Ricky Kej has once again made his country proud with his second Grammy win for his album Divine Tides, and the Indian composer says winning the golden gramophone is a nod to his choices.
Kej picked up the trophy with his collaborator Stewart Copeland, founder and drummer of the iconic rock band The Police, in the Best New Age Album category.
“The second Grammy win is a beautiful recognition of my life choices. Because I don’t do pop music, film music or any Bollywood music. I took a very strong stance that the only kind of music that I’m going to make is music that is reflective of my feelings. I feel strongly about making this world a better place, that’s the only kind of music that I make. And these awards are a very good encouragement to continue doing what I’m doing,” an excited Kej tells us over the phone just after the ceremony.
The musician, who is also an environmentalist, is determined to walk on the path till the day he departs from the world. “The only kind of music that I want to make is about sustainability and about positive social impact. I am going to carry on, no matter what happens,” he stresses.
US-born Kej, who has lived in Bengaluru, won his first Grammy in 2015 for his album, Winds of Samsara, in the Best New Age Album category. But this one is extra special.
“This win is even more special because I won a Grammy along with my childhood hero Copeland. He is somebody who I have grown up listening to. He has shaped my musical ideas and my thoughts since my childhood. I had his posters on my walls, and to actually stand on stage and to win a Grammy Award with him was just an amazing experience,” he says.
In fact, it was only a week ago when he first met his collaborator Copeland. “We created Divine Tides remotely with Copeland in his studio in Los Angeles, and me being in Bengaluru over hundreds of virtual calls. And what was even more fun apart from winning the award itself was actually meeting him for the first time in person last week. I dedicate this win to him,” reveals the musician.
Kej has been attending the Grammy ceremony for quite some years, but witnessing this year’s musical event was extra special. “Because it happened in Las Vegas for the first time,” exclaims the artist.
Every sound that Kej creates reflects his identity as an Indian, and it is something he is proud of, and will continue to do throughout his career.
“Every piece of music that I create is primarily Indian, because it’s got that essence, be it a rock song or jazz. The Indian-ness in my music is very strong. I am thrilled that I’m able to represent India because that’s an amazing responsibility,” he signs off.
All Sources/Images/Credit By:- Hindustan Times.com
