For the Canada-based flautist Siva, the decision of doing a flute version of ‘Mayanadhi’ cover from the film Kabali was immediate. This move came much before the movie’s soundtrack was out. He found the initial song title haunting and felt it would lend itself well to a flute version. The video is now inching closer to the 60,000 mark on Youtube. “Mayanadhi was just what the doctor ordered for an appropriate cover, a subtle melody that came out well for a flute,” he says.
Having learnt Carnatic music at Chidambaram and performed since the age of 7, he’s been performing in several film-based concerts with the likes of Unnikrishnan and Shankar Mahadevan at several venues. He’s currently being trained under Grammy-award nominee Shashank Subramanyam (flautist) and Vinay Bhide (Hindustani musician). Siva, who also has two albums to his credit is working on his third that’ll be out in 2017. He also has plans to bring a film-based cover.
Despite strong Carnatic roots, his involvement with film and independent music has been more dominant. “My aim will be to do more classical covers in the future. I wish I had pursued a classical music career when I came to Canada, I still regret my decision,” adds Siva, who can play a variety of 200 flutes from all over the globe.
However, he’s practical enough to understand that film music will attract more attention than other forms. Siva accepts, “I know it better after all the issues I faced in taking my second album (Kaadhal Glitz) to the market.” On the wide range of audience that digital music attracts during these times, he feels many musicians, instead of pursuing their heart’s calling are only trying too hard to make their content go viral.
