Although Vivek Venugopal is popularly known as a guitarist, with his latest release Chronicles: Resolution, he steps into the shoes of a composer, exploring different sonic territories with his new work. “Most of my previous work is primarily guitar-centric. However, after releasing The Ascent of Mount Purpose in 2018, which was a solo guitar album, I felt the need to explore different compositions and genres. My ideas needed a new palette,” shares the city-based musician.
The new album is the second part of his concept series, Chronicles. Released mid last year, Chronicles: Consolation is conceptually connected to his latest work. “I knew the precise textures I wanted, and I did not want to compromise with that vision. Chronicles is about coming to terms with a significant past occurrence. The music of the first album is the soundtrack to this narrative,” he adds.
The four-track album is heavy with diverse instruments — duduk, drums, trumpet and more. It offers nothing but pure melodies and resonant instrumentals, one after the other. The opening track, Tabula Rasa, is primarily melodic, with a bit of Armenian traditional music. Vivek says that the inspiration and creative process varies for each piece. For the second single, Will You Complete Me?, he recollects how he was dawdling on a piano when he first thought of the introductory motif and later worked on it. “There is never a formula, and each piece has its own form. The initial impetus can come from anywhere — humming or even something non-musical such as a thought. Once I was guided by two leaky faucets. They were leaking at different speeds, and it created an interesting rhythm, and I had a musical phrase, which led to something bigger. It is as though I am the medium of my own art form,” he shares. Pathos is jazzy with drums adding a new dimension, while Harmony is mellifluous and soothing.
For this album, Vivek collaborated with musicians from across the world including Poland’s Magdalena Sas, Arsen Petrosyan from Armenia, US-based Zdenek Kansky, UK’s Johnny Woodham, and Indian artistes Shantanu Patel, Mitali Saraf, Aditya TB, and Biju Karthik.
Pre-order the album on www.visitamusic.com