Known amidst the music circuit for his unique style of eliciting carnatic notes on the electric guitar, Baiju Dharmajan started his musical journey at the age of 14. Since then he has gone on to become one of the best guitarists in the country. After releasing his solo album – The Crossover – last year, the musician started his own band. Called Baiju Dharmajan Syndicate, the band consisting of Baiju on the lead guitar, Sujay Subash on the bass, Avirup Bose on the drums and Vishnu Ravi on the vocals, have been travelling across the country performing various gigs. In the city to perform at the Hard Rock Cafe on Thursday, Baiju got talking with City Express ahead of his concert.
Looking at how far he’s come since his teenage years, Baiju seemed to be a happy man. “I started playing music when I was 14. I was always passionate about music. It has been a great journey so far.” Known as the Carnatic Shredder, Baiju in fact started with the carnatic violin, before taking to the guitar. “I play fusion music. Because of my carnatic background, there is a classical touch to my music,” he explained.
In fact, his father used to play the Hawaiian guitar and his grandfather was a carnatic musician. However, the composer downplayed the influence of his family’s music on his sensibilities. “I am a self-taught musician. Of course, it helps to have a good carnatic background, but my music is much more than that; you should listen to it to know what it’s all about,” he said.
So who is the biggest musical influence in his life? “Iliyaraja. He is my greatest inspiration. He is a person I have always admired and continue to do so.”
At a time that DJ’s and electronic dance music are the ‘hottest’ things, we asked Baiju if traditional classical music still has a strong audience. “For me, it’s all about music really and exploring myself. I do not worry about the crowd. I think any kind of music will have people who appreciate it,” he said. While some feel that classical music caters more to the older population rather than the youth, the 45-year-old disagreed. “I think it’s unfair to categorise people into younger and older generation. Classical music has been well received by all kinds of people; age has nothing to do with it,” he added.
Besides creating his own music, Baiju also produces his music and is still looking to experiment. “I always look to experiment as a musician. I had recently collaborated with a death metal band in Cochin. I have also collaborated with Medieval Punditz and other bands. I am always looking to explore my emotions and feelings; that is what music is all about for me,” he shared.
An avid performer, the musician is no stranger to Hyderabad and said he thoroughly enjoys playing here. “I love Hyderabad. It’s a beautiful city. I have performed here four times before and each time the crowd was amazing. I have always had an incredible experience while playing here,” he enthused before hitting the stage.
