Alphons Joseph is on cloud nine. And the reason is that his song, Aaromale…in Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa (VTV), has become a hot favourite of the masses.
HOW IT ALL STARTED…
Rahman sir was present at the music launch of Vellithira, my debut as composer, in Kochi, about five years ago. On the occasion, I sang a fusion song titled No more alone… from one of our band’s albums. After listening to it, he asked me if I wanted to become a music composer or singer.
THE DEFINING MOMENT…
I was lucky enough to participate in the function organised by the music fraternity to felicitate Rahman sir for having won the Oscars. Then a few days later, I got a call from singer Srinivas, asking me to come and meet Rahman sir. I was surprised. Lyricist and composer Kaithapram was also with me when I met him at about midnight in his studio. He asked me to sing a song and I sang the same song I had sung earlier. Rahman sir remembered that, and I was surprised by his memory! He then explained the song Aaromale… to me and said that the song should reflect the essence of a youngster.
THE CHALLENGES OF SINGING AAROMALE…
The song begins with the elements of Blue and concludes in a psychedelic rock fashion. The chorus portion is based on the raga Bageshri. Adapting to the quick changes in rhythm and the task of expressing mixed emotions were major challenges.
THE EXCITEMENT…
The song was not there in the director’s version. It was Rahman sir who asked Gautham Vasudev Menon to include it in the film. Hence, I was a little apprehensive if the song would feature in the film. One night, I suddenly got a call from Gautham and my joy knew no bounds. He is one of my favourite directors and I leapt in joy when he appreciated my singing.
SINGER VERSUS MUSIC DIRECTOR
Though I have sung for my own compositions, Aaromale… is the first song I have sung for another music director. I am open to singing for other music directors but my first love is composing music.
GOSPEL CONNECTION
I have been a spiritually-inclined person since my college days. Later, I became part of Rexband, a Gospel band, which has been regularly performing for the Pope. The members of the band hail from different musical backgrounds and it helped me to know and experiment with different genres of music.
AS PART OF THE JAI HO TOUR…
At the launch of VTV’s audio, I was amazed to see the response of foreigners to it. It again proved that music has no boundaries or language.
ON MUSIC IN TAMIL FILMS…
Kollywood music is known for its orchestration, style of melody and reach. It offers a lot of freedom to experiment. I think my style of music will suit Tamil films.
WHAT NEXT?
I’m busy with the music of a few projects in Malayalam and talks are on to do a Hindi film too. I’d love to compose music for a Tamil film soon.
WHY I LOVE RAHMAN…
Apart from being a musical wizard, Rahman is also deeply spiritual. I admire him for that. He has defied the notion that one needs to have a happening lifestyle to be successful