Bengaluru-based Grammy winner Ricky Kej has composed, produced and mixed "Aishwarya", the opening song of South African musician Wouter Kellerman's latest album "Love language". It has been nominated for the 2015 Grammy Awards in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category.
"Aishwarya" was created with a participation of over 150 live musicians from across the globe. Ricky recorded the string section and percussion in India, brass in Nashville, choir in Chicago, Kellerman's flute in South Africa, India and Los Angeles, mixed and mastered in Los Angeles.
"I am extremely thrilled and excited for having my song ‘Aishwarya’ as part of Wouter Kellerman's Grammy nominated album ‘Love Language’," Ricky, whose 2014 release "Winds of Samsara" won the Best New Age Album trophy at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards, said in a statement.
The Grammy-winning album, which spotlights the musical, cultural and political connections between India and South Africa from late freedom fighters Mahatma Gandhi to Nelson Mandela, was also a collaboration with Kellerman.
Now, Ricky is excited for "Aishwarya".
"‘Aishwarya’ is inherently a very Indian piece and yet has an international appeal. I am so happy that it is receiving so much praise, appreciation and recognition. I wish Wouter the very best for the win and I look forward to walking the Grammy red carpet for the second year in a row," he said.
Ricky, who promotes women empowerment on various forums, has also made a music video for the song with the theme being ‘Empowerment through Education for the Girl Child’.
The video is about Aishwarya, a girl living in an Indian village who goes against all odds, to gain empowerment and freedom through education.
“Out of 115 million children in the world who do not go to school, most of them are girls. Through my music and this video, I would like to bring more attention to this current scenario and hopefully make a difference," said Ricky.
The awards ceremony will take place on February 15 next year at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.