The campus of Lovely Professional University virtually turned into a live Coke Studio as it saw musicians Clinton Cerejo and Papon perform on Friday evening.
Music composer, producer and singer Clinton Cerejo, who was recently awarded for the background score of Kahaani, says, “Getting noticed for Kahaani was an achievement. This was something I had been looking for — a film with a substantial script, where music has its own space.”
“While preparing for my MBA entrance exam, I realised it was not my calling,” shares the singer about his musical journey and adds, “I have been influenced by many artistes, both international and national. Coke Studio, I feel, provides artistes an alternative platform to Bollywood. Hindi film music has a great reach; there is so much promotion of Bollywood songs on and off air that for an individual to make his or her album compete in the market is difficult. It is evident from the number of likes on YouTube that Coke Studio has managed to reach out to the masses.”
This artiste, who performed ‘Madari’ on campus, shares the hit song’s tale: “While we were rehearsing for Madari, it was the least-liked track and nobody actually recommended it. But the track has done wonders.”
Clinton, who is “open” to Punjabi songs, plans to cut a gospel album with wife Dominique.
He says, “Music has a vital role in forming the socio-political consciousness of a society. An artiste holds the power to influence masses. It is not easy being a musician, it’s not you bout also the audience who have to like your work. One needs to get the picture right before stepping into the industry.”
Clinton, who is “open” to Punjabi songs, plans to cut a gospel album with wife Dominique.
He says, “Music has a vital role in forming the socio-political consciousness of a society. An artiste holds the power to influence masses. It is not easy being a musician, it’s not you bout also the audience who have to like your work. One needs to get the picture right before stepping into the industry.”
The singer has two songs from the film Ek Thi Daayan in his kitty.
The Assamese singer Papon, best known for his track ‘Kyon’ (Barfi!) and Lafzon (Inkaar), surprises us with his love for the Punjabi language.
He says, “I have grown up listening to Jagjit Singh and even before I learnt Hindi it was Punjabi that I had picked up. And, I feel I can add more colour to Punjabi music since I feel it is a very addictive music. Also, the Punjabis have made their music popular globally.”
About his musical preferences, he says, “I have no rules. I grew up listening and learning folk from my parents. When I started singing folk, I sang it for passion not promotion. I have grown up learning a lot of different forms of folk, from Rajasthani to Nepali. The age-old folklore tales from different parts of the world have the same emotions — love, agony, longing — that are relevant even today. I have been successful in getting the Assamese folk out of its bracket and blend it in the mainstream. As the youth today wants it to be repackaged in an interesting manner to which they can relate. I am trying to bridge that gap and create something exciting and new.”
The singer, who has knowledge of both folk and classical music, adds, “To spread branches one needs to be deeply rooted. My parents being grounded have helped me in my search for music. And to me, riyaz means humming all day, be it in the toilet or on the bike.”