That was literally the path Geologist turned musician Nikhil D'Souza took. In town to give the city a taste of his original music, he confesses he misses nothing
That was literally the path Geologist turned musician Nikhil D'Souza took. In town to give the city a taste of his original music, he confesses he misses nothing
At first recall, this artist might be the man behind the mellow voice you hear in the track 'Shaam' from the film Aisha or from the jingle 'Dil Titli', but singer, songwriter Nikhil D'Souza has more in store for you. In a performance tomorrow evening, he will introduce his original brand of music that spans the genres of alternative, pop and has elements of folk in it. If it is his Bollywood tracks that you are waiting to hear, you will be disappointed. "In my performances, I generally focus on the original music. So I avoid singing songs that I've done for film as it doesn't make sense and might confuse the audience as to what direction I'm taking with my music," he tells us in an email interview.
Self-taught, D'Souza's journey as a singer and guitarist began with local talent contests and college music festivals after which the choice of a mainstream career took precedence. "I stopped playing live so I could pursue a career in Geology. I was in Muscat with a regular job in early 2007," he says. Time and passion drove the musician to experiment in his free time and when in his 30s, to a decision of breaking the nine to five barrier to take up music full time. "The music of Jeff Buckley really inspired me at the time, and I started to write my own music and put together a demo," he tells us.
The turning point in his career came when he was offered to lend his voice tou00a0 the Airtel jingle 'Dil Titli'. "That helped introduce my voice to the adu00a0u00a0 and film industry. That's how I was able to get more work and support myself financially to be able to do my original music," says D'Souza talking about the time when he was finding his feet in the industry and dealing with the monetary crisis it brings along for newcomers. He is quick to add that he misses nothing about corporate life.u00a0
His original musical influences lay in the band Sting and artist Jeff Buckley who also inspired him into making a career out of music. Besides going great guns in Bollywood, he plans to release an album or an EP byu00a0 September.
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Quick Four
Who are your favourite artists?
Jeff Buckley, Sting and singer/songwriters like Damien Rice, Andrew Bird, Nick Drake, Bon Iver, and bands like Arcade Fire and The Killers.
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Which artists do you dream of sharing stage with?
Buckley, of course, who passed away in '97. And Sting, if he'll let me share the stage with him.
Which is the current recurring track playing on your ipod?
World Spins Madly on - The Weepies
What does music mean to you?
It is the reason for (my) existence.
At Opus, Palace Cross Road
On July 29, 9 pm
Call 23442580 For R 220
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