Ricky Kej is a music composer and producer of Indian origin. He has produced over 3,000 placements for Radio and Television Jingles. He is known for composing the music for the 2011 Cricket World Cup opening ceremony which was hailed by the World Media as the best Opening Ceremony in the history of World Cup Cricket. He has also composed music for various South Indian films. He is the recipient of many awards including the Grammy at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards for his album "Winds of Samsara".
Early Life and Education of Ricky Kej
He was born on 5th August 1981 in North Carolina. He is a half Punjabi and Marwari by birth. He moved to Bangalore, India when he was eight years old and has stayed there since. He received his school education from Bishop Cotton Boys` School, Bangalore. Then he did his Dentistry from the Oxford Dental College in Bangalore.
Despite having a degree on dentistry, Kej opted for a career in music instead. Interestingly, he never received any formal training in music in his early years and is self-taught. While studying dentistry, he even joined a progressive rock band. During the course of his study, he is noted to have produced over a 1,000 jingles for varied clients.
Career of Ricky Kej
Kej started his career by producing jingles for television and radio. Over a period of 13 years, he produced over 3000 jingles for TV and Radio. This provided him the opportunity of working with companies like Essilor, Microsoft, Levis, Air India, and Blaupunkt.
In 2003, he released his first International lounge album titled `Communicative art - Lounge from the bay`. Songs from this album were released on over 20 international compilations in France, Poland, China, Taiwan, India, Israel and Germany.
The success of his first album let Kej feature on the compilation album titled `Asha Waali Dhoop`. It was released in 2006. His second and third albums were released in quick succession and were titled `Kamasutra Lounge part 1 & 2`. The next two albums too received appreciation from music lovers.
The success of his first three albums made him earn various awards and allowed him to get involved in film soundtracks. In 2008, he composed the entire score and songs in the Kannada film "Accident". His next project was "Venkata in Sankata" in 2010. Then he went on to work for `Bollywood Remixed ` and "Dance the Golden Years`.
Then in 2011, he composed music for the opening ceremony of the ICC Cricket World Cup which held at Dhakka. The World Media hailed it as the best Opening Ceremony in the history of World Cup Cricket. In the same year, he released the internationally successful Dance/Percussion based album Fiery Drums.
In 2012, he composed tracks for various French compilation albums, such as Indian Zen and Des Voix De L`Inde. He also created an official remix of the Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire song "Jai Ho". In the same year, Kej created the anthem `Jaya Hain Kannada Thaye` as a tribute to the state of Karnataka. The anthem was created to spread a message of conservation.
In 2013, he released his first independent album in the US via his own Raveolution Studios including Shanti Orchestra, Ballad of Maya and Kamasutra Lounge - The Deluxe Edition.
Awards and Honours of Ricky Kej
•He won an advertising award at the Clio Awards in 2008.
•He won another advertising award at the Adfest Asia Awards in 2009.
•He has earned 57th Annual Grammy Awards for his album "Winds of Samsara".
•In 2011, he was nominated by Times of India as one of Bangalore`s Most Desirable.
•He was declared an "India Rules - Artist" by VH1 in September 2012 after his music video "Arabian Sea" had frequent airplay on VH1.
