‘We aren't making music anymore, we're making reels’: Hariharan sounds the alarm on Indian music's algorithm

Playback legend Hariharan has expressed his concerns that the Indian music industry has shifted away from creating traditional music towards producing short, algorithm-driven music meant for streaming platforms like Reels. He argues that the focus on data and 15-second hooks has changed the very essence of what music is, making it something less than artistry.

Hariharan states that making music with these priorities is not music at all, but rather a different kind of content that doesn't engage the soul. He laments the hollowing out of personal investment in music with the convenience of streaming subscriptions, which means listeners no longer care as deeply as they once did. Hariharan recalls a time when investing in an album meant a stronger connection to the music, an aspect that is missing in today's culture of easy access and cheap consumption.

Even as veteran artists see a resurgence in popularity, Hariharan remains critical of the industry's direction, pointing to a need for melody that can transcend trends, which he believes will always resonate with audiences.