In this illuminating episode of Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera, we delve into the remarkable journey of Jordan Rudess, the American keyboardist, composer, and a member of the super group Dream Theater. Joining him in this conversation is Yogeendra Hariprasad (Yogi), a founder, producer, and keyboardist.

The interview begins with host Aditya Veera asking about Jordan's early years and his time at Juilliard School. Jordan talks about influential mentors like Adele Marcus and Katherine Parker. He also discusses how his dedication to music and curiosity kept him motivated.

The conversation shifts to the crucial roles of mentors and parents in Jordan's musical journey. Jordan appreciates his mother's support but acknowledges that his parents lacked the expertise to guide his music career. Instead, it was his own passion and thirst for musical knowledge that drove him forward.

A charming childhood anecdote emerges as Aditya brings up an eight-year-old Jordan, who boldly claimed he could play better than the legendary Leonard Bernstein. Jordan attributes this youthful audacity to his mother's introduction to Bernstein's music and admiration for his versatility across genres.

Aditya delves into Jordan's contributions to music education. Jordan highlights his unique approach, emphasizing that his online conservatory defies conventional structures. It's a platform born from his deep desire to share knowledge, with collaborations that yield innovative educational materials. He proudly embraces the roles of both artist and educator.

Aditya delves into Jordan's diverse career, from his leadership at CME Music to directing music technology at Roli Labs. They talk about his innovations in music technology through Wizdom Music and whether he wrestles with an identity crisis due to his varied roles. Jordan explains how these roles are interconnected, fueled by his passion for both music and technology.

Congratulating Jordan on his Grammy Award win, Aditya prompts reflections on its significance. Jordan acknowledges the Grammy's role in opening doors to career opportunities and garnering respect from individuals outside the music industry. He values the acknowledgment and respect from fellow musicians within the industry, particularly in the metal category.

Aditya further explores Jordan's creative process and the diverse influences that shape his music. Jordan characterizes himself as an improviser who revels in spontaneity, acknowledging the influence of artists like Gentle Giant and Rick Wakeman and his collaborations with bands like Dream Theater and Liquid Tension Experiment.

The interview takes a philosophical turn as they discuss Jordan's beliefs in the cycles of life and rebirth, intertwined with his musical career. Jordan beautifully explains how his musical journey resembles a circular path, with past experiences and influences continuously shaping his present and future endeavors.

The conversation delves into spirituality as Jordan describes his music as a form of spiritual expression, sharing how he uses it for meditation. His albums serve as milestones marking periods in his life and career, with a humorous anecdote involving an earthquake in Mexico City during a live performance.

In a heartfelt transition, Yogi expresses his deep appreciation for Dream Theater's music and its transformative impact on his life as a keyboard player. Yogi questions Jordan if he has ever encountered a creative ceiling in exploring the capabilities of the keyboard. Jordan responds with enthusiasm, discussing innovations like GeoShred and the ground-breaking Osmose.

The interview wraps up with Jordan's thoughts on the balance between technicality and emotion in music composition and performance. He emphasizes the importance of serving the song's emotional core and considering the context and audience expectations.

This episode of Stalwarts Of Music with Aditya Veera features distinguished guests Richie Kotzen and Tony Das. The episode marks the first ever Indian premiere of the brand new album Winery Dogs Album III, featuring Richie Kotzen.

The interview begins with Richie’s initial foray into music, to which he fondly recollects how a poster of The Beatles sparked his desire to become a musician. Aditya shares his experience of listening to Richie's new album, mixed by Jay Ruston. On being asked what makes The Winery Dogs special, Richie acknowledges the unique chemistry and interplay among the members.

Aditya queries why rock music holds importance for communities. Richie responds that people will naturally gravitate towards the music that appeals to them. Richie delves into the diverse spectrum of rock music, highlighting its range from heavy and aggressive to soft and melodic and even incorporating elements of funk, soul, and more. He also contrasts rock's broad appeal with genres like jazz.

Aditya acknowledges Richie's impressive discography of about 22 solo studio albums. Richie recalls his early experiences with songwriting as a child and how his life experiences gradually provided him with the material to craft meaningful songs.

Aditya inquires how spirituality informs Richie's work as a musician. Richie responds candidly, mentioning that he doesn't delve into the intricacies of spirituality in his creative process.

When Aditya asks if Richie would describe himself as naturally gifted, Richie humbly rejects that label. He believes that every individual's personality shapes their path, and he sees his progression in the music industry as a result of his interests and consistent efforts.

