Adhi composes music based on instincts

Apparently, the youngster was into rap from the first time he heard a song of Michael Jackson. Talking about the Jayam Ravi-Nayanthara-starrer Thani Oruvan, he says, it was enjoyable composing music for a racy, action-packed entertainer.

“I think it’s important that the filmmaker gives space for the composer to experiment. In that way, be it Sundar C (who made Ambala) or Jayam Raja, they let me do whatever I thought was appealing and right. I can’t thank Sundar C enough for having given me my first big break in the industry,” Adhi says.

Interestingly, Adhi, who has no formal training in music, says, he composes music purely on ‘instincts’ and he says his parents were quite surprised when he decided to become an independent music artist. “In fact, they find it hard to believe that I am now a music director for films! I wasn’t actually familiar with the technicalities in music when I started out (like pallavi and charanam) Then, I figured out those terminologies were nothing but intro and verse,” Adhi smiles.

For someone, who used to write lyrics for rap, how challenging was it to compose full soundtracks for films? “I don’t restrict myself when it comes to any form of music. So, when Ambala was offered to me, I grabbed it and thought of taking up only on an experimental basis, but thankfully, it clicked well,” he grins.

But Adhi quickly adds that his heart remains with independent music. “When I came here, I longed to make my music in my way; write and rap my own lyrics. I wanted everybody to get exposed to my rhythms. But I realised I would need a lot of money for it. So, I forayed into films. After all, I am making money through movies and using the same for independent music. I want to carve a niche for myself in that field,” he says.

With free downloads and other options available, Adhi says, someone needs to take a first step and give independent artistes a new lease of life. He also plans to introduce as many of them as he can, in his future projects.

But what about rumours that he’s becoming an actor soon? “It's on the cards, but let me concentrate on music first. For now, I appear in a song for Thani Oruvan, though” he signs off.