Grammy winner Ricky Kej’s Rhythm of the Earth concert series is music for a sustainable future

Ricky Kej’s Rhythm of the Earth concerts with The Leela Palaces highlight nature’s beauty and advocate for environmental and social change

Close your eyes and picture this: sunlight dappling through leaves, their gentle rustle a counterpoint to the gurgling melody of a nearby stream, and in the distance, a waterfall crashes, vibrating through the ground you stand on. These are the ancient sounds of nature, a feeling words can often fail to describe. Music, much like nature, possesses this same evocative power — the ability to stir emotions and inspire action. It is this intrinsic connection that Grammy-winning musician Ricky Kej celebrates and harnesses through his Rhythm of the Earth concert series, a collaboration with The Leela Palaces Hotels and Resorts.

Set against the backdrop of The Leela’s properties, the series promises a unique blend of music, visuals, and a message of environmental responsibility. The concerts will unfold across four cities — Bengaluru, Chennai, Udaipur, and Jaipur — beginning on June 22. At the heart of this initiative is Ricky, who has been a fervent advocate for sustainability and social responsibility. His journey from a commercial composer to a globally acclaimed environmentalist and musician is as compelling as the causes he champions.

Reflecting on his early career, he recalls the pressures of creating music for commercials and television. “Creating music for commercials and television was about technical accuracy and deadlines. It was high-pressure work, but it was steady,” he says over the phone from Bengaluru. “Back then, it was all about money and meeting client expectations.” Over 14 years, he composed more than 3,500 pieces, driven by the demands of clients and the pursuit of perfection.

Today, his motivations have shifted dramatically. His music is now a medium for expressing his deep-seated beliefs and passions, particularly concerning nature and sustainability. “The music I create now is what I believe in and want to communicate to the world. I make music when I’m motivated, and when I’m not feeling it, I don’t force it,” he explains. This authentic approach has enabled him to connect with audiences more profoundly, using music as a vehicle for change.

Ricky’s schedule remains hectic, with an impressive 77 concerts in 17 countries last year alone. Yet, he is able to find his muse. “These quiet moments of inspiration happen in unexpected places. Nature walks and exploratory trips are great, but I also find peace on airplanes, especially long flights,” he shares. “Another surprising source of inspiration is post-concert nights. The adrenaline is still high on these occasions, and sleep is nearly impossible. I travel with a portable studio — a small keyboard, computer, and headphones. So, those restless nights in hotel rooms become songwriting sessions.”

This unorthodox approach to creativity perfectly aligns with the ethos of Rhythm of the Earth. The concert series, promises an immersive audio-visual experience that highlights environmental and social themes. “The Rhythm of the Earth concert series is not just about entertaining the audience. It’s about leaving them with a lasting message,” emphasises Ricky. The events feature sustainability-focused menus and décor that reflect social responsibility, embodying The Leela’s commitment to environmental causes.

The visual component of Ricky’s concerts is meticulously crafted to complement his music. “We have a dedicated team who travels the world filming incredible footage.” For instance, a song dedicated to the Ganges is accompanied by visuals depicting the river’s journey from the Gangotri glacier to the Bay of Bengal. “These evocative visuals play in the background while we perform, creating a powerful multi-sensory experience.”