Though he spends most of his time at the piano, professional musician, composer and solo-artist, Kassam, is almost always on his feet. Fiercely independent, the young note-smith seems to have travelled for every, unique time he has performed, from all the esteemed venues in London, such as the Royal Albert Hall and Wembley Stadium, to touring across America, on a road-trip that showcased his cosmopolitan musical signature, and saw him performing alongside his father as part of an impressive dynasty-style duet. As a child, Kassam received training under the expert gaze of Suzanne Pillinger, herself a pupil of the revered French composer Oliver Messiaen, while tapping his way through all 8 grades on the piano. Now, as he prepares for the release of his first album – an arrangement on violin and piano of popular Bollywood numbers across the ages, with the additional twist of Latin and Jazz – following his success as harmony contributor for London Asian Film Festival’s movie pick, Honeycomb Lodge, we see that practising your passions as a person is what finds you centre-stage.
You come from a very musical family – almost like the Von Trapps – tell us a bit more?
Yes, both my parents have been wonderful role models. My father is a well-known violinist who has released and worked on several albums, performing for many influential people like the Queen, Margaret Thatcher, and Prince Charles. He also collaborated with many legendary artists from the Indian film industry such as Lata Mangeshkar, Gulam Ali, Hari Haran to name a few. My mother was also a singer who performed in many concerts and BBC TV.
How would you describe your musical language?
Music is, I believe, the ultimate form of expression which has the power to evoke our imagination; often it tells a story which can describe even more than words. As such, my style is broad and far-reaching, comprised of a mix of different musical styles. I enjoy exploring the rich harmonic complexities of jazz and romantic classical piano, with exotic Latin rhythms, while still preserving traditional cultural Indian roots. This has enabled me to create an authentic, dynamic new signature.
How was touring in America?
It was a pleasure performing and created the perfect opportunity to engage with an international audience. The crowd is always brilliant and their vibrant energy and appreciative nature is a real joy for any performer to be a part of.
What’s an interesting London Venue you’ve performed at?
I've enjoyed performing at the South Bank Centre on several occasions. It's always a privilege with their truly pleasant vibe and brilliant acoustics: it also sort of reflects my life journey. My first time was as a violinist in Harrow Young Musicians Orchestra. The second time was as a percussionist with my high school samba band and the third time was in 2009, as a pianist with the Indian jazz fusion band, I was previously with, 'Destiny Chakra'- the tracks are available for viewing on the YouTube Channel.
What attracts you to the realm of music?
It’s sublime - truly unique and diverse. It’s the quality that allows me to explore a wide array cultural styles.
A hard question for a prolific artist, but can you name some favourite musicians?
Yes, there are so many! But, if I had to choose, I’d say: firstly the tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, who also happens to be a family friend who I've had the pleasure of meeting! Famous rnb singer Adele whose songs I admire and have had the pleasure of performing in concert. And thirdly, I’d have to say Russian virtuoso pianist Nikolai Lugansky who I would regard as one of the most brilliant and talented musicians of our day.
What has been your most memorable experience so far?
Being invited to perform at 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister David Cameron, along with my father and brother. That was an honour at the very least!
Name some projects you have going?
I’m a member of the music organisation ‘Sound and Music’ for upcoming and established composers around UK. They promote young composers by organising concerts and increasing publicity, and also organise music competitions to increase interest in new music within our society. They also offer courses to further knowledge and develop compositional skills. Also pleased to announce that my team and I, have been invited to perform at the prestigious Aga Khan Museum and Arts centre in Toronto, Canada next summer for an exciting project that I can only tell you I’m very thrilled about!
What’s your advice to other young, mavericks such as yourself?
Always pursue your artistic goals with true commitment and dedication and find ways to cultivate and explore your creative abilities to the full. Only then can success follow. Every opportunity should be valued and utilised for it can create doors for other bigger ones. Be original, but at the same time, be open to reinventing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RRCz8f47pY&list=PLbP-1SoX3Su9TVKx50-mhN1Cz9cYyEyHP
