The Score Magazine - Archive July 2016 issue! | Page 40

SIVAMANI
This year at Palm Expo 2016, the
Harman Live Arena had some
amazing acts from the country that
set the stage on fire. We managed
to have a quick chat with some of
the super talented musicians in
Mumbai.
One of India's masters of percussion, Sivamani along
with Louis Banks gave us a performance of such myriad
dimensions that the number of instruments on stage
was only exceeded by the number of fans cheering for
an encore. Here is what he had to say to us
What is it about the individual instruments that define your
playing style?
It all happened on my trip to Germany when I came across so many
percussion players. We need this in India. I didn’t want to play just
drums, but do something different. So I collected a lot of percussive
instruments. I have such a large collection, that I need to find a place
to keep all of them. But the journey I have been through with them
has been worth it. Wherever I go, I have an instrument to do justice
to that culture and their sound.
What do you think about the Live Arena?
It’s beautiful. People get to see new talents and musicians. When I
started going to Frankfurt Messe, I thought I wanted to move out of
India since there was nothing here back then. But now we’ve got all
we need, good instruments, dealers and not just for drums, but music
in general.
What are your future plans?
I’m working on A.R. Rahman’s material, and also Ashutosh’s work.
My album is also coming out, and I’m also starting a Gurukul in
Tamil Nadu.
Do you have any message for the readers of this magazine?
Please read more about music. If you have light inside yourself,
you’ll be bright outside.
38
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