‘Neo Electoro’: A unique music exhibition by Jaipur’s Skand

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Skand’s ‘Neo Electoro’ represents a unique music offering that combines art, technology, and music to present a transformative experience. Through his mesmerizing sounds, Skand invites listeners to embrace reality, fostering awareness and connection with their surroundings. This groundbreaking album sets a new standard for artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved through the synergy of different art forms.

TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES WITH MUSIC

An indie artist from Jaipur, Skand has officially released his debut album, ‘Neo Electoro,’ in a manner that defies convention and immerses listeners in an extraordinary experience. This one-of-its-kind music event combines art, technology, and music to create an immersive journey into an alternate world.

Skand embarked on the creative journey of ‘Neo Electoro’ in November 2019, during a time of social and political unrest in India, as protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC) were at their pinnacle. In the midst of these chaotic times, Skand began crafting his musical masterpiece, channeling his emotions into a collection of songs that would resonate deeply with listeners.

The recording process coincided with the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown. Skand’s determination and resilience allowed him to navigate the challenges posed by the unprecedented circumstances. In an atmosphere of unpredictability and chaos, he found solace in dedicating almost a year to writing, recording, and producing the album.

An immersive experience

Skand’s fascination with synth sounds is at the core of ‘Neo Electoro.’ He explores the concept of creating unique sounds from a single constant electrical signal, allowing for infinite possibilities of modulation. The result is an atmospheric, ambient, and meditative music experience that envelopes the listener, inducing a sense of immersion akin to the initial discomfort that leads to a meditative state. Skand himself explains, “We are always already immersed,” emphasizing the inherent immersion found within his work.

Multi-dimensional experience

What sets Skand apart is his multifaceted artistic background. He is not just an electronic musician but also an accomplished artist and photographer who has both studied and taught at MSU Baroda. ‘Neo Electoro’ is more than just an album; it is an exhibition-installation that offers a multi-dimensional and multi-sensory experience. Skand has created a captivating world with a three-channel video installation, captivating artworks, and interactive installations, all designed to transport the audience into a realm beyond their imagination. By incorporating various media forms, Skand defies the limitations of a singular medium, demonstrating the potential for artistic expression to transcend boundaries and engage with audiences in innovative ways.

To showcase the album in this extraordinary manner, the selection of the venue played a pivotal role. The experiential exhibition is currently being held at the Oralities Research Lab Foundation, located in Raja Park. This unique space serves as a hub for researching and exploring oralities as an alternative medium to social media, while also critically examining the complex nature of exhibitions in contemporary arts. Within the foundation, visitors can enjoy a free reading room, featuring an extensive collection of books, and a screening room that showcases curated films by international curators. This choice of venue adds another layer of artistic depth to Skand’s Neo Electoro, immersing attendees in a thought-provoking experience.

Fostering awareness of reality

The album serves as a profound commentary on the emotions and struggles experienced during the pandemic. Skand expertly captures the feelings of loneliness, strangeness, and the breakdown of everyday life. As the world grappled with political turmoil, soaring COVID-19 deaths, and a lack of certainty, Skand delves into themes of depression, anxiety, and the collapse of safety and security. The album’s tracks also tackle a range of other concerns, from the refugee crisis to redefining masculinity, the implications of nationality, all within the broader context of feeling alienated and disconnected. Through his music, he invites listeners to confront their realities and engage with their environment, fostering awareness rather than escape.

It is apt to conclude with a few lines from his one of his songs:

“Towards the end

Everything is sweeter

Towards the end

As long as you know that time can bend

Towards the end

Everyone is silent

Towards the end

They just nod their head and they all pretend”

Note: The exhibition is on till 13 July. To attend the exhibition, it is mandatory to RSVP on 7737115976