Sanjeev Thomas: The Maestro of Modern Indian Music
Chapter 1: Early Life and Musical Roots
Sanjeev Thomas, born Sanjeev Philip Thomas on September 8, 1980, in Kuwait, is a prominent figure in the contemporary Indian music scene. Growing up in Kuwait, Sanjeev completed his schooling at Carmel Convent, developing an early passion for music. This passion was nurtured by a supportive family, allowing him to begin singing and playing the guitar at the age of eight.
After completing his early education, Sanjeev moved to India, where he attended Alpha College in Chennai. He later graduated with a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Madras University in 2001. His college years were pivotal, solidifying his decision to pursue music as a career. His musical journey during this time saw him founding and performing with bands like Buddha’s Babies and Buddha Blown in Chennai, setting the stage for his future endeavors.
Chapter 2: The Birth of Rainbow Bridge
In 2004, Sanjeev T established Rainbow Bridge in Chennai, a music production studio that would become a cornerstone of his musical career. This studio was not just a workspace but a manifestation of his passion for music and his desire to contribute significantly to the Indian music scene. Rainbow Bridge quickly gained a reputation for nurturing talent and fostering musical innovation.
Chapter 3: A Decade with A.R. Rahman
Sanjeev’s career took a significant leap in 2005 when he joined the legendary A.R. Rahman as a lead guitarist. For the next decade, he toured globally with Rahman and contributed to numerous blockbuster films. His work includes iconic movies like *Rockstar*, *Delhi-6*, *Vinnaithandi Varuvaya*, *Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na*, *Blue*, and *Endhiran*. This period was marked by extensive collaborations and performances, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and talented guitarist.
Chapter 4: Independent Projects and Collaborations
While working with A.R. Rahman, Sanjeev also focused on his independent projects. He released his first two albums, *Freewill* in 2012 and *Epic Shit* in 2013. His work received critical acclaim and showcased his ability to blend various genres such as indie, rock, reggae, fusion, and jazz. Sanjeev also founded and led bands like Rainbow Bridge (2005-2015), Kashmir with Baiju Dharmajan, and The Sanjeev T Collective, which featured renowned musicians like Naresh Iyer, Grammy winner Dr. Prakash Sontakke, and Baiju Dharmajan.
Chapter 5: Springr and Beyond
Between 2012 and 2014, Sanjeev was involved with the independent music platform and record label Springr in Kochi, Kerala. His album *Epic Shit* was originally released under the Springr label, further expanding his influence in the indie music scene.
Chapter 6: The New Rainbow Bridge
In 2015, Sanjeev relocated Rainbow Bridge to Bangalore, transforming it into a music school, production studio, and jam pad. The Bangalore incarnation of Rainbow Bridge has since grown to accommodate over 150 students and a dedicated crew of 15 musicians. Through Rainbow Bridge, Sanjeev has collaborated with various indie musicians like Brodha V, Gowry Lekshmi, and Gubbi, contributing significantly to the local music scene.
Chapter 7: Recognitions and Awards
Sanjeev’s contributions to music have not gone unnoticed. In 2009, he was one of the five individuals nominated by the British Council of India for the Young Entrepreneur in Music Award for his work with Rainbow Bridge. He was also named the Most Inventive, Innovative, and Creative Indie Act in Asia at the prestigious AVIMA Awards in 2010. In 2012, his album *Freewill* won the Best Genre-bending Music category at the Indiego Awards, and *Epic Shit* won Best Guitarist and Best Vocalist at the Jack Daniel’s & Rolling Stone Music Awards in 2013. Sanjeev was one of the first artists to be featured in MTV Unplugged and MTV Coke Studio series. His EP *St.* was nominated at the 17th Independent Music Awards (IMA) in New York in 2019.
Chapter 8: Discography and Achievements
Sanjeev’s discography is a testament to his versatility and talent. As a guitarist, he has worked on numerous notable films across different languages, collaborating with top music directors like Pritam, Anu Malik, Shaan Rahman, Ghibran, and Leon James. He has also lent his voice to several hit songs and composed music for Malayalam movies like *Vilakkumaram* (2017) and *Manoharam* (2019).
His independent releases include *Freewill* (2012), *Epic Shit* (2013), and *St.* (2018), with his fourth album *Future* scheduled for release in 2021. Four singles from *Future* have already been released, showcasing his continual evolution as an artist.
Chapter 9: Collaborations with Global Artists
Sanjeev has collaborated with numerous renowned musicians both in India and globally, including John Beasley, Taku Hirano, Oscar Seaton, Sivamani, Hariharan, Leslie Lewis, Sid Sriram, and Rabbi Shergil. These collaborations have enriched his musical journey and broadened his artistic horizons.
Chapter 10: Endorsements and Influence
Sanjeev’s talent and influence have earned him endorsements from prestigious brands like Gibson Guitars (USA), Laney Amps (USA), Faith Guitars (UK), and D’Addario (US). These endorsements are a testament to his skill and standing in the global music community.
Chapter 11: Continuing Legacy
Currently based in Bangalore, Sanjeev continues to operate out of both Bangalore and Chennai, nurturing new talent and pushing the boundaries of his musical creativity. His dedication to music education through Rainbow Bridge and his ongoing projects ensure that his influence on the Indian music scene will be felt for years to come.
Conclusion: A Visionary in Indian Music
Sanjeev T’s journey from a young music enthusiast in Kuwait to a celebrated musician and producer in India is a testament to his passion, dedication, and versatility. His contributions to both mainstream and independent music, his innovative projects, and his role as a mentor make him a pivotal figure in modern Indian music. As he continues to create and inspire, Sanjeev T remains a beacon of artistic excellence and innovation.
