In tune with Stephen Devassy – the musician who is making the difference

In tune with Stephen Devassy – the musician who is making the difference

When it comes to the Indian music scene, Stephen Devassy is a name that needs no introduction. Hailing from a small town named Palakkad in Kochi, this multi-talented musician has made a name for himself not just as a performer but also as a music director, composer, and arranger. His unique style of blending Indian classical music with contemporary styles has won him a legion of fans not just in India but also around the world.

Stephen’s journey in the world of music began at a very young age. He started learning the piano when he was very young, and by the time he was a teenager, he had already made a name for himself as a prodigious musician. He went on to study music and completed Grade 8 in solo piano from The Trinity College of Music, London with a record score.

Cineblues spoke to Devassy and gathered many helpful insights from the musician. Here are the excerpts:

Cineblues: How did you journey into the world of music happen?

Stephen: At a very young age, I was introduced to my dad’s work in western classical music and the journey ticked off from there. When I was 18, I started getting opportunities. Later I started looking into the production side of music. Since then, I have worked with some of the biggest names in the Indian music industry, including Ustad Zakir Hussain, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Padmavibhushan Umayalpuram Sivaraman, Padmasri A Hariharan, Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, Padmasri Shankar Mahadevan, Shreya Ghosal, Padmasri Dr L Subramaniam, and Percussion King Padmasri A Shivamani, among many others. Also collaborated with various international artists like Pete Lockett, Marco Minnemann, Rodney Holmes, The London

Philharmonic, The Oslo Philharmonic, and the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra.

Cineblues: Your music has a classic blend of tradition and contemporary elements. As a musician, where do you see the trajectory of Indie Music in the next couple of years?

Stephen: Oh, there exists a lot of untapped potential. Personally, I got fascinated by that kind of music where I am strong at. I am stronger in western. But when you mix any form of music – be it classical, folk or even bhajan with a different genre, it becomes new! So, the

possibilities with Indian music are endless – Sky is the limit!

Cineblues: In one of the reviews of the acoustic expert Vijay Kurian had mentioned that the young musicians of today are quite casual and not hardworking.

Talents like you would even practise for 2000 hours! Do you agree to that? What is your

message for the young musicians?

Stephen: See, if you are talented but half-skilled, the whole world is going to watch you. Things have changed now. Now it’s easy to get popular. Things go viral in seconds. It was not easy during our days. I always encourage today’s kids that it’s great to be famous and viral, but to keep up the sustainability, you need to practice, practise, and practice hard.

Cineblues: Between your live concerts and endeavors in recording and composing, which one do you like doing more.

Stephen: This is a googly! When you offer me a butterscotch cake, slice it into two equal pie and ask me to choose one, which one do I choose! One on the stage, there is no retake. There are 4000 people listening to you. In compositions, there are several iterations which can be grueling. During the recording, you step into the vision of the director. It’s challenging and here you embrace the diversity in the thought processes. So, there are plusses and minuses in both these activities. I enjoy both in equal measures. There is an equal sense of accomplishment in both.

One of Stephen Devassy most remarkable qualities is his skill as a pianist. He is a master of the instrument, and his performances are a testament to his talent and dedication. Stephen Devassy only 42, Stephen Devassy is already credited with a record number of performances, approximately to around 2700 stages, spread over 60 to 70 countries, which is an unparalleled feat by anyone in the world. Incorporating immense playing finesse, detailing, deftness, and poise, Stephen Devassy has explored various styles like Classical, Blues, Classic rock, Jazz, Carnatic, and world music fusion.

Apart from his work as a musician, Stephen is also known for his philanthropic activities. He has been involved in several initiatives aimed at promoting music education and supporting young musicians in India. His passion for music extends beyond his own performances, and he strives to inspire and nurture the next generation of musicians.

 

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