“You have chosen to learn Uppakkavadyam (a secondary percussion instrument), and I support your desire to make a career in it. However, you have to work very hard to excel,” EV Subramaniam told his son Karthik.

Following his father’s advice, Karthik worked hard to become known as ‘Ghatam’ Karthik. Once he gained proficiency in playing the instrument, he expanded his musical reach as a lyricist, composer and singer. “I took on these additional roles as a core member of my Heartbeat group, which I launched to celebrate the power of rhythm,” says Karthik at a special event on November 14 to celebrate the silver jubilee of the artiste group. It is said that in the midst of preparations.

“I still have a long way to go. There’s a lot one can do in music,” says Karthik, who holds a PhD in Sanskrit. Influenced by his mother Padma singing in dance productions during his school days, he Attracted to Carnatic music, though he took vocal music training from Vidwan Thiruvengadu, it was Ghatam that enthralled him, where students learn Mridangam first. The lesson was on Ghatam. He learned from Ustad Vikku Vinayakram and his brother T.H. Subhash Chandran. “Seeing me playing the percussion instruments at home, Vikku sir felt that I should play the percussion instrument, because of my big palms. One should especially learn to play Ghatam.”

Karthik soon started working with famous Carnatic composers like MS Subbulakshmi, DK Pattammal, M. Balamuralikrishna and Lalgudi Jayaraman. Apart from classical music, he loved listening to songs by Boney M, Michael Jackson and Ilaiyaraaja.

Inspired by his gurus, who popularized pottery instruments across the world, Karthik tried to explore his creativity by creating compositions that combined different styles. “Thus Heartbeat was born, a harmonious blend of various rhythmic and melodic instruments.” The name ‘Heartbeat’ and Karthik’s first composition ‘Pulse’ were dedicated to his father. The composer shares, “Heartbeat was created two years after his demise, while ‘Pulse’ was based on the raga Ratipati Priya and featured melodic and rhythmic exchanges inspired by my father’s favorite work – ‘Jagat Janani’. “

Karthik credits his close friends and co-stars Venika Kannan Balakrishnan and Mandolin UP Raju for their support in helping him realize his dream. When I shared the idea behind ‘Pulse’, Kannan immediately offered to perform it in his concert. When other musicians and rasikas also appreciated it, it boosted my confidence,” he recalls.

With the idea of ​​mixing traditional and contemporary sounds, Ghatam Karthik included mandolin and tabla artists in his group, which also included violin, morsing, mridangam and kanjira vidwans. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Inspired by the feedback on incorporating vocals into Heartbeat, Karthik began writing lyrics in Sanskrit and Tamil and composed varnams, swarakshara kritis, ragamalikas, instrumental recitals and devotional, romantic and folk songs – a blend of tradition and contemporary sounds.

“When I look at the group’s 25-year journey, I realize it was not easy. At times, it was difficult to coordinate with senior artistes and ensure their availability. Sometimes, I had to rework my creations with collaborators. But the overwhelming response from fans has made this endeavor truly rewarding,” says Karthik.

Talking about his family’s role in his creative pursuits, Karthik says his son Sarvesh, a multi-percussionist, is working to develop Heartbeat’s portal and manages his studio, Swaraksham. “I am grateful to my wife Anjana for her tireless support.”

One of the first concerts by The Heartbeat Ensemble at the Celeland Tyagaraja festival. , Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Heartbeat Ensemble has released six albums and performed around the world. “Audiences abroad enjoy rhythmic orchestration. They also show keen interest in learning it. This led to the launch of HARP: Heartbeat Academy of Rhythm and Percussion in 2020 – many international students learn Konakol and Ghatam there,” said Karthik. The collaboration of young and talented artists has given a new touch to the group’s productions. “His reformulation of Carnatic music using western instruments like handsonix, keyboard and mandolin is remarkable. His knowledge of technology is impressive. I feel refreshed working with him.”

On the 25th anniversary of Heartbeat, Karthik has founded the Heartbeat Cultural Foundation, which aims to connect traditional arts with modern education and pass on cultural heritage to future generations. He says, “This initiative will include thematic concerts, workshops, fine arts research assistance and music courses for institutions promoting innovative musical expression.”

an evening of rhythm

The silver jubilee celebration of Heartbeat Ensemble will be held on 14th November (6 pm) at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mylapore. The program will be presided over by Ghatam player Vikku Vinayakaram, singer P. Unnikrishnan and art lover Nalli Kuppuswami Chetty. The evening will also include an audio-visual presentation ‘Silver Hearts’ featuring Karthik and international musicians and students, and a concert showcasing young talents from the Samagana School of Carnatic Music.