Vartika Nanda

Impact: Tinka Tinka Organisation,a credible charitable public trust not only recognises talent but also gives prisoners their long lost vocals,thereby rebuilding their confidence.The songs espouse the creation of awareness surrounding the covid 19 pandemic and other socially relevant themes.They also played a crucial role during lockdown highlighting the threatening nature of the pandemic and the importance of wearing masks.

Tinka Tinka Foundation and reformational musical efforts
The word “Tinka”taken from Hindi language literally meaning straw,represents the essence of Tinka Tinka Foundation,indicating moving bit by bit,step by step,to initiate positive changes in the lives of prisoners.It is acting as a walking stick for the destitute conditions of prisoners faced by multiple challenges.
“With the motto of creating rainbows in prisons,Tinka Tinka Foundation is providing opportunities to inmates to rewrite their lives and fill it with the magic of music.The Tinka model of prison radio has been the focal point of change and Tinka jail radios in Haryana and Uttarakhand have made major contributions towards this effort using music as a vital tool.Musical creations in jails are a significant segment of Tinka Jail Paathshala,drastically reforming the bleak face of educational backwardness of the inmates.” Dr. Vartika Nanda, prison reformer & Founder, Tinka Tinka Foundation
Conclusion
Music emerges as a transcendent force that shapes and reflects societal norms, values, and aspirations. Its ability to bridge divides, inspire change, and foster empathy underscores its enduring significance in the fabric of human civilization.It is the one incorporeal entrance into the higher world of knowledge which comprehends mankind but which mankind can’t comprehend.Music is therapy.It moves people.It connects people in ways no other medium can.It pulls heartstrings.It acts as medicine.
“Music is a language that doesn’t speak in words.It speaks in emotions and if it’s in the bones,it’s in the bones.”-Keith Richards

Envisioned as a movement that would act as a bridge between prisons,judiciary and the society,Tinka Tinka Foundation has been taking significant steps to accelerate the process of integrating inmates into society by contemplating ways of treating them as human resources,so that,they too,can be involved as equal stakeholders in the process of nation building.Since music acts as a therapy to bind together,over a dozen songs have been released from the prison radios since 2019.These efforts,in a nutshell,are building blocks indicating a larger change steering the society in a positive direction.

Links and References
Websites:
Dr. Vartika Nanda’s website: https://vartikananda.com/
Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms’ Website: http://tinkatinka.org/
Dr. Vartika Nanda’s Blog: https://vartikananda.blogspot.com/
YouTube:
Tinka Jail Radio Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@tinkatinkaprisonreforms4559
Dr. Vartika Nanda’ YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@vartikananda76

Wikipedia:
Dr. Vartika Nanda’s Wikipedia Page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vartika_Nanda
Special:
International Recognition: BRUT: Panipat Jail Radio Revolution | Brut | Year 2022 | Vartika Nanda – Youtube (Date: January 9, 2022 )
Tinka Tinka: Milestones: Movement – Tinka Tinka Prison Reforms
Amazon Book Links:
Tinka Tinka Tihar (Hindi): https://amzn.in/d/bdCkao0
Tinka Tinka Tihar (Hindi): https://amzn.in/d/bw4Pw0W
Tinka Tinka Dasna (Hindi): https://amzn.in/d/77lYpTl
Tinka Tinka Dasna (English): https://amzn.in/d/7ERUstp
Tinka Tinka Madhya Pradesh: https://amzn.in/d/9v9ObP1
-Nausheen Khan
{Batch of 2026-27}
Department of Journalism
Lady Shri Ram College For Women