Clinton Cerejo is a name synonymous with Coke Studio. He is a renowned musician from India who is multi-talented. He composes, produces and also sings his songs that have made an explosive impact on Coke Studio. Especially songs like ‘Madaari’ and ‘Maujey Naina’ from the previous season of Coke Studio have become memorable tracks. Clinton has given his soulful voice in different movies in Bollywood, Hollywood, and Tollywood. In a telephonic interview with Sunday POST, Clinton Cerejo ruminates on his journey with Coke Studio so far.
Shabiha Nur Khatoon
Q. Tell us something about yourself?
Most people think I am a musician but they don’t know that I am a foodie and wanted to be a chef. I never wanted to be a musician in my life as I was not sure what I wanted from life. After completing graduation I decided to do MBA as I thought it was an important part of everybody’s life. After a series of sporadic recordings I decided to stop studying MBA and make a career in music, as then I thought I knew what I wanted from life.
How was the transition from ad jingles to playback singing and composition?
Well, actually it’s hasn’t been a transition period from composing to singing, rather it’s the other way around. When I started my career I was a singer and started singing jingles and that time I didn’t know how to play keys or the guitar very well. I started lending my voice to many advertisement jingles. During that period I worked with Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Lezz Lewis, Ranjit Barot and Louis Banks.
How was the feeling at getting the first break?
Well, there is nothing like that I got one major break; I have got many different breaks from different people in my career and there have been many milestones like working with Ranjit Barot or with Louis Banks. And obviously working with the film fraternity and with AR Rahman who offered me the opportunity to work with him was indeed great. Soon my work was noticed by many and other projects followed. Then finally I started producing for Vishal Bhardawaj’s movies. There is platform available which I am trying to work on.
What is the difference between playback singing and performing live in a concert?
There is a lot of difference between playback singing and performing live. When you are singing in a recording studio you are under the microscope where you can check your voice and delivery. While performing live I feel it’s more about the combination of how you convey your message to the audience and how you connect with the audience. And I feel the real challenge is how you relate to the audience.
You have sung in Bollywood, Hollywood, Tollywood. Is there anything left?
(Laughs) Well, there is a lot left as learning never stops. For me trying to collaborate with lots of musicians internationally as well locally and it’s to be the next thing to be focused on. I am very much excited to work on different projects and would be able to collaborate with different musicians.
You have worked with almost all the big shots in the industry. Who are working with next?
Definitely I want to work more closely with Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. I have worked with him earlier when I was working for Vishal Bhardawaj’s movie but this time I want to work with him as a composer and would love to work with more folk musicians.
Tell us your experience with coke studio and how it all happened?
Coke Studio for me was a completely blank canvas to paint on. There was no director with the film script telling you what situations you compose a song for or telling you a brief; it’s not an advertisement where you are selling a product. The main motive of Coke Studio is to make music which comes directly from the heart. That’s how we all decide to be a part of Coke Studio.
How different is this Coke Studio from the last season?
Definitely this season will be more interesting from the previous one as the format is really interesting. And as far as I am concerned, I will try to give my 100 per cent and all my compositions will be new and fresh something different and distinctive from the previous one. I also did some experiments in production, vocal arrangement and fusion. With a whole new season and a new format coming up, Season 4 is going to be even more exciting for me as an artiste, as I will get to see my music being represented visually as well.
Last year we heard some memorable tracks from you. Are you waiting to create the same magic?
I hope I am able. Then the audience can decide whether my compositions are really memorable or not.
How do you manage to take out some time out for your family?
I try to take at least one holiday of seven-eight days every year to spend some time with my family. That is one way that I take out some time from my busy schedule and also on Sundays I try not to work. My Wife (Dominique Cerejo) has been a great support for me and she is also a musician, and apart from that her opinions are really precious. For me it’s very important to take some songs home and play before her to know her opinion.
What are your upcoming projects?
Right now I am working on a lot of projects but I can’t divulge at the moment; when the right time comes I will surely reveal.
Any message for fans?
My only message for fans is stay tuned, keep listening and
keep enjoying my music that I really appreciate – and love you all.
