CHENNAI: Benny Dayal says his upcoming Tamil pop album is all about having fun. And with a title like, Vazkhai DJ, we’re quite sure it is. “This was actually something that I've had in mind for the last four years,” the artiste says. “But film projects have always kept me busy.” With his solo debut album set to launch on February 21, the Taxi Taxi... singer will tread a new path. He emphasises, “None of the songs are commercial or film-oriented. This is just me.” It all happened in 20 days at UK-based producer, Charles Bosco’s studio in London. “I think we worked for about 10,” Benny laughs. Then he explains more seriously, “I met Charles in 2008 at a show in London, and the first thing he said was, ‘We should do an album together!’” Although the album is completely in Tamil, a global mix of genres promise a steady dose of versatility. Think House, Caribbean Dancehall, Carnatic styles and even a touch of Reggae. “For the Reggae track, I actually collaborated with rapper Dr Burn, who, many might remember from Yogi B’s troupe or the Vallavan album.” But if the international feel of the album sounds a little too much for you, Chennai fans will be glad to know that there is a Koothu track not far behind. In fact, Benny reveals with excitement, “Just this one song packs in 13 instruments and live percussions. It’s a typical dappanguthu song for a mass Tamil audience.”Ask about his song on the list however, and it turns out to be a fusion track titled, Swasam Neeye. “We shot the video for this one all over Tamil Nadu, mostly in villages,” the singer states. He adds, “There are a whole bunch of kids in the video, just playing, enjoying themselves.” And just when you are ready to concede that this kind of visual is something that you might have seen before, he offers, “Swasam Neeye is actually a UK Garage Electro-pop track balanced with a Carnatic vocal line.” While all the musical compositions are courtesy Benny himself, the lyrics have been penned by Chennai-based Christopher Pradeep. One wonders whether it was difficult to compose local music, while working in a London studio? “Honestly, the change in location helped me disconnect from the work that I was doing here (India).” He adds, “And wherever you go, you’re always rooted.” In future, Benny says that he hopes to work with music legend Ilaiyaraja. And after singing in Gautham Menon’s Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, perhaps his dream will soon be a reality as the ace director is now working with the Maestro in his Neethane En Ponvasantham. The year 2012 is certainly looking good for Benny Dayal.
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