Ricky Kej

Ricky Kej has earned widespread recognition for scoring films and advertisements while creating recordings that blend world fusion, global chillout, and new age styles. Tracks from his catalog have surfaced on nearly 100 compilations distributed worldwide.

Although born in North Carolina, Kej relocated to India at an early age. Music did not initially attract him; he waited until his twenties before committing to it. While completing dental studies at college he performed guitar in rock groups, yet after earning his qualification as a Dental Surgeon he left that profession behind to focus exclusively on composition.

Early commercial breakthroughs arrived through advertising. Immediately after and during his college years he crafted more than 3,000 jingles, securing campaigns for Levis, Air India, Blaupunkt, Microsoft, and numerous additional clients.

His first album, the 2003 release Communicative Art: Lounge from the Bay, gained traction once several cuts appeared on nearly two dozen international compilations.

Breakthrough status arrived with the 2008 pair of Water Music albums Kamasutra Lounge: Music for Seduction, Vol. 1 and its 2008 sequel Kamasutra Lounge, Vol. 2. These projects fused Indian folk and Bollywood elements with new age and global chill electronics, establishing Kej as a sought-after producer. That year he also delivered his first film score, for Accident. Two further scores, for Venkata in Sankata and Crazy Kutumba, followed in 2010, the same year a Nike jingle earned him a Cannes Film Festival nomination.

During 2011 he completed the score for Ondu Rupayalli Eradu Preethi and issued his Virgin India debut Fiery Drums, quickly succeeded by Mesmerizing Flute and Santoor. Club listeners and new age internet radio embraced both records, extending his reach; selections from them later appeared in European and Asian film and television productions. He also produced, arranged, and mastered Bollywood Remixed: Indian Film Dance Grooves for Water that year.

A pivotal period unfolded in 2012. Kej released the well-received Punjabi in the Club and Bollywood in the Club, received VH1’s “India Rules - Artist” designation for the video “Arabian Sea,” and composed the conservation anthem “Jaya Hain Kannada Thaye,” which became a widely embraced song throughout Kanataka.

Early in 2013 he established Raveolution Studios. The label’s inaugural project was a deluxe edition of Kamasutra Lounge, followed by the new album Shanti Orchestra whose single “Forever” captured a Hollywood Media Award in the New Age category. Fiery Drums 2 and Ballad of Maya appeared later that year.

Throughout 2014 Kej concentrated on advertising work, served as a judge and guest presenter on Indian television, and issued Winds of Samsara, recorded with South African flutist Wouter Kellerman.