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Veteran composer and singer Leslee Lewis, widely known as one half of the iconic 1990s pop duo Colonial Cousins alongside Hariharan, has delivered a scathing critique of the contemporary Indian music industry. In a recent interview, Lewis expressed his candid view on how commercialization and streaming algorithms have degraded artistic expression, stating that today’s creators are no longer focused on true music-making but are instead engaged in a business transaction or “dhandha”. His comments come at a time when Colonial Cousins experienced a massive resurgence after Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented a vinyl record of their music as a diplomatic gift to Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. While celebrating that timeless 90s sound, Lewis highlighted the stark contrast between that golden era of Indian pop and today’s short-lived, template-driven tracks.
Elaborating on his critique, Leslee Lewis pointed out that algorithmic streaming charts have forced modern musicians to chase trends rather than build genuine artistic identities. Having listened through top-charting streaming playlists, he noted that most tracks sound virtually identical because artists are pressured to replicate established formulas to avoid being suppressed by recommendation algorithms. This relentless focus on short-term popularity has severely harmed the shelf life and longevity of modern songs, driving listeners back to classic melodies from past decades that were crafted with deep emotional resonance. Furthermore, Lewis mentioned that convenience culture, such as listening to music primarily through low-quality phone speakers, has eroded creative passion, leaving many talented 90s artists struggling to fit into rigid modern commercial molds. Despite these industry challenges, Lewis remains dedicated to authentic creation and confirmed that he is reuniting with Hariharan for their 41st song together to celebrate their enduring musical bond.
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