Working with Anirudh has been a turning point in my life

Singer, mridangam artist, keyboardist and independent musician Ravi G aka Ravishankar has been getting good feedback on his song Uyir Nadhi Kalangudhey in Vedalam. This winner of the music show, Hariyudan Naan talks on working with Anirudh, juggling various genres and more...You started out as a Carnatic musician and now play for several fusion bands. Tell us about your musical journey...I started playing mridangam from the age of three. My uncle used to play the mrindangam and I learnt it just by observing him. When I was around seven years old, I began singing in school functions. In fact, that's when my folks realised that I could sing. My grandfather, Nanganallur V Ramanathan, is a singer. He used to teach many students and that's how I picked up singing, too.Later, I began accompanying musicians as a mrindangam player. I began playing the keyboard when I was around 14-15 years. I started with Carnatic music and later, ventured into fusion music with the influence of several musicians. Strangely, I don't really have a guru. I was never formally trained in music. In fact, the only person whom I sent a message during Vijaya Dasami is Hariharan sir (he adjudged Ravi as the winner of Hariyudan Naan). Presently, I play for a lot of fusion bands.How did you get the opportunity to work with Anirudh?I got my first offer just after Hariyudan Naan from composer Sharreth. I recorded a bajan, Rathe Rathe Bajan, for the film Nootrenbathu. Later, I recorded a duet for Swaminathan (kanjira expo nent Selvaganesh's son) for the film, Aivaraattam.But Uyir Nadhi Kalangudhey is my first solo number and I'm glad it has got a massive reach.Violinist Ananthakrishnan, an associate of Anirudh, and a friend of mine, called me for a recording. Ananth, Leon James and I used to play together for several bands. I was waiting at the lounge when I met lyricist Viveka. He had the lyrics in his hand and asked me to take a look at it as he thought that must be the one I came for. He then told me that the recording is for a ���Thala film���. Later, I met Anirudh. He asked me to record, and Ananth informed me that it was a rough track. I sang a couple of lines and Anirudh liked my improvisations and asked me to record the entire track. He's one of the most humble and down-to-earth guys I've ever met. He was every encouraging and appreciative of my ideas. He liked the tone of my voice. I recorded the number and got a call again the next day for some corrections. I was wondering why they would call me for corrections if it was just a rough track. Still, I wasn't sure if it would make it to the album. But when the track list came out, I was so happy . Working with Anirudh is a turning point in my life. He has given me a break in this industry .Coming from a Carnatic background, what did have to you learn and unlearn to be a playback singer?Carnatic music is very technical. The tone of your voice should be raw and a lot of importance is given to the diction. Film music is quite the opposite. The technicalities when singing for films are different. For instance, composers look for your voice dynamics. When you're singing for a film, you should remember that you're singing for a hero. You need to emote through your voice when you sing. For instance, this song in Vedalam is a sentimental one. I had to juggle sentiments and a little bit of anger at the end of the number. Through this opportunity, I got to learn some nuances, including voice modulations.Has participating in reality shows helped you get opportunities?Reality shows do give one some reach, but it also depends on which show one is participating. Even though you get a platform, whether or not you become a playback singer depends on how much work you put in. When an actor sings a song, it becomes a hit because he has a fan base. But for a newbie, it is difficult. If you enter the industry thinking that your voice could be modulated with the help of technology, it is difficult. You need to have something extra to shine beyond all the competition.You also juggle as an independent musician by working with several bands. What are your future plans?I've collaborated with bands like Sparsh, Zinx, Vibrations and Tattvam. I still collaborate with a lot of musicians and play for contemporary Indian bands. Even today, if a musician calls me to accompany him on the mridangam, I would go.I've been getting offers from my friends, Leon and Sean Roldan. I'm keeping my avenues open as I want to be in touch with music.