Interview: Ricky Kej on his latest Independence Day music video, how AI will impact music and more

Music transcends all boundaries. So, what does national identity mean to you?

What I’ve come to believe is that art is a reflection of your inner self. If you create art that is authentic to your own being, it inevitably carries your identity. In my case, my Indian essence is an inherent part of me, like how a skilled Indian cook, when making something like pasta, will instinctively add a touch of turmeric or chilli powder to honour their roots before serving it to their family. My creations aren’t just products for a paycheck; they’re extensions of myself. Each composition I craft is a fragment of myself. And since I am Indian, the fabric of my music is inherently Indian too.

What is Indian in your music? 

There is nothing not Indian about my music. The compositions, the instrumentation, the essence… Even a person from a remote place, who has been barely exposed to Indian music, can recognise my music is Indian.

What is your perspective of today’s India?

I believe our country is making significant strides in the right direction. The current landscape reflects a profound transformation in the recognition and appreciation I, as an Indian artist, receive today — something not as prevalent a decade or two ago. Our concerts attract diverse audiences from around the world.

In the past, there was a perception that international recognition required English-language or Western-style musical endeavours. This sentiment steered artists toward pop music or Western hip-hop. However, this paradigm has evolved significantly. Now, artists are embracing their authentic identities, delving into their cultural roots. Among India’s independent musicians, the majority are choosing to sing in Indian languages.

How has your meaning of music changed over the years?

I started my musical journey in 1999. Initially, music was primarily a profession for me. For 13 years, I created scores for over 3,500 television and radio commercials. This was a period of significant success, with my compositions becoming synonymous with numerous brands.

However, a shift occurred in my musical direction afterwards. Throughout my life, two fundamental pillars have guided me: my dedication to environmental causes and my passion for music. These pillars have always influenced my decisions. During my time working on commercials, it struck me that major brands recognised the power of music as a means to convey messages and sell products. This realisation prompted me to reconsider my path. I chose to step away from commercial music and instead focus on creating compositions that align with my convictions.

Now, my musical repertoire is centred around three core themes: celebrating our planet, addressing climate change and environmental concerns, advocating for social impact, and showcasing the essence of our country. My compositions now serve a purpose beyond entertainment. Music has transformed into a powerful tool for raising awareness and spreading meaningful messages.

How has the music scene changed in India and the rest of the world?

I can observe a clear transformation over time. In the past, songs typically spanned around four to five minutes, whereas nowadays, they are often condensed to two to three minutes. This change is a response to the changing audience preferences and behaviours.

Focusing on India, the music landscape has long been associated with films. This connection has led to a belief that music must be tied to films or feature prominent actors and actresses. The desire for artistic self-expression often takes a backseat to commercial considerations. However, a shift is gradually taking place. With the rise of music streaming platforms, where people predominantly engage with audio content, the significance of visual elements tied to music is diminishing. I hope this trend allows artists to create music that reflects their true selves and experiences, free from external constraints.

The rise of AI has been a talking point of late. How do you think it will affect music? Do you see it as a threat?

Any advancement that contributes to the enhancement of music is significant, whether it originates from human creativity or artificial intelligence. Ultimately, the primary focus should be on serving the art form itself. 

AI currently excels at generating music based on established patterns. However, it falls short of creating groundbreaking and disruptive music. This is where humans continue to have a vital role. Musicians must transcend complacency and the tendency to replicate what has already been done or follow existing trends. AI can adeptly fulfil those tasks. Instead, artists need to adopt a disruptive mindset, striving to create art that is unprecedented and profoundly unique.

When computers were integrated into music production, there were fears that acoustic instruments would become obsolete. Yet, this didn’t transpire. High-quality musicians persevered, as the irreplaceable aspects of human performance, like improvisation and emotional resonance, remained beyond the capabilities of machines. So, the focus should be on pushing boundaries, creating music that is a testament to human ingenuity, and continually pushing the limits of artistic innovation.