Neecia Majolly, founder-trustee of Majolly Music Trust is a western classical concert pianist, singer/songwriter, teacher, conductor and composer. She performs alt rock as The Majolly Project, which bagged the ‘Best Alternative Song’ award for ‘Fenced Circle’ at the Indie Music Channel Awards held at the Clive Davis Theatre in Hollywood on April 28. “The Indie Music Channel Awards are considered prestigious as the best from independent music around the world is picked. They are not based on popularity or audience voting, but on the decision of a well-qualified jury,” says Neecia.
The album Please (available on online platforms including iTunes) was released in May 2017 and consists of 13 tracks of which ‘Fenced Circle’ is one. Neecia says it took her a couple of weeks to compose this piece. “The lyrics speak about the futility of life — that no matter what you do, things come back to square one. The video aired on VH1 in October last year, and The Majolly Project was also featured in Rolling Stone (India),” she says.
Although Neecia Majolly is popularly known as a classical concert musician, how she took to rock is something she cherishes. “Though I was trained in western classical music from a young age, I always wanted to be a rock chick since I was about 12 years old.
I wrote my first song in 1993, but it was only in 2015 with the Majolly Rock Project that my alternative rock career took off. Now I handle both careers, along with two choir projects,” she adds.
“Writing songs helps me express myself. My songs are not feel-good songs. They deal with realistic issues like politics, the environment, social issues, women’s issues, human rights and the like. This has been a breath of fresh air for me and has opened up a new circle of musicians and friends,” feels Neecia.
Instituting awards helps authorities net the best talent, she says.
As for creative independent musicians, its a chance for them to give their best. “Yes, it is a great boost for people doing independent albums,” she says. “But it also depends on how one gets their work showcased for the world to know,” says Neecia.
Majolly Music Trust has nearly 75 students and a pension fund for aged and infirm musicians. “We are progressing well, and are constantly on the lookout not only for funds, but also for musicians we can assist,” says Neecia.
