He's the son of a legend and is doing justice to his father's reputation in his own way. Zak Biddu, son of Indian-British music producer Biddu, is all set to make his presence felt by bringing the British band Prodigy to India through UKNY, his UK-based music and events company. The band will be performing at the upcoming Eristoff Invasion Festival.
Zak's brainchild, the festival in its first edition seeks to bring the best international, contemporary, acts to India. “But that's not the only aspect about the festival. We want to encourage talent from within the country and provide a platform to noteworthy Indian groups as well,” clarifies Zak. Pentagram, Midival Punditz and Jalebee Cartel and a DJ set by popular Australian electro rock act, Pendulum is also part of the show.
The concept was born, says Zak, because “I'd always wanted to do something in India. My father is from here and I have family here. I visit the country so many times a year. More than for professional reasons, I had personal ones to bring a festival of this nature and magnitude to India.”
He adds: “About a year and a half ago, I decided to put together something through which I could bring international artistes I've worked with, to India. It was around the same time that I met Vijay Nair, CEO, Only Much Louder (the Indian component of the festival) through the British Council. Finally, I'd found someone who shared the same vision and passion as me. There's been no stopping since.”
The 34-year-old entrepreneur says: “Those attending the gigs can look forward to six to seven hours of great music. They are Prodigy, after all! We've carried 6,000 kg of freight! From the lights to the sound and stage setting, everything is going to be a sheer treat. Undoubtedly, it will be an explosive and energetic evening.”
Why did he zero in on The Prodigy? “There were two reasons,” he replies. “I've worked with Keith Flint before and it's been a wonderful experience. I was also aware that the band was just waiting for a chance to come to India. This was the perfect medium.”
Despite being Biddu's son, Zak never had it on a platter. “I worked my way up,” he says. “I was on the lookout for a corporate job and joined a record company where I was junior assistant and did everything from running errands to making coffee. It was only when I joined Big Life Management that I realised this is what I wanted to do.”
Zak set up UKNY in 2005 and has worked with everyone from Sir Paul McCartney, Gwen Stefani and Snow Patrol to the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Hawk and Lady Sovereign.
But Biddu Jr. is not one who is content with success which he believes can be momentary. “One record might be a hit; the next could be a flop. If one is hell bent on doing well, he'll never take present success lightly. The key here is to never be complacent.”
While creating a niche in the crowded UK music market wasn't easy, one wonders why he's turned his focus to India already. “I've worked with many artistes from the UK and the US in particular. I'm someone who likes to stay close to my roots, so doing something in India was inevitable. The market here is rather untapped so I seized the opportunity. I also support a charity in Kolkata so a large part of me belongs here.”
Ask him why he's into the business side of music and not a musician like his father and Zak laughs, “I did learn to play the piano as a child but I was simply pathetic at it. My music would make my sister cry!”
And does dad ever advice him as far as his music making business goes? “No, my professional decisions are made by me because my line of work is quite different from his. But as far as my personal life goes, he's the one that I turn to for advice and support. He's a great dad and an even better human being.”
