Niraj Chag
London-based Niraj Chag is an award winning musician, composer and producer. Chag has worked on documentaries, plays and TV shows, incuding the popular Sex And The City.
Chag released his latest album “Mud Doll,” on June 22, 2015. This is his third album. The concept for the new album is about human experience explains Chag. The album starts with birth and ends with death and embraces the full circle of life. A self-confessed geek Chag did something different with his new album.He created an interactive website that is driven by algorithms that they created. Based on how you answer a short battery of questions, you get a personalized recommendation of music. Chag’s aim is to provide an immersive experience to his audience.
I spoke wtih Chag earlier this month about his new album and what inspired him to create it. We also spoke about his career as a musician and working with Japjit Kaur, who is often featured in his albums.
Chag was drawn to music from a very young age. He has been in bands since the age of 11, and set up his first studio when he was 15 years old. By 19 years old he signed deal with Oukast records and there has been no looking back since then for Chug.
A self-taught musician, Chag learnt music by listening to it every day. Two things are key to being a good musician he points out: a good ear and a good understanding of theory and harmony.
We also spoke about Hindi and Bollywood music and the role it plays in Indian diaspora community in the UK. Chag’s parents are from East Africa. His dad is a huge fan of Hindi film music and that was something Chag got to listen growing up. Chag is drawn more to qawalis and bhajans and finds a deep philosophical connection to that genre of music.
LISTEN TO NIRAJ CHAG ON MUSIC AND HIS NEW ALBUM MUD DOLL
You can explore Chag’s music videos on his YouTube and follow him on Twitter.
Photo and music courtesy: Niraj Chag
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