His very first song topped the charts for months. he sang ‘En Uchi Mandaila’ for actor Vijay in the film Vettaikkaran . His second song for the same actor, ‘Google Google’ from the film Thuppakki , became so popular that even Shah Rukh Khan danced to it at an awards show in the South. Krishna Iyer laughs, and says, “ I should thank music director Harris Jayaraj for the opportunity. Actor Vijay also sang a few lines in the song,” he recalls.
But, what he’s charged about now is his live music shows across the world. “I have done 2400 shows in India and abroad. I connect better with a live audience. I make them sing and dance along. I love the energy,” says Iyer who will perform with his band soon in Coimbatore.
“It’s going to be two hours of music and entertainment,” he promises. Along with Tamil songs, he will also sing Kishore Kumar classics. “ It’s will be a great outing for families as they soak up the energy and enjoy some great food too.”
Having grown up on songs of Ilaiyaraaja and AR Rahman, he makes it a point to sing their compositions at live shows. “We all jam together - my lead guitarist, bass guitarist, drummer, and keyboardist - and present some of the original compositions in a new form, something like an electronic style. I also try and popularise classics in my live shows, like ‘Adho andha paravai pola’ (composed by MS Viswanathan) ...”
The singer is also working on independent albums. “I already have two songs ready. One is romantic ‘Vanja Pugalchi Ani’ and another song celebrates Mother Nature. The music videos should be out soon.”
Krishna who has been singing for the last nine years gave up his IT job to pursue a full-time career in music. “I was jamming a song at a friend’s wedding where music director C Sathya (who has done music for films like Engeyum Eppodhum ) was performing with a band. He liked my voice and later I recorded a demo song at his studio in Chennai. I realised that my voice sounded different and wanted to give playback singing a shot.”
He went through some hardships, and got his first break with music director Vijay Antony. He also teamed up with music director Prasan Praveen Shyam for the film Agavarayinum Naa Kaakka.
“Playback singing has become highly competitive now. Technology is a big boon. Anyone can sing. But, most music directors have their favourite singers whom they repeat. That’s sadly a trend. Many youngsters are serious about a career in playback singing. And, music reality shows serve as a stepping stone.”
Info you can use
Krishna Iyer will perform at a Musical Night on April 14, 6.00 pm at SITRA Auditorium
He will be joined by Priya Jerson, one of the participants from Airtel Super Singer (Season 5)
Magician Vignesh Prabhu will also perform at the show
