Violinist Karthick Iyer, who started his musical journey learning traditional Carnatic style, is giving it a unique and fresh twist. Scheduled to perform in Hyderabad on Saturday for the Gudi Sambaralu festival with his band IndoSoul, Karthick is planning a repertoire of traditional Carnatic compositions keeping the temple venue in mind.
Recalling his early days, Karthick says, “I took traditional Carnatic vocal music lessons from my mother’s uncle, ‘Calcutta’ Sri K.S. Krishnamurti who was a very popular Guru. Later on, I picked up the violin and played at traditional concerts. In college, there were opportunities to jam with musicians who played rock, pop and jazz. Somewhere, a crossover happened and I realised that there was a need to produce sound that was global with Indian roots. It was all about bridging two different generations of music.”
Karthick has also created his own compositions and sings them out to convey the message. “I have written songs on love, addiction, simple living, understanding life and other philosophical aspects. We also play traditional classical music. But there is an added ‘classy touch’ which makes it different. It’s more energetic with a little touch of pop but having the spiritual depth of classical music,” he explains.
“My influences have been famous violinist L. Shankar who formed the Shakti band, rock band Led Zeppelin and progressive metal band Dream Theatre. I am releasing a new album titled Two sides of Karma soon. In the present context, there is not much money through sales of an album. But social media is a good platform that helps us get a larger outreach,” he shares.
Karthick has always had a busy schedule in the city. “Hyderabad has always received us very warmly. But I hardly get the time to see the city. It’s always a rush between the airport, the performance venue and back. The biryani and pickles are a favourite of all our band members!” he says.
