The interview which appears below, was originally published on The Indian Express in July 2023. ©The rights to this material are reserved to the owner. If you have any concerns or comments, please send an email to info@rahmaniac.com.
A.R. Rahman’s compositions become vessels of emotional intensity, igniting a fire within the depths of the hearts and minds of all who encounter them. Themes of love, unity, and justice become the bedrock upon which his compositions are built, intertwining art and activism in a symphonic tapestry of sonorous pieces and mind-bending lyrics. The new song Raasa Kannu from Maamannan (that was released recently) forges an astounding sonic collage that transcends the boundaries of creativity.
How did your composition Raasa Kaanu come about?
As an artist, I have always believed in the power of growth and evolution. To me, it’s essential to venture beyond my comfort zone. These emerging talents bring a fresh perspective to the table. They possess a striking vision and an innovative approach to storytelling that invigorates me. By working with them, I am able to shed any old judgments or preconceived notions I may have and genuinely embrace the unknown.
It’s a liberating feeling, to let go of the familiar and open myself up to new ideas. I find that the energy and creativity of these young directors push me to explore uncharted territories in my music. They compel me to break free from any creative limitations and think outside the box.
You embrace music technology while mixing it with classical instruments
Indeed, music technology plays a significant role in my creative process, serving as an invaluable tool to enhance and augment my musical ideas. It acts as an extension of my thought process, allowing me to explore and experiment with a wide range of sounds and textures.
One of the key advantages of music technology is the convenience it offers. In the past, sharing music involved recording on cassettes or CDs and physically delivering them. Now, with the advent of digital platforms and communication tools, I can effortlessly transmit my musical ideas through email or text messages.
This seamless exchange of ideas accelerates the creative process, enabling me to collaborate with artists across the globe. Furthermore, the internet has revolutionized the music industry, making our work more efficient and accessible.
But it can never replace the essence of human artistry. It is merely a tool, a means to an end. The depth of emotions, the nuances of expression, and the authenticity of live performances are elements that technology cannot replicate. It is the fusion of technology and the human touch that creates the most captivating musical experiences.
How have your music compositions transitioned with technology?
One significant change is the portability and accessibility of music production tools. In the past, I would have to carry bulky equipment weighing over 100 kilograms on flights, which was not only cumbersome but also limited my creative freedom.
However, with the evolution of technology, the powerful tools and equipment I need for music composition are now condensed into a laptop and a hard drive. This newfound convenience allows me to work efficiently from anywhere, whether it’s in the studio, on the road, or even while traveling.
Another advantage is the availability of multiple setups. With the use of virtual instruments, software plugins, and digital workstations, I can create multiple musical arrangements and experiment with different sounds and textures. Also, the kids are fast learners now and as a team, we can work better without compromising on quality.
As a composer, how has Sufism, your spiritual path, fuel your creativity?
Sufism, at its core, is a path of spiritual awakening and union with the divine. It has instilled in me a deep sense of intentionality in everything I do. It prompts me to ask myself why I create certain melodies, harmonies, and rhythms, and how they contribute to the overall unity and message of my work.
Each composition becomes a reflection of my journey toward connecting with the infinite. Music, in its essence, is a powerful medium that attempts to bridge the gap between the smaller light within us and the bigger light of the universe. It allows us to express our yearning for transcendence and to touch the sublime.
Through the language of music, we strive to reach a higher level of consciousness, both in our creative process and in our lives as a whole. In the chaos and noise of our daily lives, music serves as a means to find inner peace and tranquillity. It provides us with the tools to navigate through the clutter and distractions, enabling us to find our way to a place of harmony and unity.
It empowers us to control our thoughts and emotions, allowing us to channel our intentionality into the pure expression of music. It is a constant practice of compartmentalizing our minds, blocking out distractions and disturbances, and focusing solely on the intention of creating pure and meaningful music. Like they say, can you be at a sublime level in a chaotic place? Can you train your mind to do that?
