No rivalry between Anirudh and me, says 23-year-old music director Leon James

Speaking exclusively to dna, young music director Leon James talks about his passion for music, the AR Rahman connect and more.

How do you feel now that everyone is praising the music of KO2?

In a funny way, I actually feel scared about my next album. (Laughs) I now have to work ever harder and make the album better. I am happy that everyone likes the music. 

After the two songs in Kanchana 2, did you expect to be signed on as music director for a film?

I really didn’t. For Kanchana 2, Lawrence sir approached me for ‘Vaaya Veera’ after I’d put up the song on YouTube. I didn’t take it as a serious debut. The film and music did exceptionally well. RS Infotainment then approached me for KO2. I was surprised but it was also exciting because I had always wanted to do a film with a political background. I am glad that I was signed on for this.

Being Noel James’ (AR Rahman’s manager) son, did you always want to be a music director?

I wanted to compose music but I wasn’t too sure if I wanted to do it as music director. Gradually along the way there was a feeling that I should become a music director. But I wanted to make it by myself.

Have you worked with AR Rahman?

I have worked with AR Rahman when I was small, as a singer. I’ve sung for him for his live shows and films. There was a child chorus group and I used to be a part of that. I’ve played the piano for him as well and I remember him telling me that he really liked my playing. 

But you have access to Rahman unlike other people.

I know, but I didn’t want to use my dad for my work. If any work comes my way it should be for me as an individual. 

Were you part of bands growing up?

Yes, I was part of multiple bands actually. I was more a live keyboardist and I used to do a lot of live shows. I had a band called ‘ZINX’ which was a Carnatic fusion band in school. This was with me, Anirudh, Vivek Siva. During college, I was part of a band called ‘Basin Bridge’ and now I am part of a band called ‘Project Yuj’ with Aalaap. As ‘Project Yuj’, we just released EP a few months back and we are working on a full-fledged album. 

Do you compose songs other than for films?

Yes, I do independent music as well. I’ve released a song called ‘Punnagaiya’ with Andrea Jeremiah which is in support of child education. Earlier, we did a song together called ‘Ezhunthu Va’ which was for women’s empowerment. I have done a song with Shankar Mahadevan for Down’s Syndrome. I have done many songs like this. 

What next after KO2?

I am working on Veera for RS Infotainment again. It’s a North Madras subject starring Bobby Simha. I’m excited about this film because Kanchana and KO2 were very intense but Veera will be 'thara' local and pakka mass. I’m excited to venture into this area now.

Do you feel any competition with Anirudh considering you two were in the same school band?

Not at all! We both are very good friends. I really like his music and he’s also very supportive. I know him from a very young age. We learnt piano from the same teacher. I don’t think there’s any competition at all. He’s more of a friend to me. This whole generation whether it’s Sean Roldan or Santosh Narayanan, we’ve performed with each other and now we’re music composers. It’s quite fun.

You’re active on social media. So what’s the craziest thing you’ve seen so far?

There are these Rahmaniacs who started this debate on social media that there’s a fight going on between me and Anirudh and that they were trying to decide which the better album was. It was really funny! (Laughs)

Are you comfortable talking on stage at audio launches?

It’s quite new and unsettling but I think I’ll get used to it slowly. It’s a new world and it’s fun. 

Who do you play your tunes to when you first compose them?

I play it to my mom, dad and friends. Mom and Dad will tell me it’s very nice so you don’t really get constructive criticism. (Laughs) I have a few friends who are brutally honest so they’ll tell me if it’s working or not. 

What advice did your parents give you?

Dad told me to keep the focus and keep working and not let the passion for music die. Keep loving what you make and eventually people will love it, is what he told me. Mom is like all mothers and she says 'awesome' for everything I do. I am very pampered by her. She has a bad effect on my ego. (Laughs)