The musician and environmentalist gives insights into his journey, creative process, inspirations, making music with a purpose, how big awards like the Grammys help in spreading the message, and his advice to young musicians
Ricky Kej, musician and environmentalist.
Ricky Kej, a three-time Grammy Award winner, collaborated with Vedam Records to bring out his latest album Break of Dawn that released in August. The album features nine tracks composed by Kej, that “unclog their brain”. As a celebrated Indian music composer and environmentalist, Kej makes music with a message, creating a platform for listeners to become aware of environmental health, leading to personal wellness, and vice versa.
With over 100 music awards across 20 countries, Kej also holds several notable roles, including United Nations Goodwill Ambassador, United Nations Refugee High Profile Supporter, UNESCO MGIEP Global Ambassador for Kindness, UNICEF Celebrity Supporter, and Earth Day Network Ambassador. His extensive body of work features 24 internationally released studio albums, more than 3,500 commercials, and eight feature films, including the acclaimed natural history documentary Wild Karnataka, narrated by Sir David Attenborough.
In a conversation with Forbes India, Kej talks about his recent album, collaboration with Vedam Records, his inspirations, and more. Edited excerpts:
Q. How did your collaboration with Vedam Records come about? How does this partnership align with your mission to create music that not only entertains but also inspires and educates?
I've been composing melodies for Break of Dawn for many years. I think the first melody that I composed for this album must have been in 2015. I had been composing these melodies, but not putting them down in a focussed manner and recording them. I had just been roughly recording them on my phone or putting down some notes on my computer. Various life experiences led to each of the songs on the album, and so, they're distributed over the last eight to nine years. This year I decided that I will wrap up this album, and that is where I met the folks at Vedam Records. Together, we discussed this label, which is more of a movement that they are starting through Vedam which is all about mental wellness, showcasing India to the rest of the world, and about holistic well-being. It was a step towards music with a purpose, and it was in complete alignment with whatever I wanted to do.