Leon James Interview – “Touch wood I hope to work with Rajini sir, Ajith sir, Vijay sir..”
Did the re-recording require anything special?
“Yes, I have taken special efforts. It is a serious film and the action will be in the dialogues. I had to match that with my RR. It will be subtle yet powerful, with Hollywood feel orchestral and modern themes in general. Hopefully people will like it.”
How was the experience creating and composing music with the team?
“It was a super working experience. Director Sarath sir gave complete freedom and let me explore and experiment. Songs like ‘Kannamma’ and ‘Kohila’ were possible because of his willing nature. Elred sir, the RS team, the promotions team and the Sony Music team were all supportive too. For my debut album, I couldn’t have expected a better team and I am really happy. I hope to do more good work.”
So what is your favorite track from the earlier Ko, scored by Harris Jayaraj?
“It has to be ‘Yennamo Yedho’. It is still being played in FMs, and it is a favorite song.”
The influences and inspiring force behind your music?
“There are many influences. I listen to a lot of world music and lots of bands. Currently, a lot of upcoming Swedish bands. My music would 
have their influences and it would be in varied styles and genres. Of course, Rahman sir is a big inspiration.”
Do you remember singing for Rahman in Varalaru, back in 2006?
“I remember ‘Thothapuram’ vividly. It was his birthday gift to me. I went to meet him and give chocolates, and in return he made me sing on my birthday. It was a special song, that too for Thala Ajith. I was the main singer and it was such a happy feeling. Rahman sir is a nice friend and I have known him from a very young age. He is an inspiration and a motivational person and will ask me to keep practicing a lot. After Kanchana 2’s release, he was happy with my songs. I have to meet him after Ko 2’s release and get his feedback.”
The wish list of heroes and directors that you wish to associate with?
“Of course Ajith sir, Vijay sir, Rajini sir and among the directors Murugadoss sir, Karthik Subbaraj sir, Shankar sir, KS Ravikumar sir and Ranjith sir. Touch wood, I hope to work with all of them.”
You have played the piano for the likes of Anirudh and Santhosh Narayanan. How is the rapport among this promising group of young composers?
“We are all friends and we clear our doubts quickly over a phone call. Be it Nivas, Anirudh, Santhosh or Sean Roldan, all of us share great rapport. We have all played and performed together as a band, at one point of time. There is a long-time bonding amongst us and we’ll support one another at all times. For Anirudh, I played for ‘Neeyum Naanum’ in Naanum Rowdy Dhaan and for Santhosh Narayanan, I have played in his albums like Jigarthanda and Enakkul Oruvan.”
Will you be willing to play the piano for other composers, even now?
“I am open to play even now as a pianist. It is like how Anirudh goes to sing for other composers. I am willing always.”
What next?
“Veera and Kavalai Vendaam are my upcoming albums and I hope to take up more after Ko 2.”
Best wishes Mr. Leon James. Keep delivering fresh, energetic music.
Interviewed by Kaushik LM
