'I'd rather be stuck in this city than anywhere else'

Following your calling as a musician is commendable. Following your calling and proving your mettle in all aspects of it is tough. That is what sets Vishnu Ravindran Nair apart from the rest of the crowd.  

The city-based musician is a vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, professional performer, composer and producer.

A frequent performer at all the mainstream venues, his versatility and vocal and instrumental abilities have led him to be a part of multiple bands like 'Brim River Bridge', 'Met By Accident', 'Aneesh Vidyashankar Experience' and so on.

He has been running a home studio for the last four years and mixing and mastering songs for city-based artistes.  

In a freewheeling chat with Rajitha Menon, Vishnu talks about a life steeped in music.

When did you first develop an interest in music?

I've been interested in music for as long as I remember. However, I started noticing the nuances and intricacies when a security personnel from the building next to mine played the guitar for me. He was from Darjeeling and had this natural knack for the instrument. It was he who taught me the basics as well, that too for free.

How did people react when you announced your decision to become a full-time musician?

Dad still doesn't think much of me. My mother initially didn't know such an avenue was feasible and practical. She came to one of my first paid shows and asked me to go ahead with my decision. My relatives are still trying to find the right mental treatment and competent astrologer for me. The most resistance, however, came from my college when I decided to quit full-time classes and switch to correspondence.

What kind of music do you play?

When I compose, I just let the music decide what I do. I have managed to explore space rock, ambient/psychedelic rock, hard rock, funk, instrumentals and acapella through my songs.

What kind of music do you listen to in your spare time?

I love almost anything European. I will even listen to American bands imitating European music. Dark themes of  British band 'Muse' and American band 'Nirvana', the complex emotions showcased in the earlier works of 'U2' and the dance elements in songs from bands like  'Franz Ferdinand and The Killers'  - these are some of my favourites.  

What made you turn a composer?

I actually never knew I could compose. I kept trying for months and it just didn't happen. Then one day, while just messing with the guitar, I came up with a tune. I cross-checked with a bunch of artistes I listen to, to see if I was 'subconsciously' plagiarizing some of them. But I   really had composed something. Then onwards, I have spent hours together on the guitar in order to come up with some tune.  

What are the challenges you have faced in this journey?

Not knowing how to go about this, doubting myself because of what others said, creative ruts and financial challenges. The loss of my mother a couple of years back was the biggest challenge I faced but I carried on because I knew that was what she would have wanted me to do.  

Thoughts about Bengaluru

I have been here for almost 18 years now. It's one of the best places in India for an aspiring musician though there are a lot of constraints here too.  Moving out of the country is always a good option but I'd rather be stuck here than anywhere else.