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Dreams Are The GPS For Your Soul… 

September 11, 2014 

Am a dreamer…you might have known/seen a glimpse of my dreams… 

I was fascinated by music and genuinely interested in that art, which touched my heart in

early childhood.

It’s a true blessing for me that the environment at home was very conducive to my interests,

which further propelled me.

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As I write these lines accompanied by a calm dusk, it takes me back couple of decades, how I

aspired to realize my desire… 

My introduction to music happened through a special person in my life who is my strength,

support system and the person who unconditionally believes in my abilities, My Mother.

She recognized my inclination to music in my early childhood, and the gift I got for my sixth

year birthday was a small keyboard (I have guarded it till date as one of my most valued

possessions).

I got exposed to couple of vocal forms, and trained my vocals, and it became a habit to

practice for couple of hours everyday and learnt to play an instrument; and got to work with

good people in the music industry.

It was in the year 2000, when I put my first step into the professional music industry, the

 journey thus began… 

The learning kept its momentum going and everything seemed as normal; till I met this man

in the year 2006, who changed my direction of thinking from singing to composing… Yes, I

never dreamt of being a composer, but this man could see a composer in me.

The day he saw me was when I was practicing

to perform in my organization for some event. 

I finished the song with the keyboard

backing,as he was listening to me and at the

end of the song, he varied my aspiration from

being a singer by seeding a new thought of

being a composer. He said, ‘No doubt you sing 

well, but you have a composer in you and you should bring him out…’ 

I was not sure if that was destiny to change my course or was I on the crossroads, but the

destination was still music whichever path I choose.

My senses always believe that God comes in some form when you need him. It was a calling

and a paradigm shift in what I pursue. With this the singing took a backseat :'(

I trusted his judgement on my abilities, after all, he is from the movie industry, he is

Tollywood director Mr.Venki. A man who left his imprints on my mind. He has quite a few

superhit movies to his credit. The life is short and fragile too

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Knowing this and not wanting to evaporate

the luxury of time, I indulged in my new

found passion of composing, the groundwork

on this happened for next few years, getting

to know & trying to understanding differentgenres.

Attending courses & workshops on music

production.

The best books which I could lay hands on from the best musicians on orchestration/music

production etc.,

Got opportunity to interact with some of the best musicians & understand their views from

their experiences;the dynamics of music.

I’m glad they made me part of their projects…of all,I should quote Mr.Kalyan and Mr.Sridhar

for their support & willingness to accommodate me.

From the year 2006 till 2009, is all about getting associated with music projects & making an

attempt to observe/absorb/broaden/explore/experience music from a composer’s point of

view.

By Dec 2009, I had a plethora of my own compositions. Something which started as interest

had turned into passion and finally into madness. In this phase I planned to have my owninfrastructure for music production. Finally I was excited that I have got my Mac setup, Up &

Running at home. I just believed in myself, though few people thought I’m crazy 

Have seen a lot of good talent dropping off from the league because of discouragement and

not being able to handle humiliations. Till date it gives me goosebumps, if I think, that my

first project as a composer took off within 2 months of having my own music infrastructure.

I should thank my sister for connecting me to the lyricist/producer in Hyderabad.

He heard my compositions and with no second thought handed over the lyric book to me

saying, “You are my composer”. 

My requests were duly processed and a favorable response was given to me by the

Universe. Any ritual that was performed around the fire was something religious or spiritual

to me.

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I had to un-

program myself

and think

differently…Today

I think anythingwhich is done with

the fire within

is so very religious.

Spirituality to me

is an intangible,

subjective

experience

(perhaps, beyondall the senses). We

can yet live a

spiritual life

without quoting

‘being spiritual’. 

With the first music project as a composer, I just had to prove to myself that I would do my

best.

When it happens, it happens in a big way… 

It was the time for me to redeem the blessings, best wishes and love of people around me.

I had heard his name on the radio in my childhood when a song was played. His

mesmerizing vocals are his identity till date. He has inspired millions of people to get into

music…the legendary Dr.S.P.Balasubrahmanyam. 

It remains one of the most memorable day’s of my life, that I was recording the God of

music for my composition. The very first song of my first project, is being sung by none

other than Sri.S.P.Balasubrahmanyam. What an experience it was!!! just can’t explain,perhaps I was in trance!

I reassured myself, that this is what we call an “Accomplishment”. The album was released

in Aug 2010.

From being a dreamer to coming up to the first milestone in the musical journey… 

Success is not one linear graph or an exponential graph; it is superimposing of multiple sine-

waves especially having more amplitude for the peaks which go low [being an electronics

engineer, can't find a better analogy].

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During this journey,I always thought, even if it is a matter of failure, it is worth a try to listen

to my heart once. Had realized quite early in life that everyone is imperfect as individuals

and only collectively we can be perfect; this thought kept me going. So far I have put up only

the happy scenarios here (may be someother day, the rest).

The album, Baa Sangaati, released in Mar 2013, marking my subsequent endeavor as a

composer/lyricist gave the much needed boost and confidence. This album traveled its way

to the shores of other countries, celebrating music, expressions & emotions and creating an

everlasting bond… 

We see people around dedicating their lives in pursuing their passion and being immensely

talented. Being a qualified engineer,I work in IT industry and at the same time I pursue what

my heart seeks.

With this, I humbly understand, it may not be the talent, but the determination which isfueling me in this journey. Like the learned say, Many are destined to succeed,but most are

determined to succeed. Perhaps, I belong to the latter.

Though its not good for heart to have less sleep, the desire in the heart keeps me awake I

firmly believe that there is no substitute for hard-work and shortcuts don’t work. Even if one

person feels the fire within or wants to listen to his heart just for once, after reading this, it

gives me a profound sense of achievement… 

Now writing for movie projects and my next musical venture envisioned. Personally I feel,its

worth a try.

Please dream and dream BIG! and hold on to it!!

Indeed dreams come true!!!

Cheers,

Karthik Somanath