Close your eyes and imagine this: sunlight streaming through the leaves, their gentle rustling in sync with the murmuring melody of a nearby river, and in the distance, a waterfall tumbling, vibrating right where you stand. These are the pristine sounds of nature, a feeling that is often hard to put into words. Music, just like nature, has a similar inspiring power – the ability to evoke emotions and inspire action. It is this inherent connection that Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej celebrates and harnesses through his Rhythm of the Earth concert series, a collaboration with The Leela Palace Hotels & Resorts.
Set against the backdrop of The Leela properties, the series offers a unique blend of music, visuals and a message of environmental responsibility. Starting June 22, the concerts will be held across four cities – Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur and Jaipur. At the heart of the initiative is Ricky, who has been a strong advocate of sustainability and social responsibility. His journey from being a professional musician to a globally acclaimed environmentalist and composer is as fascinating as the causes he champions.
Reflecting on his early career, he recalls the pressure of composing music for commercials and television. “Composing music for commercials and television was all about technical precision and deadlines. It was high-pressure work, but it was stable,” he says over the phone from Bengaluru. “At that time, it was all about money and meeting the client’s expectations.” Over 14 years, he created over 3,500 compositions, driven by client demands and the quest for perfection.
For the love of music
Today, his inspirations have changed dramatically. His music is now a means of expressing his deepest beliefs and passions, especially those related to nature and sustainability. “The music I make now is what I believe in and want to tell the world. I make music when I’m inspired, and I don’t force it when I don’t feel like it,” he explains. This authentic approach has enabled him to connect more deeply with audiences, using music as a tool for change.
Ricky has a very busy schedule, last year alone he performed an incredible 77 concerts in 17 countries. Nevertheless, he is able to find his inspiration. “These quiet moments of inspiration happen in unexpected places. Nature walks and exploratory trips are great, but I also find peace on airplanes, especially long flights,” he explains. “Another surprising source of inspiration is the nights after concerts. On these occasions the adrenaline is still high, and sleep is nearly impossible. I travel with a portable studio – a small keyboard, computer and headphones. So, those restless nights in hotel rooms become songwriting sessions.”
This unconventional approach to creativity aligns perfectly with the ethos of Rhythm of the Earth. The concert series promises an immersive audio-visual experience that highlights environmental and social themes. “The Rhythm of the Earth Concert Series is not just about entertaining the audience. It’s about giving them a lasting message,” emphasizes Ricky. The events feature sustainability-focused menus and décor that reflect social responsibility, reflecting Leela’s commitment to environmental causes.
The visual component of Ricky’s concerts is carefully crafted to complement his music. “We have a dedicated team that travels around the world to film incredible footage.” For example, a song dedicated to the Ganges is accompanied by visuals depicting the river’s journey from the Gangotri glacier to the Bay of Bengal. “These soulful visuals play in the background as we perform, creating a powerful multi-sensory experience.”
Ricky’s dedication to environmental issues extends far beyond his music. He is a staunch advocate for children’s rights, his commitment reflected in his support for the Kailash Satyarthi Children’s Foundation (KSCF) through a series of concerts. “Children’s rights is an issue I have cared about for a long time. Since 2018, I have been a high-profile supporter of UNICEF.” His admiration for Kailash Satyarthi, whom he met in 2018, further strengthened his resolve. “Environmental issues cannot be solved in isolation. Poverty is a huge barrier. This is where Kailash Satyarthi comes in – tackling fundamental issues like child slavery and child protection.”
Music and activism
According to him, music is a powerful tool for activism. “Music is a universal language, a powerful tool that can evoke emotions and inspire action.”
“We face many challenges on our planet, from climate change and pollution to social issues such as child rights, poverty and malnutrition. The biggest threat is apathy. We wait for governments or leaders to take action. But real change starts with individual behavior.”
Ricky says this is where music comes in. “Of course, scientific data is important, but it doesn’t change mindsets. Artists can translate complex ideas into the emotional language of music, which can reach people’s hearts and souls.”
According to him, there are two approaches to environmental activism – the David Attenborough approach, which focuses on showcasing the grandeur of the natural world, and the Greta Thunberg approach, which emphasises the urgent need for climate action due to human impact. Recognising the importance of both approaches, he gravitates towards the former. “I focus on the beauty of the natural world,” he explains, “showing people the wonders we are about to lose. The idea is to inspire a sense of awe and admiration towards nature, hopefully inspiring people to protect it. We protect what we love and can only love what we understand.”
With Rhythm of the Earth set to mesmerize audiences in four cities, Ricky’s vision is clear. “This concert series is about more than just music. It’s a powerful force for good, a reminder that real change starts with individual behavior,” he says.
For more information about the concert series, visit theleela.com
