Game of genres: Amit Trivedi on his style and influence

You can say it was Emotional Atyachaar that catapulted this singer onto the forefront of Indian mainstream music. Musician, composer and lyricist Amit Trivedi has carved out a niche for himself in the film industry with his edgy and rusty music, anchored by a refined sense of orchestrated music.

Directed by Atanu Mukherjee and starring Manoj Bajpayee, the coming-of-age mystery-drama Rukh has two tracks by Amit. Earlier this month, they released the track Khidki, which has an earthy sound with soulful lyrics. So is this music his signature style or is there a bit of experimentation? “It’s a bit of both actually,” says Amit. “It is my signature style in a way. But of course, I’m trying to evolve and experiment every day. The idea is to stay relevant as much as you can. On the other hand, this music comes to me naturally.” With his biggest hit Queen being made in three languages, Amit is all set to make his Tamil, Malayalam and Telugu debut. 

Ask him a little more about his composition in the Kangana Ranaut starrer, and how it has shaped up, and he says, “We are recreating the music according to the language. It is an adaptation, so the songs will not remain the same. Each language has its own flavour. And every state has a different vibe to offer.” 
Amit’s inspirations from the South have the quintessential Madras seasoning to it. “I have grown up listening to the musical giants — AR Rahman and Ilaiyaraaja. They are the epitome of the best things you can get in life.” The musician’s ability to juggle genres from metal to jazz to folk makes him a versatile music icon in Bollywood. From his raspy songs in Ishaqzaade and a more polished sound in English Vinglish to a fresh voice in Dear Zindagi, Amit’s playlist is a cornucopia of elements replete with folk undertones and sometimes even poetry. 

When the composer isn’t making or writing his own music, he’s mostly listening to Foo Fighters. “I get very little time to myself,” says Amit with a smile. “But Foo Fighters are on my playlist right now. I quite like their The Sky Is A Neighborhood track,” he concludes.