Carlton Braganza is a popular name among the western music audience in India and is known as an innovator in live musical shows.

The Bangalore-settled independent musician’s roots stretch back to Mumbai’s Bandra where his musical instincts were honed and early lessons shaped his persona.

Carlton regales domestic as well as international audiences. No wonder, Carlton has fans everywhere, from New York to Melbourne to Cochin.

In recent times, Carlton Braganza is best remembered for his online music show Jukebox Jammies during the Covid lockdown period when anxiety and gloom stalked people.

Jukebox Jammies was a kind of silver lining to thousands of people glued to his Opus page on Facebook and YouTube, night after night.

Braganza did not disappoint. Sitting in his bedroom with headphones and a mic, Carlton sang nostalgic hits including classic rock gems to balmy jazz.

Recently, Carlton Braganza was in New Delhi on a short visit before flying to Australia for a musical tour. He also performed at the India International Centre in New Delhi.

In an interview with G. Kalyan Kumar, Editor of Business Views, Braganza opens up on his hectic musical journey and other trends in music.

Braganza chuckled when commenting on the overwhelming response to the Jukebox Jammies. He notes that the online music program was started as yet another glitchy house gig to keep him occupied during the lockdown and it soon became a movement.

Juke Box Jammies surpassed expectations with over 1.5 million views on Facebook and YouTube. It had over 200 episodes, and 900K engagements, as Carlton sang over 2000 unique songs

Excerpts...

What sustains Mr. Carlton as a musician, especially as someone who redefined live performances with eclectic renderings?

I love all kinds of audiences ... And that’s what sustains me. Being able to cater to different kinds of people with different music preferences is what drives me...

Your passion for music and the finesse is acknowledged by the growing in-demand shows and audiences. Can you explain how music became a key part of your career which has been multifarious including the stint in the Navy and entrepreneurship in the hotel industry?

It is true that never had music training in the formal sense. I never went to an outside class other than school and church and the zonal competitions during my Bandra days that probably kickstarted my musical leanings.

I joined the Navy at the age of 18 but the music stayed. Whenever I would come on leave to Bandra I used to do a concert with a Bombay choir.

What makes your songs special as the founder of Opus music and are you locked on any particular genre of music?

The repertoire is vast .. I guess over 2500 songs. I mostly try and have my own take on most of the music that I do .. To the question, of whether I am restricted by any genre of music, to be frank, I am not genre-bound.

I like the swing and big band era, but I like all kinds of music - from country to new-age music. That is what excites me and I do not like the label of a one-trick homie.

Who all had been your role models in music?

As I said, I am a fan of many genres including Western, and classical. Among the entertainers I admire, Dean Martin can be called an idol for his singing and his wit and his impeccable timing ... Robbie Williams, Freddy Mercury, and Luciano Pavarotti are other inspirations.

You have done hundreds of performances abroad including in the US, Australia, the UK, and Europe. Are you looking for big music brands to sign up for your albums towards bigger commercial gains?

I am not a great marketer. More than big money what I value more is the pace of flexibility to run my live shows suiting to all situations. I like balancing my activities including personal business, concerts, and talent grooming without any rigid barriers.

How do you comment on the evolution and growth of fusion songs?

I can’t really comment as I'm not really qualified to.. but stars like AR Rahman, Usha Uthup, Hariharan, Lesle Lewis, and others are flying the flag high.

There is now a flood of music including online music. In what way music lovers can become more discretionary in choosing the best?

Of course, the internet has unlocked vast options for music. There’s no best and worst or right or wrong in music .. If it works for you and gets you in the feels, then it's the right music.

Unlike other commercial performances, the India International Centre is an entirely different experience with an intellectual flavor. How do you judge that varied experience?

Certainly, IIC has a different and a very discerning audience. This time, The performance was from The Great American Songbook .. from the first song we had them singing along and even dancing with us ..

What is your message to the youth who love music and some who also wanted to make a profession?

Explore the world of music and keep learning and listening and improving. Don’t get stuck in a rut. If you are good at anything you do, keep at it ... Positive results will come.

Always keep trying something new. If it works, stick with it! If not, try something else.