Harris Jayaraj has emerged as the undisputed king of Tamil film music. Starting from his first film Minnale to the Pongal release Bheemaa, the melody maker’s tuneful numbers have cut through the clutter and have effortlessly moved to the top list.
Before and after Minnale...
Then popular as ‘keyboard Jayaraj’, Harris never dreamt of becoming a composer. He wanted to play for famous international composers. It was then that cameraman Rajasekar and director Gautham Menon approached Harris for a jingle. With a clear impression about the composer’s abilities, the duo came back with his offer for Minnale.
Minnale's songs became chartbusters and after that Harris composed for Kaakka Kaakka and Samy. Samy’s numbers with a folk feel extended Harris’ reach. Then came Chellamae, Anniyan, Gajini,Vettaiyaadu Villaiyaadu and Unnalae Unnalae.
Training in music
Formal training in music started when Harris was seven or eight years old. He learnt Carnatic vocal and later supplemented this with guitar lessons from Abdul Sattar. Armed with adequate knowledge and base, Harris began exploring the synthesizer. That is how the composer was born. He then worked as a keyboard player in A.R. Rahman and drummer Sivamani’s troupes.
The 'Harris' formula
According to this humble and god-fearing musician, background score is very important for a film. He has even released an album with song bits and background scores. Harris accepts only one film offer at a time and gives his hundred percent to it. Passionate about music, Harris prioritizes fans’ expectations and his tastes while choosing offers.
Forthcoming albums
Music for Bheemaa, Vaaranam Aayiram and Dhaam Dhoom are in the making. Of these, Bheemaa has an album full of soulful melodies; ‘Mudhal Mazhai’ is the number one ringtone of the year. Harris has accepted success with poise. He thinks that film music is in for a big time and he wants to be remembered as a quality music composer.
Let us wish him luck in his endeavours! A very Happy Birthday from all of us at Galatta!
Click here to listen to some lilting melodies from Harris' Birthday special!