Aditya asks Richie about his artistic collaboration with his wife, Julia Lage. Richie praises Julia's talents, highlighting her skills as a singer, bass player, and songwriter. Richie mentions a recent album he worked on with Adrian Smith from Iron Maiden. For this project, they formed a live group and decided to include Julia on bass.

Tony Das, guitar player for Thermal and a Quarter, Peepal Tree, and dedicated follower of Richie's work, joins the conversation to share his admiration for Richie and his musical journey.

Tony shares a story about how he was drawn to Richie's signature guitar and his efforts to replicate its features on his own instrument. Richie shows interest in trying out the guitar when he visits India in the future.

Tony recalls discovering Richie through a song called Chype Fluxx from the album Guitars That Rule the World. He asks Richie about the unconventional song title and how Richie achieved the complex sounds in the track. Richie explains that the title was an inside joke and that the song was meant to be deliberately indecipherable.

Tony asks when and how Richie developed his singing skills. Richie explains that he used to sing in a band where everyone sang, and he took the opportunity to sing lead vocals occasionally.

Tony asks Richie about his transition from using a pick to playing with his fingers. Richie explains that the transition happened during a show in South America, where his pick fell out and he continued playing without it, which led him to explore fingerstyle playing.

Tony comments on the various tones Richie achieves on his recent track, Mad World. Richie explains that while some passages may involve fingerstyle playing, there's a certain muting technique he uses to achieve the illusion of using a pick.

The conversation concludes with Tony mentioning Richie's gear and asking about using a Fender Twin amplifier. Richie explains that getting the desired sound from a Fender Twin involves using certain drive pedals and techniques to push the amp into the right tonal territory.

Ranjit Barot is a prominent figure in Indian commercial music and global jazz fusion, renowned as the musical director for A.R. Rahman's concerts and a respected drummer for Sir John McLaughlin’s Fourth Dimension. He recently performed at the Mahindra Percussion Festival, featuring esteemed artists like Arto Tunçboyaciyan.

Aditya discusses the origins of creativity, where genetics, environment, and karma play roles. Ranjit relates his upbringing, highlighting the karmic aspect and divine talent manifestation. He stresses maintaining an unobstructed channel for creative energy. They delve into childhood experiences in India shaping identity. Ranjit emphasises strong familial bonds, cultural richness, and his mother's influence, fostering his perspective and self-assurance. Aditya explores life's impact despite a sheltered upbringing.

Ranjit admits self-induced hardships channelled into music for growth. Teaching focuses on guiding students to uncover unique voices. Fostering originality is discussed. Ranjit believes time together infuses essence, preferring mental practice, meditation, music, and cooking. He expresses a love for composing, arranging, and staying connected to drums. Aditya questions if classical music's discipline hinders expression, but Ranjit disagrees, citing improvisation's essence and its liberating nature. Ranjit reflects on challenges amid the digital age's chatter and the impact of joining John McLaughlin's band. Mentoring by Zakir Hussain and John McLaughlin is valued for authenticity and support.

Ranjit embraced online learning during the pandemic, enhancing compositional skills. He explains musician selection as A.R. Rahman's musical director, focusing on musicianship, reliability, and ensemble harmony. Konnakol’s importance in Ranjit's Indian classical music understanding is highlighted. It deconstructs arrangements and influences his drumming style. Spiritual and philosophical perspectives in compositions are discussed, citing drummers like Virgil Donati and Dennis Chambers. Ranjit’s future aspirations include a 2024 trio project with Gary Husband. Ranjit's adaptability is attributed to his bicultural upbringing.

Aditya commends Ranjit's ease-infused work, rooted in his Indian upbringing. Parallels with like-minded artists Richard Bona and Gary Husband are drawn. Ranjit concludes by letting Aditya know that his experience being on Stalwarts Of Music was by far one of the most intelligent interviews he has done.

In Stalwarts of Music Season 1, yet another remarkable journey unfolds as Aditya Veera interviews the renowned record producer and songwriter, Pete Bellotte. From Pete's modest beginnings to his illustrious collaborations, the conversation takes us on a captivating ride through his life in the industry.

Pete's musical talent was discovered at a young age, inspired by his mother's melodic voice and her innate ability to remember every song's lyrics. His fascination led him to teach himself guitar, facing the challenge of learning chords upside down as a left-handed player. Formal training was not on Pete's path; instead, he found himself absorbed in absorbing music by playing with a band and learning the latest hits. Elvis Presley and the rock and roll era were instrumental in shaping his early influences, sparking a revolutionary shift in music.

