Karthick Iyer a Carnatic violinist and vocalist holds a record of being in the industry for more than eight years starting off his journey with music, by singing and playing the violin at various sabhas and concert halls across Chennai.karthick has also worked for the likes of big names like AR Rahman, Vidyasagar and Vijay Anthony. Tapping the audience with his emotional-laden ragas, Karthick has redefined the styles of Carnatic Fusion and Indi-pop. Including writing film scores and recording and programming songs for Indian cinema, he also runs ‘Soundloft’ where he works on diverse projects.More from the artist follows:
Eight Octaves: When did you realize that classical music was something you wanted to pursue? How did your first teacher work with you? What are some aspects of the teacher’s training that stand out in your memory?
Karthick:It was my mom who realized very early in my life that I would fit in well as a musician and as was the custom in most Tamil Brahmin families, put me into paatu and violin class when I was about 8. It was a little later after starting to perform on stages at the age of 13 that I got more interested in the music and began to explore it more deeply. When I was 21, while studying Engineering, I realized that my career was in music and not any of the academic/software streams that were on offer.
My first teacher Kalaimamani Sri. V. Thyagarajan left a deep mark on my violin playing. I started learning the basics with him and as the years went on under his tutelage, I seem to have imbibed the knack of integrating the soul(bhava) into my playing. This is something that really can’t be thought in words like other techniques and I’m grateful that he uncovered this particular trait in my playing.
Eight Octaves: Although a Carnatic violinist, you choose to experiment with various genres. Which is your favourite ? What is your take on ‘fusing’ styles?
Karthick:I believe that in the globalized world, we are as exposed to western clothing, sitcoms as much as the traditional Indian practices. So the music that we try and express too naturally becomes an intermingling of these two cultures. My favourite way of fusing styles is to learn a bit about the other style and see where there is a common ground for both to be showcased in a particular composition. This is what my band Karthick Iyer Live stands for too with its motto being – “Taking Indian music to the world – Bringing the world to Indian music”
Eight Octaves: You were also a part of big names like “Raghu Dixit Project”, “Emergence” etc. Any memorable incidents you could share? How have these collaborations helped your international image?
Karthick:I can recall the tours I did with them to UK and US, playing at Glastonbury, Maximum India festival. Some of these shows had huge audiences who, irrespective of the language barrier, still grooved and responded very well to the music. Shooting at the enormous BBC studios, London for the popular show “Later with Jools Holland” with the Raghu Dixit Project was quite memorable since we were on the same stage as Robert Plant and Adele. All these collaborations have really helped me understand the possibilities of Indian music with other different cultures and it is this experience that helps me when I work with my own band now.
Eight Octaves: Each of us have our favourite ragas. Which is your favourite one? A special moment from one of your concerts that you could share?
Karthick:My favourite raga is really the one I feel like playing at the moment. As a musician, it is tough to choose one raga as a favourite. However I would say that I really love playing Kaapi, Bilahari, Kalyani and Abheri.
Eight Octaves: You are also a music producer. How do you develop your own creative approach to the pieces you are performing?
Karthick:Being a music producer is a very interesting process since it is like looking the whole spectrum of music rather than just playing one instrument. It is really exciting to be in control of the various aspects of a song and recording other musicians. I look at composing songs the same way as playing my violin. I try as much as possible to relate to the emotion of the situation and become one with it.
Eight Octaves: Tell us more about the ‘Karthick Iyer Live’ initiative. How different is this initiative?
Karthick:It’s a different initiative for me personally, since for the first time in my life, I am sitting down to work on the music that captures and expresses the music of my heart. After having wonderful experiences being a freelancer, it is indeed a great pleasure to be able to express your own self through a song and that is what comes out in Karthick Iyer Live. I’m honoured to play with a set of very talented musicians, like Vikram, Naveen, Allwyn and Sumesh and together with them, we make the contemporary music with a distinct Indian flavor.
Eight Octaves: A glimpse of your current schedule? What are your future projects?
Karthick:I’ve been working with the band getting more and more new music out. We are off to Bangalore soon to play at B-Flat on the 3rd May, that’s our next show. I will be also turning a music composer soon, as I am just completing a track for a Bollywood movie. So I look forward to an eventful year with the band and otherwise.
Eight Octaves: Few tips for the youngsters? Special care about setup, tuning, holding the instrument right, practice methods?Karthick:I would have to say – listen to as much music as possible. Also Carnatic violinists can benefit greatly from western violin techniques. So try and get the best of both worlds to end up with a balanced technique and playing. Practice hard and put in the hours when you have the time, for it will definitely hold you in good stead when the busy times come and go.
