Rolling Stone PODIUM: From Streets of Mumbai to the Stage at Coachella — Diary of an Indie Musician

The year was 2022 when destiny orchestrated a fateful encounter with the illustrious Diljit Dosanjh. Little did I know that this meeting would mark the beginning of a remarkable chapter in my musical journey. As whispers of Diljit’s forthcoming Born to Shine world tour circulated, I auditioned for the role of playback engineer for his live concerts. After a series of rehearsals, I was bestowed with the honor of not only running playback but also gracing the stage as a keyboardist for his world tour, culminating in the awe-inspiring Coachella experience.

The moment Diljit shared the news of our impending performance at Coachella, my senses were overwhelmed by disbelief and elation. Among the countless cherished memories from that unforgettable show, one stands out with unparalleled clarity. In the midst of the pulsating energy, I saw the iconic American DJ Diplo dancing to our music. It was a surreal moment, witnessing the convergence of cultures and people from all corners of the globe, echoing the lyrics of Diljit’s anthem, “Vibe.” At Coachella, I also had the privilege of witnessing legendary acts from diverse artists who graced the Coachella stage. From Blackpink to Jackson Wang, The Kid Laroi, Tale of Us, Robert Glasper, and Boris Brejcha – each act left an indelible mark on my soul. It was a sensory feast, an immersive experience!

My journey from the streets of Bombay to the iconic stage of Coachella may appear as a fairy tale to some, but it was not without its trials and tribulations. This is my story:

In the bustling city of Mumbai, my musical journey began at the age of five when I discovered the world of piano. As the years passed, my love for music grew deeper, and my skills flourished. The church became my sanctuary, where I spent time playing music for a greater part of my life. 

As I neared the completion of my computer engineering degree, an unshakeable truth emerged – my true calling lay in music. This revelation wasn’t well received by my parents, who had always cherished my academic achievements. Their concern for my future clashed with the passion that burned within me.

To make ends meet and pursue my musical dreams, I adopted a precarious balancing act. By day, I immersed myself in the world of engineering, fulfilling my obligations and striving for excellence. By night, I embraced my true identity as a pianist.

I found solace and purpose in teaching music at the prestigious Furtado’s School of Music. Sharing my knowledge and igniting the spark of music within eager learners brought me immeasurable joy. Two years passed in a blur of sacrifices, late nights, and unyielding dedication. Through every obstacle, I clung to my unwavering belief in the power of music. 

During my college years, a friend and I embarked on a creative endeavor, sharing our renditions of beloved Hindi songs through YouTube videos. Little did I know that these humble beginnings would set the stage for a remarkable turn of events.

One fateful day, our rendition of the soulful track “Zehnaseeb” by Vishal-Shekhar caught the attention of none other than Jonita Gandhi, a talented singer then based in Toronto. Intrigued by our musicality, she reached out to me, expressing her desire to form a band in Mumbai. My heart soared with excitement as I realized the tremendous opportunity that lay before me. In 2014, I joined Jonita on a whirlwind tour, marking the beginning of my enthralling journey into the realm of Bollywood music.

Of course, this path was not without its fair share of challenges and obstacles. In 2017, my world was shaken when my beloved mother was diagnosed with cancer. Emotionally devastated, I grappled with the weight of this news. However, my mother’s unwavering spirit and resilience became my guiding light. She insisted that I remain steadfast in pursuing my dreams and not allow her illness to derail my aspirations. 

Then, as fate would have it, the year 2020 brought with it an unprecedented global pandemic. Live concerts and performances ground to a halt, leaving many musicians in a state of uncertainty. During this time of adversity, I adapted to the new circumstances by shifting my focus to online piano lessons. Through virtual platforms, I had the privilege of sharing my knowledge with students from across the globe, including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. Furthermore, leveraging my expertise in Ableton Live software, I began training aspiring artists for live shows, imparting them with the necessary skills to thrive in the industry. Witnessing their subsequent success fills my heart with immense pride.

In the midst of this tumultuous period, I sought to broaden my horizons further. Eager to expand my knowledge and skills, I pursued a diploma in finance management from NISM. This pursuit led me to obtain a mutual fund distributor license, enabling me to venture into the realm of investment advisory. Today, I proudly manage client funds, specializing in mutual funds and stock investments.

Through the twists and turns of my musical journey, and the unforeseen paths I’ve ventured into, I’ve learned the importance of perseverance, resilience, and embracing new opportunities.

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Clinton Charles is a Mumbai-based pianist, keyboardist, composer and programmer, who has previously toured as a session musician with the likes of Neha Kakkar, Shaan, Jonita Gandhi and more.