ICE PEOPLE: Sanjay Maroo

Chaley Jaaon Online

If you've heard
Mujhse Banta Nahi Remix and want to buy the song, you won't find it at your nearest music store. There are no CDs or cassettes and there's no music company behind Sanjay Maroo's Chaley Jaaon album. The music can only be found online at rediff.com.

"That's right, I've launched my album online and response to the video has been very good," says the musician. The versatile Maroo has been in the music industry for almost two decades as a jazz drummer, composer, singer and producer.

Coming from a Marwari business family from Sikar in Rajasthan, Maroo's heart was in music but he couldn't ignore his family business.

But why an online launch? "Distributing a music album in India is a nightmare with companies not willing to invest in artistes," says Maroo. He also admits that companies sometimes don't allow artistes to work creatively and at their own pace and time.

Maroo recorded all 11 tracks of Chaley Jaon in his home studio and partnered with rediff.com to bring out the album. "There's no royalty involved and we'll share profits with each download." Is the deal equal? "Not really, but nonetheless," asserts Maroo, "it's a very good deal."

Fans can download each track for as little as Rs 9.99 and can even hear clips from the songs for free before they decide which ones to download. "We can't fight technology," says the jazz drummer who recently recorded with Asha Bhonsle for her latest album Asha, "it's better we work around it."