Ricky Kej: Winning second Grammy beautiful recognition of my life choices

Indian composer Ricky Kej says the global acknowledgment comes with greater responsibility to keep churning out meaningful music

Ricky Kej has once again made his country proud with his second Grammy win for his album Divine Tides, and the Indian composer says winning the golden gramophone is a nod to his choices.

Ricky Kej with Stewart Copeland after winning Grammy for best new age album for Divine Tides at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards (AP)

Kej picked up the trophy with his collaborator Stewart Copeland, founder and drummer of the iconic rock band The Police, in the Best New Age Album category. In a conversation with us after the win, Kej opened up about the significance of the win, and more.

Congratulations for your second Grammys win. Does this feel any different from the time when you first won a Grammy in 2015?

The second Grammy win is a beautiful recognition of my life choices.

What makes you say that?

Because I don’t do pop music, film music or any Bollywood music. I took a very strong stance that the only kind of music that I’m going to make is music that is reflective of my feelings. I feel strongly about making this world a better place, that’s the only kind of music that I make. And these awards are a very good encouragement to continue doing what I’m doing.

I am going to walk on the path till the day I die. The only kind of music that I want to make is about sustainability and about positive social impact. I am going to carry on, no matter what happens.

You have mentioned that this win is extra special. How?

This win is even more special because I won a Grammy along with my childhood hero Copeland. He is somebody who I have grown up listening to. He has shaped my musical ideas and my thoughts since my childhood. I had his posters on my walls, and to actually stand on stage and to win a Grammy Award with him was just an amazing experience.

So, walk us through your meeting with your idol?

In fact, it was only a week ago when I first met my collaborator Copeland. We created Divine Tides remotely with Copeland in his studio in Los Angeles, and me being in Bengaluru over hundreds of virtual calls. And what was even more fun apart from winning the award itself was actually meeting him for the first time in person last week. We spent time in three cities together. We spent some quality time in Nashville, then Los Angeles and then in Vegas.

Is he someone to whom you would like to dedicate this Grammy?

Yes, I am glad that he came into my life. Because I learnt so much working on this album all through last year. The musicality in me has gone to a whole new level by just interacting with him and working with him. So, the dedication would obviously go to him.

You have been attending the Grammy ceremony for quite some years, how was this year with a sense of normalcy coming back after the pandemic?

Being at the Grammys is not new to me. I have been attending the Grammys for the last six years. But what was beautiful this year was the ceremony in Las Vegas for the first time. It was a pretty good experience.

What was the best part about this year’s ceremony?

Well, it was watching it live, celebrating music with each other and just meeting people in person.

Does representing India internationally come with any pressure?

Well, I feel very thrilled that I’m able to represent India because that’s an amazing responsibility.

How does your identity as an Indian reflect in your work?

Every piece of music that I create is primarily Indian, because it’s got that essence, be it a rock song or jazz. The Indian-ness in my music is very strong. And to get this honour during the 75 years of independence, is a great feeling.