The popular 90s Indie band ‘Euphoria’ recently released their song called ‘Ladaaii’.The song comments on the current pandemic by saying how musicians, considered ‘non-essentials’, are contributing to society by entertaining people during these difficult times. In the video, singer Palash Sen sings “Abhi khatam nahi ladaii, abhi khatam nahi ho tum, abhi khatam nahi hoon main;” while people express different emotions by holding placards. Interestingly, one of the placards has #IndiaForIndie written on it, a petition filed by the Sen to support Indie musicians of India.
Even though ‘Ladaaii’ was released on August 18, it has received only 64,000 views and 7,100 likes on YouTube even after almost two weeks of its release. Therefore, Sen has accused YouTube of sabotaging the virtual reach of Euphoria’s songs. In a video shared on Euphoria’s Instagram handle, Sen alleges that the video had 70K views earlier.
“I asked a few people in my circle about what I can do with regard to the YouTube views. They asked me to buy paid commercials from YouTube. We sent a request but it was refused because they said the song is based on sensitive events. What are these sensitive events? I made an inspirational song. It is a song for everyone who has been feeling low during these testing times,” the singer said. He added “I guess YouTube has a problem with us. Our songs are not recommended/suggested. People don’t even know we have a YouTube channel. I have been ignoring it for a long time, thinking that maybe we are not good enough. But when people listen to us after years, they ask us why we did not hear a particular track before. So, this is a problem”.
Palash said that while he does not care much about the views, it is the message and the thought that he wants to promote. Accusing Youtube of corrupting artists, he said, “Views are not important, the thought is. The petition (India For Indie) we have raised, we need support for it, which we are not getting. I have no support. I don’t have a television or radio. I had digital space to explore but even that is being taken away from me. Till when should I fight? The petition is for artists like us. If Euphoria is facing such problems, what will happen to the newer generation? They will have to buy fake views and become popular. So basically, it is the system that is corrupting the artists”.
Urging the audience to support the artists, Sen further added “I am tired. What should I do to promote the thought? The musicians need your support just as they have supported you in your good and bad times. But if the voice won’t reach anyone, how will it get promoted? This is a long journey, a long fight. Enough is enough”. YouTube has not yet responded to the musician’s allegations.
