Exclusive interview with music director Satya Kashyap
Satya Kashyap, one of the talented music directors in Tollywood, is the composer for more than 20 movies in various languages in the career spanning over ten years. These movies include some of the most-talked-about movies of all time such as Noothi Lo Kappalu, Killing Veerappan, Ice Cream 2, Vangaveeti, Love and War, Konapuram Lo Jarigina Katha, and many more. He is known for bringing a level of authenticity and playfulness to everything he composes. His skills as a musician are solid. He is perfect at his craft, exploring different styles of music. We had the pleasure of interviewing Satya Kashyap who talks about his career as a music composer, his inspired musicians, and favourite singers and future projects. Excerpts from the interview:
Thank you for joining us, can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
At the age of 5, I started participating in bhajans in Lord Rama temple near my house. I had really enjoyed singing devotional and spiritual songs during my childhood. I felt music was just another way of communicating. And I've always been interested in music and had excellent training throughout the years. As a teen, I already knew I was a composer, so I continued learning. I also always wanted to dive deeper into music production and composition. So, that's how it all started.
How did you get started?
I had already gone to Sri Thyagaraja Govt College of Music & Dance and got a diploma in the music. I got an opportunity with a Telugu film called Puthrudu while I was learning music at the university. By working on a variety of projects, I was able to build a strong portfolio that I could approach directors or filmmakers with. Then I started working as an assistant composer for several famous musicians in the industry. It was when I started getting opportunities to pitch my music for films.
Who are you inspired by? Who is your favourite music composer?
AR Rahman has always been my favourite. I have liked his compositions for a long time, and his work touches my heart. He's such a gifted musician, and of course, we are all fans of his music! I find him a very versatile music director and someone who is always updated in terms of sound. And also, Mickey J Meyer, Devi Sri Prasad, SS Thaman and Pritam are amazing, because we get to jam with them.
Who is your favourite singer?
Shreya Ghoshal, Anurag Kulkarni, Arijit Singh and Michael Jackson are my all-time favourite singers. They each have unique characteristics while singing. Shreya Ghoshal is a one in a million singer whose voice is incomparable and fantastic voice. On multiple occasions, she has proved that she is outstanding in her field. And, Michael Jackson's songs influenced many and have another level of excellence, which is used with immensely powerful and meaningful lyrics.
How have you been affected by the lockdown?
I am in charge of composing several films which are in various stages of production. With shoots stalled and releases deferred, I felt the impact at multiple levels. Three projects have been halted due to the nationwide lockdown. However, I was using this lockdown to create new tunes and did some homework to take the next level. And, I've launched a Punjabi and Hindi lyrical song during this lockdown.
Tell us your future projects?
Like I said, I've signed a Tamil film, a Kannada film and a couple of Telugu films. One of them is a big-budget film which will be directed by accomplished director Jayanth C Paranjee. KV Vijayendra Prasadgaru is penning the story for the film, which is touted to be a period drama. The movie is being bankrolled by Surinder Singh Thakur under the banner of Ashtadash Bhuja Productions. And, I also have a web series in Hindi.