Everyone has their own reason for choosing an instrument. What is yours?
Well. During my childhood days I always used to get fascinated by a melodious sound coming out from the church choir. Later I found out that the beautiful sound was coming from the violin and my eagerness towards that sound made me always sit next to the church choir and watch the violinist play. The mesmerising sound started haunting me all the time and that got developed into a wish that I should somehow learn that instrument.
As a child I used to sing quite well and participate in the school and church music competitions. My father, George Chittilappilly who was a well known song writer saw my interest in music and asked me whether I wanted to learn any music instrument. I immediately said‘ yes violin’ and he took me to the violin classes. He also took my elder brothers for Guitar and Drums classes. They are still playing as a passion, but I ended up taking it up as my profession.
Why do you endorse the Roland GR 55?
As a violinist I have always struggled to get a good sound from violin whenever I have performed with a band. Performing in a band is very difficult unless you have a good gear to back you. Keeping microphones for acoustic violin on stage has never worked for me. I have tried almost all the violin pickups of different makes for acoustic violin and never got satisfied with the tone. The next option was an electric violin. But buying an electric violin was very expensive and that was out of my reach at that time. I didn’ t have the money to buy and also it was not easily available that time in India. Finally I got it custom made by‘ Tulasi Musicals’ in Chennai. During that time I was playing in a band called“ Antaragni” later turned out be‘ Raghu Dixit Project’ and I still remember Raghu Dixit and I went to Chennai to order that violin. Life was bit easier after that and I enjoyed trying out my new blue coloured electric violin with different guitar processors.
Recently when I went to U. S I found out that there is a violin called‘ Cantini’ an Italian make which is specially made compatible with Roland GR 55 and I bought that violin. The sounds you can play around with this combination are so beautiful and amazing! Now I am also an endorsee for‘ Cantini Electric violins’ Italy.
Could you tell us about how you became a Roland endorsee?
It was during a band practice session I met Christopher Powell, former Euphoria drummer, who is also a Roland Endorsee saw me performing violin with a Roland Guitar processor VG88. He found that quite interesting and introduced me Roland India Team and now here I am!!!
Tell us something about your musical journey – Your initial days as a new violinist in the music circuit.
I started learning violin from my Guru Sri. Lesly Peter in Kalasadan Thrissur, Kerala. After few years my guru himself asked me whether I wanted to play for concerts. I was waiting for this opportunity and happily agreed. I had just finished my 10th std. During that time Thrissur Kalasadan was a very popular music group in Kerala, even now! I joined as the youngest member in that group also continued my academic studies. It was during this time that I had the opportunity to perform with legendary singers like Dr. K J Jesudas, Chitra, P. Jayachandran etc. I was also a part of my college band and also enjoyed playing for studio recording sessions, movies, albums etc.
After my graduation I had the tough time in deciding whether should I continue my academic studies or take up music as my profession. Deciding to choose music over studies was a very rare and unusual decision during those days. I met Fr. Thomas Chakkalamattath who took me to Pondicherry for further studies in western classical music. I studied there for 3 years till I completed LTCL( Licentiate of Trinity College London) under the guidance of Sr. Mary Judith. At the same time I also used to make several trips to Bangalore, Bombay and Chennai for master classes from different teachers like Philomina Thamboochetty, Arvind Santwan and Galeina Heifitz. Sr. Judith introduced me to Mrs. Sunderlal, Director of Bangalore School of Music, who gave me an offer to teach there. I took it up and also started performing at the chamber orchestra there.
I also had a trio called“ The BowStrum Trio” which used to perform at the Oberoi and Windsor Manor Sheraton Hotels which gave me a big support to meet my expenses.
Who would you consider your musical mentors?
Starting from my father there are quite a few. My dad and my family have always been supportive in my life. My Guru Sri. Lesly Peter and Sri. Jacob Chengalai of Kalasadan have always encouraged me to go ahead in music. Later Fr. Thomas Chakkalamattath who saw a musician in me, has supported me in a big way and even made me strong in my difficult situations. We are still in contact with each other. Of course Sr. Judith and Mrs. Aruna Sunderlal( Bangalore School of Music) who are still encouraging and supporting me whichever way they can.
How do you feel about the state of classical music education in India right now?
Definitely on the rise..! Trend is changing. Lot of people are coming and taking up music as their career without any hesitation. These days most of the parents are also keen to take their kids for music classes. Even most of the schools have music, dance, arts, and sports education as a part of their curriculum. I think there should be at least one person learning either a music instrument or singing in each house. You can find music schools in each and every corner of your city which offer different kinds of classical music such as Carnatic, Hindustani or western classical. There are online classes too..! Apart from that you get cds, videos of classes or performances. I think music is in its richest ever and we are fortunate to be living in this era of music.
What projects are you currently working on?
I am working on different projects now. One is an album of my own. But the problem is when it comes to your own project it normally takes time. You are never satisfied. You record and re-record the same track again and again. But if you are working for others you give the priority to them. You try to finish that first and your project takes a backseat. Anyway I am sure that my album will be out this year. Another project is a stage production which blends music and dance with my band.
To what extent do you incorporate experimentation into your work? Would you say you are the kind to take creative risks?
Of course. I believe that you don’ t enjoy your life if you don’ t take risks. The first challenge itself was taking up music as my career. After that it has been always taking up risks and experiments in terms of music. When it comes to composing music for movies or albums or live shows you should be open to different ideas. I never restrict myself when it comes to creativity. Now the world is wide open and it’ s in your reach and you can see, listen and learn any kind of music at any time. Thanks to the technology and music softwares that help us to create music whichever way you want..!
Tell us about your work with Raghu Dixit.
Well it happened long back. We started as a duo and performed all over the country for college fests, corporate gigs and public shows. That time the band was known as‘ Antaragni’. Later that developed into a 5 piece line up which created waves across the country. The joy and energy we got whenever we were together on stage was immense. That was one of the best bands in the country. I still miss the band‘ Antaragni’. Though we don’ t play together on stage we are still in touch with each other. Post that project we have also worked together for ads, films, albums etc.
What kind of new material can fans expect?
I am working on two different kinds of albums and hopefully which should be out this year. I am also working on a Music- Dance production for live acts.
Do you have a message for the readers of Score?
‘ Score’ more by listening to whenever possible and get influenced and inspired by the sound you like and let that represent you whenever you perform or compose...!!!
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