By Spandan Fulkar
10th Apr 2024
By Spandan Fulkar
10th Apr 2024
Immersed in a rich lineage of music aficionados, Ritvik Virmani's journey began with the tender embrace of vinyl classics curated by grandparents. Frank Sinatra's croons, Nina Simone's soulful melodies, Elvis Presley's charisma, and the bluesy licks of BB King echoed through the halls, accompanied by the iconic image of Nipper the dog, etched in memory beside Francis Barraud's "His Master's Voice" on the gramophone. This nostalgic symphony laid the groundwork for an enduring passion.
“The first song or rather an instrumental piece that I wrote was on my great grandfather’s Steinway as a 7-year-old. I realise now that it was on a simple chromatic scale. Playing all twelve tones in an octave can sound crunchy. I still play it with a sense of nostalgia.”
Immersed in a rich lineage of music aficionados, Ritvik Virmani's journey began with the tender embrace of vinyl classics curated by grandparents. Frank Sinatra's croons, Nina Simone's soulful melodies, Elvis Presley's charisma, and the bluesy licks of BB King echoed through the halls, accompanied by the iconic image of Nipper the dog, etched in memory beside Francis Barraud's "His Master's Voice" on the gramophone. This nostalgic symphony laid the groundwork for an enduring passion.
“The first song or rather an instrumental piece that I wrote was on my great grandfather’s Steinway as a 7-year-old. I realise now that it was on a simple chromatic scale. Playing all twelve tones in an octave can sound crunchy. I still play it with a sense of nostalgia.”
Transitioning into the realm of classic rock and psychedelic wonders introduced by parents, a new chapter unfolded. Led Zeppelin's thunderous anthems, Eric Clapton's soul-stirring solos, Jimi Hendrix's electrifying virtuosity, and Pink Floyd's cosmic odysseys sparked a flame of inspiration. These maestros, with their diverse sounds and styles, ignited a creative spark, propelling Ritvik toward his musical destiny.
The genesis of Ritvik's musical journey can be traced back to a tender age, where the ivory keys of his great-grandfather's Steinway piano became the canvas for his earliest compositions. A simple chromatic scale, traversing all twelve tones in an octave, evoked a sense of nostalgia that still resonates today. Each note, a testament to the beginnings of a lifelong love affair with music.
Driven by a pursuit of authenticity and honesty in his art, Ritvik delves deep into the recesses of his experiences, tapping into the collective consciousness of life's myriad moments. It is here, amidst the ebb and flow of existence, that true inspiration blossoms, shaping his creative endeavours into expressions of profound emotion and introspection.
Reflecting on his artistic evolution, Ritvik recalls the genesis of his debut EP, "Zamaano Mein" which emerged from the depths of teenage introspection. Originally penned as poetry at the age of sixteen, the words transcended the page to find new life through music. The interplay of acoustic serenity and electric fervour captured the essence of life's tumultuous journey, while the rhythmic pulse of drums mirrored the relentless march of time.
Transitioning into the realm of classic rock and psychedelic wonders introduced by parents, a new chapter unfolded. Led Zeppelin's thunderous anthems, Eric Clapton's soul-stirring solos, Jimi Hendrix's electrifying virtuosity, and Pink Floyd's cosmic odysseys sparked a flame of inspiration. These maestros, with their diverse sounds and styles, ignited a creative spark, propelling Ritvik toward his musical destiny.
The genesis of Ritvik's musical journey can be traced back to a tender age, where the ivory keys of his great-grandfather's Steinway piano became the canvas for his earliest compositions. A simple chromatic scale, traversing all twelve tones in an octave, evoked a sense of nostalgia that still resonates today. Each note, a testament to the beginnings of a lifelong love affair with music.
Driven by a pursuit of authenticity and honesty in his art, Ritvik delves deep into the recesses of his experiences, tapping into the collective consciousness of life's myriad moments. It is here, amidst the ebb and flow of existence, that true inspiration blossoms, shaping his creative endeavours into expressions of profound emotion and introspection.
Reflecting on his artistic evolution, Ritvik recalls the genesis of his debut EP, "Zamaano Mein" which emerged from the depths of teenage introspection. Originally penned as poetry at the age of sixteen, the words transcended the page to find new life through music. The interplay of acoustic serenity and electric fervour captured the essence of life's tumultuous journey, while the rhythmic pulse of drums mirrored the relentless march of time.
Unbound by the constraints of genre, Ritvik's musical ethos finds roots in the timeless principles of Indian classical music, particularly the "Rasa Theory." Embracing music as a conduit for emotional expression, he seeks to traverse the vast spectrum of human experience through sound, imbuing each composition with its own unique flavour and resonance.
Looking ahead, Ritvik harbours a desire for exploration and collaboration, envisioning a harmonious fusion of global influences. Armed with a diverse array of instruments and a thirst for innovation, he aspires to create a "Fusion Philharmonic," uniting disparate traditions in a symphony of cultural exchange and creativity.
In his own words, Ritvik reflects on the cyclical nature of his creative journey, from childhood experimentation to the multifaceted expression of adulthood. Each instrument, each melody, a thread woven into the tapestry of his musical identity, guiding him back to the source of his inspiration.
As he prepares to embark on new musical endeavours, from funk-infused grooves to soulful blues and beyond, Ritvik remains rooted in a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of music. For him, sharing his art with the world is akin to baring his soul, a sacred offering of self-expression and connection.
In closing, Ritvik affirms his commitment to the endless pursuit of musical exploration and evolution. For him, true music is not merely a destination but a journey, one that unfolds with each passing moment, beckoning him ever onward toward new horizons of creativity and expression.
"In my musical journey, from composing my first piece on my great-grandfather's piano to performing live on stages around the world, I've found my deepest passion. Music isn't just a gift—it's a calling, a journey, and an endless source of inspiration. With each new composition, I strive to delve deeper into the essence of life and share a piece of myself with the world."
Unbound by the constraints of genre, Ritvik's musical ethos finds roots in the timeless principles of Indian classical music, particularly the "Rasa Theory." Embracing music as a conduit for emotional expression, he seeks to traverse the vast spectrum of human experience through sound, imbuing each composition with its own unique flavour and resonance.
Looking ahead, Ritvik harbours a desire for exploration and collaboration, envisioning a harmonious fusion of global influences. Armed with a diverse array of instruments and a thirst for innovation, he aspires to create a "Fusion Philharmonic," uniting disparate traditions in a symphony of cultural exchange and creativity.
In his own words, Ritvik reflects on the cyclical nature of his creative journey, from childhood experimentation to the multifaceted expression of adulthood. Each instrument, each melody, a thread woven into the tapestry of his musical identity, guiding him back to the source of his inspiration.
As he prepares to embark on new musical endeavours, from funk-infused grooves to soulful blues and beyond, Ritvik remains rooted in a deep sense of gratitude for the gift of music. For him, sharing his art with the world is akin to baring his soul, a sacred offering of self-expression and connection.
In closing, Ritvik affirms his commitment to the endless pursuit of musical exploration and evolution. For him, true music is not merely a destination but a journey, one that unfolds with each passing moment, beckoning him ever onward toward new horizons of creativity and expression.
"In my musical journey, from composing my first piece on my great-grandfather's piano to performing live on stages around the world, I've found my deepest passion. Music isn't just a gift—it's a calling, a journey, and an endless source of inspiration. With each new composition, I strive to delve deeper into the essence of life and share a piece of myself with the world."
