Kaber Vasuki

Kaber Vasuki
Born (1990-04-06) 6 April 1990 (age 34)
Coimbatore[citation needed], Tamil Nadu
Origin Tamilian
GenresIndie
Occupations
InstrumentGuitar
Years active2008–present
LabelsSaregama, KYN Records
Websitekaber-vasuki.com

Kaber Vasuki is an independent Tamil Indie music artist, known for his philosophical lyrics and unique approach to storytelling through music.[1]

Early life and education

Vasuki was born in Coimbatore where he spent his schooling and early days.[2] In 2010 Vasuki moved to Chennai.[3] He would go on to produce the first crowdfunded Tamil independent album "Azhaghu Puratchi", and eventually starting the band "Kurangan" with fellow musician Tenma.[4]

Kurangan Era

Vasuki co-founded the Tamil Indie band Kurangan with Tenma in 2015.[5] The band's formation and evolution represent a key moment in Tamil indie music, with Vasuki being the singer-songwriter in this journey with his simple lyrics in the regional language (Tamil). In November 2016, Members of Kurangan formed Terrace Jams - a space to showcase new local talents - inspiring artists such as Siennor, Othasevuru and Shilpa Natrajan. [6] Despite being disbanded in 2018, Kurangan has a wide fan following today. [7]

Independent music

In 2021 Vasuki sold a phone demo of his song "Vasanam" as an NFT for 50 Ethereum (ETH), which amounted to nearly 1.5 Crore INR or 200,000USD at the time of the transaction. This event marked a significant development in the digital art and cryptocurrency spaces for Indie artists. [8][9]

Vasuki's solo work continues to be characterized by introspective lyrics and a willingness to experiment musically. His latest music video "Poi" showcases complex themes such as recovery from toxic relationships and the psychological impacts of social media addiction, framed within the context of contemporary Tamil culture.[10][11]

Activism

Vasuki's work often touches on social and political themes, reflecting a deep commitment to addressing issues that affect society such as the Chennai Poromboke Paadal music video - a joint initiative by T. M. Krishna and environmental activist Nityanand Jayaraman.[12]

His approach to music as a tool for social commentary and change highlights the power of art in influencing societal perspectives and advocating for social justice with songs such as "Pidikkum" and "Okhahoma" promoting LGBT awareness.

Discography

Vasuki's discography includes a mix of independent singles and film soundtracks. Some of his notable tracks include "The Poramboke Song" [13] and "Vasanam," with the latter being a reflective piece on changing attitudes and missed opportunities for expression.

Independent albums

Year Album Track Listing
2014 Azhagu Puratchi (first crowdfunded Tamil Indie Album) [14]
  • Ulagathin Sonthakaran
  • Pachai Perundhu
  • Pirai Kadhai
  • Manda Mannan Kaviyam
  • Karpanai Kadathal
  • Chennai Paadal
2019 Kurangan Era (Collection of Songs from 2015 to 2018)
  • Neethane
  • Samudhayam Oru Mayam
  • Suthanthiram Oru Dabba
  • David Foster Wallace
  • Retro
  • Mugamoodi
  • Naan Enna Muttala?
  • Saakin Pokku
  • Vasanam
  • Rasathi
  • Rockstar
  • Oklahoma
  • Unnai Thedi Varuven
  • Poromboke Song
  • Vilangu
  • Jaathithaan
  • Manitha Subhavam
  • Nil. Gavani. Sol.
  • Rendu Perum
  • Ne Vekkam Kori[15][16][17]
2019 Singles
2023 Singles Poi, Poi (alternative)[20] [21]

Film work

Vasuki has also made inroads into Kollywood, contributing to soundtracks for movies like "Captain Miller",[22] "Dharala Prabhu", "Rocky" and "Aelay." collaborating with prominent Tamil Musicians such as Sam C. S, Darbuka Siva, G. V. Prakash Kumar, Hiphop Tamizha, Yuvan Shankar Raja and Sean Roldan.

Year Movie Name Track Listing Credits
2017 Kavan Mathuraangalam Singer
2018 Irumbu Thirai Yaar Ivan Lyrics
2020 Dharala Prabhu Manusan Lyrics[23]
2020 Peipasi Peipasi Lyrics
2021 Aelay Magaraasa Lyrics & Singer
2021 Rocky Naan Sinam Ariven, Vanma Padhaiyil Lyrics & Singer
2022 Suzhal: The Vortex Duvaa Duvaa, Suzhal – The Whisper of the Vortex Lyrics
2024 Captain Miller Killer Killer (title track), Un Oliyile Lyrics[24]

References

  1. ^ "Songs of a rebel". The Hindu. 24 February 2015.
  2. ^ "Singing the Truth". 17 May 2015.
  3. ^ "Kaber Vasuki: Music saved me from an emotional crisis, and musicians became my saviours". Cinema Express. 21 October 2020.
  4. ^ "Songs of an outsider". 22 October 2020.
  5. ^ "Meet Kurangan, a Chennai pop-rock band making Tamil music deep again". 16 November 2016.
  6. ^ "The story behind Othasevuru, the two-member Tamil indie band". 7 December 2019.
  7. ^ "Tamil indie music's watershed moment arrived with 'Enjoy Enjaami'". 24 April 2021.
  8. ^ "Tamil musician sells song demo as NFT to crypto-collector who bought Beeple work". The Week.
  9. ^ "Tamil musician sells NFT of phone demo for Rs 1.5 crore to Metakovan of Beeple fame". 27 May 2021.
  10. ^ Kannadasan, Akila (21 December 2023). "Kaber Vasuki on his latest Tamil indie track 'Poi'". The Hindu.
  11. ^ "What 'lies' ahead: Tamil Indie star Kaber Vasuki's latest single explores the darker human nature". 26 November 2023.
  12. ^ Rangan, Baradwaj (28 January 2017). "Baradwaj Rangan on the transience of modern music". The Hindu.
  13. ^ "Here comes the Chennai Porombokkku Paadal". The Times of India. 26 February 2017.
  14. ^ "Kurangan: A Tamil rock music band that offers a fresh alternative". 23 October 2016.
  15. ^ "Kaber Vasuki". Spotify.
  16. ^ "Kaber Vasuki on Apple Music".
  17. ^ "Kaber Vasuki".
  18. ^ "Lyrics | வரிகள் - Kaber Vasuki. கேபர் வாசுகி". 31 January 2022.
  19. ^ "Kaber Vasuki". Spotify.
  20. ^ "Of tunes and being tuned with Kaber Vasuki". 18 November 2023.
  21. ^ "Kaber Vasuki's 'Poi' Video Unravels like a 'Black Mirror' Episode". 30 December 2023.
  22. ^ "'Killer Killer' Song Out: Dhanush's New Movie Captain Miller First Song Released". 23 November 2023.
  23. ^ "Kaber Vasuki: Music saved me from an emotional crisis, and musicians became my saviours". Cinema Express. 21 October 2020.
  24. ^ "Captain Miller song Killer Killer is GV Prakash-Dhanush's war cry, watch". 22 November 2023.