When it comes to debut albums, connoisseurs of world music can be particularly unforgiving. But that did not deter Rishhad Kothawala from making his debut, A Revelation After, an unabashed mix of genres and instruments from trip-hop to jazz and the Japanese kitaro to the Tibetan gong. The Bangalore-based producer spoke to Darshan Manakkal about the five years that he spent making this easy-paced album.
 What got you started on the idea of a world music album?Music is no longer limited to what is simply fed to us. We now have a chance to truly explore. As an artist, my passion is in harmonising what would typically not gel. World music gives me the ideal outlet to express two cultures – the ethnic and the modern – in the right balance.
Aren’t there a lot of world music and fusion albums out there?
The idea of reviving and fusing traditional music with modern sounds has certainly caught on. I think what sets my music apart is that it is a blend of harder modern styles with mellow ethnic and classical instruments.
A Revelation After was produced in your home studio and released on your own label. Is this very much a solo effort?
I take pride in being the sole input in my music at all stages, except for probably mastering, which required a different set of ears. The tracks are all mixed, composed and produced by me. Some of the sounds are digital and some organic, but everything was digitally manipulated into compositional structures.
I set up my own independent label, Reverb Records, to produce and promote my own music for the time being. In time, I look forward to producing and publishing artists similar to me.
Over what period was this album put together?
The album has ingredients that I’ve been collecting and recording for about four to five years. With a specific focus on alternative world and ambient music, I began composing, perfecting each piece over time. Mixing, mastering and publishing took about a year.
There seems to be a bit of everything, from jazz to rap here. Is this a reflection of all your influences?
I am basically spiritual by nature and that is reflected in my music. My influences come from Tibet, India, the Native Americans, aborigines and other spiritual cultures. [The track] “Kundun” features Tibetan instruments (gongs, bells and flute). “Yogis, Mystics & Snake Charmers” has Indian classical elements. “Event Horizon” is an alternative jazz piece. “Forest” features the Japanese instrument, kitaro, and South Indian percussion instruments.
A Revelation After, Reverb Records, Rs 360. |
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