Motivated by the sheer joy of creation, Pete delves into his creative process and the happiness musicians experience when they touch their instruments. He fondly reminisces about his collaboration with Donna Summer, especially the magic they created together in the iconic song "Hot Stuff," which featured a groundbreaking guitar solo by Jeff Baxter. Giorgio Moroder, a successful musician, became a significant figure in Pete's life.

Their partnership began when Pete, struggling to find a job, became Giorgio's assistant. Together, they worked tirelessly in the studio, pouring their hearts and souls into their music. Disco became their domain, and they revelled in the joy it brought to people's lives. Their enduring collaboration led to unforgettable hits, such as "Son of My Father," which catapulted Pete's career to new heights. Their shared passion for music and unwavering dedication to quality over quantity created an environment where creativity thrived.

Pete also reflects on Giorgio's driving skills, recounting their trips in the Ferrari Dino to Italy. Despite Giorgio's struggles with poor eyesight, they embarked on fast drives, blissfully unaware of the risks they were taking.

Donna Summer, an incredible singer and dear friend of Pete, left an indelible mark on his career. Their collaboration on songs like "MacArthur Park" showcased Donna's unparalleled vocal talent. Pete vividly recalls recording the song with a massive orchestra at Universal Studios, which became their first number-one hit together. In the realm of music, their partnership stood strong, transcending boundaries and leaving an everlasting legacy in the annals of music history. Pete cherishes the enduring bond and camaraderie they shared, a connection that went beyond the studio walls.

As the interview concludes, Aditya expresses his gratitude to Pete for sharing his wisdom and extends an invitation for him to visit India. Pete graciously bids farewell, leaving behind an enduring impression with his genuine passion and love for music, along with his remarkable collaborations with Giorgio Moroder, Donna Summer, and other memorable adventures.

In a captivating conversation, Aditya Veera, Mohini Dey, and Paul Gilbert take us on a mesmerising journey through Paul's musical odyssey. Growing up in a household filled with diverse genres, Paul's musical palette was enriched by iconic bands and timeless compositions. His uncle played a pivotal role, embodying the authentic rock feel that inspired Paul's artistic journey.

Paul dismisses the notion of having music in one's blood as a prerequisite for making or learning music, sharing the story of his friend who defied the odds and became a professional musician through passion and dedication. Reflecting on his creative process, Paul describes it as an internal calling—an innate need to express himself through music. Themes in his compositions emerge organically, inspired by personal experiences, emotions, or a desire to explore different styles.

Joined by Mohini, the trio's synergy ignites a spark of creativity and curiosity. Paul humorously shares his unusual piece of gear—liquid tape, applied to guitar picks for better grip. He reveals the impact of the appearance of his picks but emphasises the enhanced performance. Music constantly permeates Paul's thoughts, and he shares the enriching experience of developing the ability to hear music internally, shaping his every moment. He also expresses the importance of physical proximity to the drummer during live performances to feel the rhythm and create harmonious magic on stage.

Lighthearted moments arise as the trio shares their most embarrassing on-stage mishaps. Paul recounts an incident where a drill bit prop got entangled in his long hair during a guitar solo, turning an embarrassing mishap into a memorable experience. Mohini shares her own tales, including a wardrobe malfunction and a chewing gum mishap, showcasing her adaptability and ability to turn mishaps into impromptu performances.

Laughter, anecdotes, and playful camaraderie fill the room, humanising the world of music and emphasising its universal language. As the conversation concludes, Aditya, Paul, and Mohini express their gratitude for the opportunity to connect and share their experiences. Their laughter and genuine connections remind us that music transcends boundaries, bringing people together from different walks of life.

Gary Husband, a legendary musician, believes that personal qualities and values play an essential role in creating great music. He emphasises spontaneity and flows over strict notation and transcription, drawing inspiration from his surroundings and experiences to create unique compositions.

In a conversation with Aditya Veera, Gary stressed the importance of personal evolution and the ability to realise one's inspirations and imagination. He believes that music has the power to create subjective and blissful moments that transcend time and space, evoking a range of emotions in listeners.

When asked about the difference between virtuosity and genius, Gary humbly considers himself an eternal student, constantly striving to improve and create. He draws inspiration from various musicians and genres, incorporating their influences into his playing while maintaining his unique voice and sound.

