Bengaluru based Indian musician Ricky Kej, who recently won the Grammy for his collaborative album Winds of Samsara with South African composer Wouter Kellerman in the New Age Album category, was absolutely thrilled to be congratulated by AR Rahman.
While Ricky is still waiting to hear from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the big high for the musician was his chance meeting with none other than Hollywood’s music maestro and Academy Award winner Hans Zimmer (Lion King, Gladiator, Inception, The Dark Knight).
Ricky Kej talks to The Quint about his music and his unforgettable Grammy experience.
Q: Would you give me a background about you? How did music happen? Did you do anything else before you got into music?
I got very serious about music while I was in the 12th and wanted to pursue only music as a profession and not just a hobby, but I had to struggle with my parents about it. Then I compromised with them saying that I will get my dentistry degree and then pursue music full time. As promised I finished my dentistry degree, gave them the certificate and never practiced it even for a single day and took to full time music immediately.
Q: You mentioned doing film music for validation as a composer? How did that happen and what all have you done, ads etc?
It was difficult to explain to people what I was doing in independent music and hence decided to do the music for a few films as a validation for being a musician. I had the good fortune of working with the ace Kannada film director Mr Ramesh Arvind on 3 of his films. He is great to work with. This helped me tremendously to then focus and carry on with the music I love to make - independent album music.
Q: At 33, you already have a Grammy, possibly the biggest achievement in music. What are your new goals?
Never did think it would happen this early in my career. I am grateful for this highest form of recognition in music. A goal indeed achieved, but the Grammys has enthused and encouraged me to work harder and make more and more ambitious music from the heart. Because my art is from the heart, and every piece of music from me is a slice of my life.
Q: How was your experience at the Grammys? Did you meet anyone whose work you have admired or liked? Did you have a fan moment there?
Grammys was a dreamlike experience. Surreal! Yes, I met and saw a lot of musicians and artists whom I have looked upto and whom I admire tremendously. One big fan moment was when Hans Zimmer stopped the elevator to wish me while I was in awe and hesitating. Even got a selfie with him. I am such a huge fan of his!
Q: Tell us about Winds of Samsara and how did the collaboration with Wouter Kellerman happen?
Wouter Kellerman (S. Africa) and I met online 3 years ago and instantly took a liking for each others works. He had a song for his Father of the Nation, Nelson Mandela and I had made a song for my Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi lived most of his early years in South Africa and created a huge positive wave there and Mandela was hugely influenced by Gandhi. There was a lot of Indian-ness in Mandela, and a lot of South African-ness in Gandhi. This was the genesis of Winds of Samsara. It is based on the ideals of Gandhi and Mandela which is love, peace and tolerance.
Q: Has life started to change after Grammys? What’s it like? Any other international collaborations on the cards?
Life has changed for sure after the Grammys. The magnitude of change is difficult to describe since it has been a few days now. Lots of opportunities are coming in for international collaborations, and many people who I found difficult to work with are coming around. So this has been quite a boost to my career and has opened a lot of doors.
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