Chennai: For 61-year-old S Jayachandran, his father M K Singaram played a huge role in his life. “Without him, I won’t be in this position,” says the resident of Vadapalani.
Jayachandran was recently presented Kalaimamani award by the State Government for his contribution to music. Following his father’s footsteps, the composer has made a name for himself today.
Speaking to News Today, Jayachandran says that he got involved in music from childhood days after seeing his father performing at various concerts. “He made me join some classes and also trained me to play various instruments. When my father couldn’t perform at certain events due to scheduling conflicts and commitment to other concerts, I would go as his replacement,” he says.
He narrates about the initial days of his dive into musical world. “I have been blessed by the opportunity to work along with numerous composers,” Jayachandran says.
He is affiliated to several organisations dedicated to the field of music including Cine Music Union, Chennai. He reveals that he started by performing at small gatherings, then at schools and colleges before foraying into concerts held at city’s finest theatres like The Music Academy or Kamarajar Arangam.
Jayachandran also explains how technology has influenced over the years. “I remember that in the first days of my musical career, there used to be many people assembled in the recording room with instruments. As days passed, technology replaced them. Now, even with a single person and an electronic device, a recorder can add in necessary beat while composing,” he says.
Having been in the industry for over 40 years, Jayachandran has composed several songs, background scores for films, and also numerous devotional songs. Throughout the conversation, he stressed on the importance of learning the basics to use all instruments. “This will widen your chance to perform at various concerts and work with fellow composers.”
He is all praise to composers from Chennai. “I strongly believe that the city has given birth to most talent personalities in music,” he says.
Jayachandran can be reached at 97904 14101.