Meet NEXA Music Top 24 Artist: Rohit Vasudevan

Mumbai-based pop musician Rohit Vasudevan’s relationship with music started very early on in his life. “I started learning tabla at the age of eight and really got fascinated with rhythm and melody,” said the singer-songwriter. “I realized that I had a gift of music and I wanted to pursue it and get better at it. My parents and sister were great support too.”

Vasudevan went on to form the rock band Rohit Vasudevan Diaries, playing the circuit around India and building a small but steady fan base. The vocalist gained acclaim for his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics, and even with a changing lineup, the band would go on to win Best Rock Artist (Popular Choice) at the 2014 Radio City Freedom Awards and compete on various platforms for indie artists in India. However, Vasudevan felt there wasn’t anything that specifically focused on finding the right audience for an artist that performs in English.

“When it comes to indie music, we are still way behind in terms of promoting and getting the music to the right kind of audience,” Vasudevan says about his decision to take part in NEXA Music, a nationwide hunt for English-language artists led by celebrated music director A.R. Rahman and producer Clinton Cerejo. “A platform like NEXA Music is definitely helping upcoming artists to do that and hopefully this is going to change a lot for indie musicians in the country.”

For his audition, Vasudevan submitted an upbeat reggae-pop track called “For Love” that looks at love as a ray of hope in the journey of life. The song cinched him a spot in NEXA Music’s Top 24 as well as a spot on Rolling Stone India’s December 2019 cover with the rest of the artists and Rahman himself. “I have always admired both their works and been a fan,” Vasudevan says about working with Rahman and Cerejo. “It was a learning experience.”

Vasudevan reveals that 2020 is a pretty big year for him, sharing,”  mainly includes finishing an eight-track album he’s currently working on and embarking on a tour. “I am working on an eight song album which will come out in few months. Really looking forward to getting the music out and perform it live for my wonderful audience.”