Even when there is a parental lineage to any given domain, the struggle is not always non-existent, believes Chennai-based percussionist Krishna Kishor whose contribution to the music world has been 8 years and counting.
Born to Mridangam genius KV Prasad and mother Usha Prasad, who holds a PhD in bhashanga ragas, percussion came to Krishna free flowing. Holding dad’s hand, the little boy who embraced the ancient Indian percussion instrument at the age of six, slowly found himself completely taken with songs and sounds - Krishna was in a pursuit of exploring new beats and styles. “Dad gave me the complete freedom and I developed a quick interest in percussion.”
Krishna who has had the fortune of working with big names like Amit Trivedi , Anirudh Ravichander, Tanishk Bagchi and was even part of Zinx, a fusion music band back at school, with Leon James, Anirudh Ravichander and Vivek Siva, today is content to make a mark as an independent drummer- the artiste sees little opportunity of making it big as a local band in India. “Striving as a band in India is difficult,” exclaims Krishna.
Not very fond of hard rock music, Krishna throws open the unknown avenues that drums can lead to with an accompanying music. “Drum is one instrument that can beautifully adapt to any kind of music and not just one particular genre of music. I enjoy playing to Carnatic fusions a lot,” says the artiste who specialises in multi-percussion.
Krishna who has worked with piano genius Anil Srinivasan takes challenges head-on with a smile and perfect beats. “It’s challenging because you cannot blast it out when you are complementing the piano.”
Stating how ancient percussion instruments come in different forms in different countries and hence bringing in different flavours, Krishna looks forward to experimenting more with the drums which constantly allow for opportunity to adapt to varied music.
Krishna is marching towards his goal, which is to have his own solo projects as a percussionist, but his journey till this day inspires him to dole out a word of wisdom or two. “It was very difficult to strike a balance between my studies and music. I would attend college in the morning and go for recording in the evening. I had always wanted to be a full-time musician, and figuring out ways during my MA days in MSSW was a difficult phase,” says the percussion expert who has a Masters in HR.
A recording in the studio keeps the artiste busy and happy. Krishna who puts dad KV Prasad and percussionist marvel Trilok Gurtu on a pedestal, dreams of working with American DJ and music producer Diplo someday. “Practice need not be in a specific pattern, take at least two steps a day towards your goal,” smiles Krishna. He finds solace in playing the Mridangam in Chenda and tabla mix, a cue he has taken from his dad.
