ADK creates a buzz in the local music scene
Pic courtesy by- SreeSangeeth (Singapore)
Tamil Rap has fast gained momentum in the music industry in Sri Lanka. The artiste themselves who share a fondness of their mother tongue and a love of their vibrant identity, aim to leave a piece of their legacy with the genre. One such artiste, who created waves with his unique style of Tamil rap is none other than Dinesh Kanagaratnam, renowned by his stage name ADK.
Throughout his 13-year career in the industry, ADK pushed himself to become a lyricist from a vocalist. His story is one that inspires, from being rejected by several independent and major labels that refused to accept him as an artiste, ADK proved them wrong by his record hit “Suraangani Remake”. The song which was released in 2008 was quick to top the charts in Sri Lanka. Today ADK aims at taking Tamil rap to the international stage.
We conversed with the decorated artiste, who had just signed with Salt Haus Records, a world class independent label based in South India. It was created by well experienced music producers, namely Udhav Sharma, Sahil Batra and Abhi Malhotra, who have a combined experience of over 30 years in the global music industry. They share the same vision as ADK. That is to take Tamil rap to an international platform.
ADK tells us that he is a shy individual in general, who takes on a completely different personality up on stage. He explains the stage is the only place where he could express his emotions and feelings with no restrictions.
ADK released his debut album, Cross Culture with Gajan Maheson back in 2007. Thereafter, he took a bold leap by launching his first solo album, ‘Thamila’. The track ‘Suraangani’, which featured on the album, was the turning point in his career. The record, which was produced with Pasan Liyanage, soon built a reputation amongst listeners across South East Asia. From there on, ADK was asked to feature his vocals on more than five tracks for India’s most prominent composer, A.R Rahman who is a two-time Grammy, Oscar and Golden Globe Award winner.
ADK was the only Sri Lankan Tamil rapper to work with the veteran and he recalls hustling to get this opportunity. He believed that it was going to be hard working with such a big name. But, A.R Rahman turned out to be one of the most easy-going producers that ADK worked with.
He eventually performed alongside A.R Rahman in 2012 to an audience of 100, 000 people in Chennai for the “Thai ManeyVanakkam” show, a concert which he describes as surreal.
Thereon, ADK also featured in a track called “Magudi” from the movie Kadal, directed by legendary film director, Mani Ratnam. ADK shares that Mani Ratnam was a “gem, humble and kind.” He gave ADK the freedom to write ‘Magudi’.
With five major records under his belt, ADK currently resides in Singapore and accesses all his projects virtually with the help of Salt Haus Records.
Together, they are currently producing an EP, which will include six songs that will also feature renowned Sri Lankan, Indian and American artists. The first single titled “Instagram” is set to be released in the coming days. It will be followed by a series of music videos.
As ADK puts it, Salt Haus is not just another record label, rather they also have the best resources to build an artist’s image in the next level. This, coupled with their belief in quality more than quantity, makes ADK certain that his new EP will create an impact in the industry.
According to him, Tamil rap music has been active in Sri Lanka since 2007. However, today the genre has a wider reach and is booming in South India, Malaysia and Singapore. On this note, ADK believes the scope for Tamil Rap music internationally is much bigger. But, as he adds, there needs to be a competent team that needs to push to take the genre to that level. And sooner or later we could hear Tamil Rap music on the billboards.
On this note, ADK also believes that the situation in the world today has made us realise the importance of time and to not take things for granted. So currently both he and Salt Haus Records are using this moment to their advantage. They feel that the world post covid-19 will be positive and healthy for every artist who wants to showcase their work.
And his advice any upcoming talent is to believe in themselves and above all enjoy their work. “Learn to accept criticism, because that helps you grow better as a person and also get better in what you do. Craft your art with love and nothing can defeat you.”
ADK has also teamed up with Yuvan Shankar Raja to produce a web series to be published on Netflix. The story is about a young boy who dreams to showcase his talent in rap and the difficulties he faces to achieve his dream.