Special guest Amyt Datta admired Gary's skills as a pianist and drummer and asked how he manages to excel at both. Gary explained that the two instruments are like two halves of one whole, and he has developed the physical ability to switch between them seamlessly. He internalises the rhythm until it becomes second nature, like muscle memory.

Gary's teachings are more philosophical and motivational than technical. He encourages aspiring musicians to find their own voice and sound while still drawing inspiration from their masters. He suggests drum transcriptions as an excellent way to develop one's rhythm and recommends using two metronomes to develop a good feel with other musicians.

In summary, Gary Husband's approach to music is one of constant evolution and inspiration, emphasising personal qualities and values as essential components of great music. His ability to switch between instruments and incorporate different influences into his playing is a testament to his dedication and hard work. His teachings are not only technical but also philosophical and motivational, inspiring musicians to find their own voice while drawing inspiration from others.

"Every day seems like a vacation when you follow your passion." Mindi Abair is probably the best example to support this quote. She is a songwriter, radio host, podcaster, session artist, recording artist, singer, and, most importantly, a saxophonist. Coming from a musical background, she has always been driven toward music. "I started playing the piano at the age of five," she reveals. Describing her journey as a saxophonist, she said that she was never used to playing the saxophone until college but loved watching her father perform. The turning point in her life was when she attended a concert by David Sanborn.

Her passion and ambition for playing the saxophone could have been seen in her statements. "I feel that the saxophone is an extension of my voice; I can whisper and scream through this instrument," she stated with a spark in her eyes. When asked about her ability to manage so many fields and areas together, she gave special credit to the ANR person who motivated her to bring out a different personality within her. Mindi has been associated with Verve Records, a subsidiary of the Universal Music Group. She believes that it was quite fun working with them, but launching her album is something that she has always dreamt of. Her take on judging the music or a song to be good seemed unique and amazing. "It is the connection between the audience and the artist." "If the audience is connected and enjoys it, and a relationship has been formed, then the music is a success," she said. She looks up to Beth Hart and David Sanborn as her role models.

The energy and the zeal they put into their work are commendable. Her take on discovering the best interests of a person is to trust the music which sets inspiration for you. Supporting this argument she shared an anecdote from her college days where the music teachers used to put more emphasis on contemporary jazz rather than traditional music. But she always trusted her interests and chased the things which inspired her the most.

The conversation picked up the pace when asked about her album, "Forever." She dedicated the first track to her husband, who is a wine guy. She chuckled and said "starting track of wine and jazz as it seems to be quite relatable to our life" She seemed to be quite passionate about her newly launched album, "Forever." "I collaborated with my friends from college and some other people," she shared. Her taste in music seemed quite real and grounded when she mentioned that "I prefer writing songs related to life and beliefs."

In this tech-driven society where digital marketing is ruling the internet, Mindi seemed to be less influenced by technology and marketing tactics. The audience carries the ultimate power. "As artists, the major focus should be to make the music more and more inspiring, as it plays a key role irrespective of just promoting" she stated. Mindi has also been a trustee for a decade at the Recording Academy. When asked about the purpose and cause she was associated with, She shared that she was a part of laying and leading a path for women to become a part of the music industry and supporting young talents to learn the art of music.

She mentioned some anecdotes while touring as a session musician for Aerosmith. "It was just a once-in-a-lifetime experience; you want to be there and live it out." "It was so much fun and indeed an incredible experience." She shared. While mentioning her experiences with Steven Tyler, she said that he is a rock and roll star, so much fun, and filled with enthusiasm and energy. Steven pushes the artists to be an active part of the band, and she finds him to be quite an amazing human being.

Mindi has also contributed her talent to some of the movies. Her experience in movies has been similar to that of the original albums, except for the fact that a vibe and a feel have to be created to synchronise with the movie.

Every artist has their first introduction to their passion. When asked about his first encounter with music, Mutlu chose to travel back to his childhood and share how he used to listen to classical music and play the violin as a child. Moving forward, he shared that he had resisted playing the violin as a child because his parents wanted him to do that. Mutlu is a self-taught artist. He taught himself guitar by practising with records and notes taught to him by his friends in college.

Mutlu also discussed criticism as an artist. He started by distinguishing between criticism and mean-spirited criticism. He also stated that artists look for validation. Mutlu says that he is fond of deep conversation about music, which he practises in his podcast and which opens him to new records, artists, and a feeling of being part of a community away from mean-spiritedness. He says that the best part of having guests on his podcast is getting to learn more about and relate to the other artists and their struggles.

