How did your journey as a pianist begin?
My journey as a pianist began with Indian classical music, where I first developed an understanding of melody, rhythm, discipline, and emotional expression in music. Learning Indian classical music gave me a strong musical foundation and helped me appreciate the depth and complexity of musical performance. As my interest in music grew, I started exploring Western classical piano, which introduced me to new techniques, musical structures, harmony, and composition styles. Studying Western classical music helped me improve my technical skills, coordination, and overall understanding of the piano as an instrument.
Over time, I became deeply interested in rock and metal music. The intensity, energy, emotion, and creativity of these genres inspired me to experiment with blending classical piano techniques with the power and atmosphere of rock music. I started exploring rock and metal-inspired arrangements, improvisation, and dynamic performance styles, which gradually shaped my identity as a pianist. This combination of Indian classical roots, Western classical training, and modern rock influences has allowed me to develop a unique musical style that focuses on emotion, technical expression, and high-energy performance.
When was the first time you felt deeply connected to rock and metal music?
The first time I felt deeply connected to rock and metal music was when I started listening to bands that combined strong emotion, powerful instrumentals, and dramatic musical arrangements. Coming from a background in Indian classical and Western classical music, I was already familiar with technical complexity and emotional storytelling, but rock and metal introduced me to a completely different level of energy and intensity. The aggressive guitar riffs, powerful rhythms, emotional solos, and cinematic atmosphere immediately caught my attention and made a lasting impact on me. One of the biggest influences in this journey was Jordan Rudess, whose incredible technique, creativity, and ability to blend classical music with progressive metal inspired me deeply. Watching his performances changed the way I viewed the piano and motivated me to explore rock and metal-inspired playing more seriously. As I continued exploring the genre, I started blending my classical background with the energy and emotion of rock and metal, which eventually became a major part of my musical identity as a pianist.
How has your playing style evolved over the years?
My playing style has evolved significantly over the years through the influence of different musical traditions and personal exploration. I began with Indian classical music, which helped me develop a strong sense of rhythm, melody, discipline, and emotional expression. Later, studying Western classical piano improved my technical skills, coordination, dynamics, and understanding of harmony and musical structure. These foundations gave me both technical control and musical depth.
As I discovered rock and metal music, my approach to piano changed completely. Inspired by artists like Jordan Rudess, I started experimenting with faster passages, heavier rhythms, dramatic dynamics, and more energetic performance styles. Over time, I learned how to combine the precision of classical music with the intensity and emotion of progressive rock and metal. My playing gradually became more expressive, powerful, and improvisational while still maintaining technical discipline. Today, my style is a fusion of Indian classical roots, Western classical training, and modern rock and metal influences, allowing me to create performances that are both technically detailed and emotionally powerful.
What drives you to blend classical piano with rock and metal?
What motivates me to blend classical piano with rock and metal is the contrast and balance between technical precision and raw emotional energy. My background in Indian classical and Western classical music gave me a deep appreciation for melody, structure, discipline, and expression, while rock and metal introduced me to intensity, power, freedom, and individuality. Combining these styles allows me to bring together the emotional depth of classical music with the energy and atmosphere of rock and metal in a unique way.
Artists like Jordan Rudess inspired me to see the piano as more than just a traditional classical instrument. I realized it could also be powerful, aggressive, cinematic, and energetic while still being expressive and technically complex. Blending these genres motivates me creatively because it lets me experiment with different sounds, emotions, and performance styles while developing my own musical identity. It also gives me the freedom to create performances that feel both emotionally meaningful and exciting for listeners.
Walk us through one of your most powerful performances—what made it unforgettable?
This performance was a high-energy live rendition of "Highway Star" that captured the excitement and intensity of classic rock on stage. As the pianist and keyboardist, I focused on delivering fast, dynamic playing while matching the powerful energy of the band. The performance combined strong stage presence, coordination with the musicians, and expressive keyboard work to recreate the atmosphere and excitement of the original song while adding my own style and energy to the performance.
Tell us about your piano setup—what makes it special to you?
What makes my setup special is the blend of precision and raw energy that defines my music. My background in Indian classical and Western classical music gave me a deep appreciation for melody, structure, discipline, and expression, while rock and metal introduced me to intensity, power, freedom, and individuality. Combining these styles allows me to bring together the emotional depth of classical music with the energy and atmosphere of rock and metal in a unique way. Inspired by artists like Jordan Rudess, I see the piano as more than just a traditional classical instrument—it can also be powerful, aggressive, cinematic, and energetic while still being expressive and technically complex. This blend motivates me creatively, letting me experiment with different sounds, emotions, and performance styles while developing my own musical identity. It also gives me the freedom to create performances that feel both emotionally meaningful and exciting for listeners.
What's the story behind this image that represents your musical inspiration?
This image is deeply meaningful to me because it represents my journey as a musician and the passion I have for performing live music. Standing on stage with a band, surrounded by lights, energy, and an audience, reflects the hard work, practice, and dedication that shaped me as a pianist. It captures a moment where my musical influences, creativity, and performance style come together in a real and powerful way. Coming from Indian classical and Western classical backgrounds and later exploring rock music, performing on stage like this feels like the perfect expression of my musical identity. The image represents growth, confidence, teamwork, and the excitement of sharing music with people. More than just a performance, it is a memory that reminds me why I love music and why I continue to pursue it with passion and dedication.
Contact and Follow
Email: soodv12345@gmail.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piano_man09
