Close X
Wednesday, November 13, 2024
ADVT 
Hollywood

Few True Independent Artists In India: Grammy Winner Ricky Kej

IANS, 09 Sep, 2015 10:24 AM
  • Few True Independent Artists In India: Grammy Winner Ricky Kej
Bengaluru-based musician Ricky Kej, who won the Grammy Award for his album "Winds of Samsara" in February, laments that there are few "true independent artists" in India. He says there is a need for musicians to write about "real topics".
 
"There are a few true independent artists in India, but most of them do not make music from their heart. They are constantly making music hoping that a Bollywood producer listens to it and likes it. So they are actually making music which slyly caters to Bollywood," Kej told IANS in a telephonic interview.
 
The musician was in the capital to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who personally congratulated him for the Grammy win.
 
Kej's 2014 release "Winds of Samsara", for which he won the Best New Age Album trophy at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards in February, spotlights the musical, cultural and political connections between India and South Africa -- from late freedom fighters Mahatma Gandhi to Nelson Mandela. He collaborated with South African flutist Wouter Kellerman for the venture.
 
Drawing a parallel between India and the West's music cultures, Kej asked why Indian musicians can't write about hard-hitting subjects that "are bothering them personally".
 
"It's just not music from the heart nor is it music which defines the (composer's) personality. If you look at the west, a singer like Adele writes an album when she breaks up with someone, and John Mayer writes an album when he falls in love with someone, whereas Coldplay and U2, when they feel strongly about a political issue, write about it.
 
 
"Why can't that happen in India, where musicians can write about real topics and real things that are bothering them personally or about their own philosophy, or make music that they themselves listen to," he added.
 
Asked about his opinion on the independent music scene in India, Kej said: "An independent musician like me in India... I have the same issues as a non-cricketer faces in sport."
 
Kej has previously composed music for films like "Accident" and "Venkata in Sankata"; he says he is no longer open to such projects as he "found composing music for films generally frustrating".
 
"I needed to have freedom to make the music that I wanted to do. I didn't want the music to be married to a visual. I found the film industry rather stifling for me and I decided that I needed to do my own thing," he said.
 
Although Kej is no longer interested in composing music for films from the scratch, he says he is "open to do a film" if the makers want to use his existing music as an OST (original sound track) .
 
"After the Grammy win, I had got many offers to do films, but the only way I am open to do a film is if any film wants to use my existing music," Kej said.
 
"Like how it works in the west... if someone would like to use my music as an OST, I would be extremely happy to do that because my music will reach out to a wider audience," he added.

MORE Hollywood ARTICLES

Neil Patrick Harris Posts Tribute To Husband

Neil Patrick Harris Posts Tribute To Husband
In the photo the two were seen full of joy. Harris was wearing a white-fitted shirt, black vest and bow tie while holding a microphone. 

Neil Patrick Harris Posts Tribute To Husband

WATCH: Hugh Jackman Revives ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

Wearing a bow tie and a white shirt, Jackman said: "I know I'm late, but this is the 2015 ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. Bring it on," before pouring ice water over his head. 

WATCH: Hugh Jackman Revives ALS Ice Bucket Challenge

I was depressed about my looks: Miley Cyrus

Singer Miley Cyrus says she used to be depressed about how she looks.

I was depressed about my looks: Miley Cyrus

Kourtney Kardashian In Search Of New Home

Reality TV star Kourtney Kardashian is reportedly on the hunt for a new bachelorette pad following her split from her partner of nine years, Scott Disick.

Kourtney Kardashian In Search Of New Home

Cindy Crawford conflicted by photoshopped image

Cindy Crawford conflicted by photoshopped image
Supermodel Cindy Crawford admits she felt "conflicted" when a photoshopped photograph of her in a bikini went viral.

Cindy Crawford conflicted by photoshopped image

Hollywood Actress Lesley Ann Warren Believes In Indian Astrology

Hollywood Actress Lesley Ann Warren Believes In Indian Astrology
"Though I have never visited India, my astrologer is an Indian and I believe in Indian astrology," the actress told IANS.

Hollywood Actress Lesley Ann Warren Believes In Indian Astrology