On being asked about how an idea becomes a song, the Philadelphia-based songwriter replied that there are a number of ways. Sometimes an existing idea takes a while to ripen into a song, whereas some songs can just be put together in 15–20 minutes. It is never a static or definite process. Regarding the presence of deadlines, the singer has a fair perspective. He says that sometimes deadlines help the writer frame his work better. It also depends on the situation and the environment one works in.

Ever wonder what inspires a composer to write a song?

Well, Mutlu voiced his opinion on this after being asked one such question, saying that first and foremost it's a personal thing. According to him, a composer first starts to write a song to express himself or herself, and then they look forward to making something that is relatable. The composer and singer also shared a preview of his upcoming album, which will be released next year. He also talked about losing himself in the song while performing. "The more I am thinking, the less the vibe is happening."

And art connects and brings together not just the audience but also the artists. The songwriter talks about having a "musical brotherhood" with one of the most well-known names in music, Amos Lee. Mutlu expresses how the need to commercialise art takes a toll on the creative edge of an artist. He also calls art and commerce two different things that often clash, and an artist is needed to balance them. In the conversation with Aditya Veera, the remarkable artist shared how a lot of people discovered him as an artist after his collaboration with Daryl Hall on the Daryl's House Club Show.

"Creating a career out of an art form or commercialising it is a challenge for artists," says Mutlu as an artist. He talked about how the whole process of accessing a record has changed from buying it from a store to a click of a finger with the intervention of technology, whereas the hard work behind preparing it is almost the same as earlier. In this dynamic world of newly emerging forms of assets and art, Mutlu finds himself digitally unfamiliar when it comes to NFTs, but he believes that there is always room to learn. When asked what keeps him going, the vivacious artist says it is always the journey rather than the goal. He looks forward to building an audience. The thing that drives him is performing in front of a huge audience, creating connections, and adding value to their lives. Mutlu also looks forward to building a loyal community that has longevity as a future prospect in this world that is producing new art and artists every day. According to the artist, good and quality songs always find their way.

The Philadelphia-based artist loves getting applauded by people whom he admires and who are already well-established names in the industry. He believes that music is the force that can break through the "us and them" mentality.

The undisputed king of electric blues guitar breaks down the genres and sources of inspiration for his most recent album, a tour de force aptly titled Crown, which was produced by Joe Bonamassa. a blues firebrand, Eric Gales. Even as his own light dimmed as a result of his struggles with substance abuse over the course of 30 years and 18 albums, his passion for music and his unwavering determination to keep it alive never wavered. With personal revelations in his lyrics and daring stylistic turns in both his guitar playing and songwriting, he never stopped reviving the genre.

Gales was hailed as a child prodigy and "the next Jimi Hendrix" because of his unique playing style and emotionally raw music and personality. Singers like Jimi Hendrix, Albert King, etc. have a very strong spell over him, and time stops when he listens to their songs. "I feel blessed to be a part of their legacy."

Gales had his share of hardships in his career, and gratitude is the by-product. "From signing a record deal to flying to New York to sign another deal, everything was exciting, but going on tour for the first time was the aha moment of my life." At the beginning of his career, he only focused on playing, as he had the great support of his elder brother; eventually, he learned to step into responsibility and take charge. But he says "the presentation of himself on a stage is a form of discipline for me."

This year, in January, Eric Gales' latest album, "Crown," was released in collaboration with Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith, and it is by far his best new record. Contributions by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith were not small, as they brought their A-game to the whole album, according to Eric Gales. Gales feels he is free, and that is what his music signifies; he integrates his life and music, which his new album also represents. "I trust the process of what it is, then I tap into it and see what it allows me to do and the end results, who and how it goes to, and where it goes; it is sort of my responsibility but not my concern." Gales believes that music is just like a flow in his body, and he is not in control of how or where it comes from.

His approach to music and life is emotionally raw and untouchable. Feeling connected to his maker and being grateful for the life and abilities he has been gifted are definitely the keys to Gales’ approach to life. "A black man who struggled but tried to live at peace with his days." He wants to be remembered. The future still seems bright as the sun for Gales. His plans extend beyond the Crown, as visits and preparations for next year are moving at a fast pace. "Getting the Eric Gales brand on and getting it moving," as he says.