Grammy nominee Arun Shenoy has come a long way from his school days in Bangalore. Arun, who is now involved in audio production in Singapore , released his debut album ‘Rumbadoodle’, which has been nominated for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards in the Best Pop Instrumental Album category. Excerpts from a chat with Arun…
( Arun Shenoy )
How does it feel to have your debut album recognized on a world scale?
I am yet to come to terms with the magnitude of the fact that I am nominated for an award at this pinnacle of excellence in the music business. I am extremely proud of this labour of love, and happy that others believe in it too.
There are two other Indians — the late Pandit Ravi Shankar and Anoushka Shankar — who have been nominated for the 55th Annual Grammy Awards. What does this say about the impact Indian musicians are making internationally?
Both of them are already legends and globally established stars. I believe there is another Indian gentleman, though, whose name I chanced upon recently, who is nominated as well — Krishna Das, for Best New Age Album. It is interesting to see the growing impact musicians of Indian origin are making on the international music stage.
Why did you decide to bring out a gypsy rumba flamenco album for your debut?
I have always enjoyed fusion music. And as a world music form, gypsy rumba flamenco appeals to me for its raw intensity, with its rapid flourishes and passionate harmonies. I am not a traditional world artist. Rather, I decided to use this as a theme and incorporate other popular music sensibilities from pop, rock, funk and jazz. All of these forms have influenced me deeply and have been a part of my musical journey and growth. So it was only fitting that I put together a project to pay tribute to them and create my own signature sound that is instantly recognizable.
We heard that you are acquainted with Kannada film star Puneeth Rajkumar.
Puneeth is a great artist and a down-to-earth individual. He is very keen on encouraging local talent and active in promoting Bangalore and India-based artists. He came to know of my work and he was quite enthusiastic about the fact that it’s by a former Bangalore person.
Puneeth speaks:
Arun Shenoy is my friend’s brother-in-law. I’ve heard his music. You feel extremely proud that he’s, first of all, from our city, a Kannadiga, and, above all, an Indian who has achieved so much.
source: http://www.articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / Home> Entertainment> Regional> Kannada> Fusion Music / by Anjali Muthanna, TNN / Deember 14th, 2012