Music has the power to influence and inspire, as we all know it. And some artists are using it as a tool to spark worldwide change. Globally acclaimed Indian-origin composer and environmentalist Ricky Kej beautifully intertwines the harmony of music with a mission to protect the planet.

Finding His True Calling 

Kej’s passion for music and nature began in childhood, often preferring the company of animals and insects over people. Despite earning a degree in dental surgery to fulfil family expectations, his true calling led him to a career in music, starting with creating jingles for television and radio commercials and producing over 3,500 ads in 13 years for numerous global brands. This experience taught him the power of music in communication—how brands use music to deliver and embed messages in their audience’s consciousness. “I realised I could harness this power for causes I care deeply about, like environmental conservation, social impact, and mental health,” he shares.

This realisation sparked his transformation into a musician dedicated to creating music that inspires change and raises awareness, making him a trailblazer in both the artistic and environmental spheres. His breakthrough came in 2015 when he became the youngest Indian-origin artist to win his first Grammy Award for Winds of Samsara, recognised as the year’s finest New Age recording. This milestone marked the start of a remarkable career, with Kej earning two more Grammy Awards in 2022 and 2023. And now, Kej is once again nominated for his fourth Grammy award for the album Break of Dawn. Ahead of his latest achievement, we had the opportunity to sit down with the visionary artist to discuss his album, major highlights in his musical journey and how music has the power to create an impact.

ELLE: Congratulations on another Grammy nomination! How does it feel?

Ricky Kej (RK): It feels amazing and surreal to be nominated for a Grammy Award for the fourth time, especially since it is for my latest album, Break of Dawn, which I consider my most important and impactful work. This album represents a culmination of all my musical knowledge, life experiences, and everything I have learned about social impact and mental health over the past two decades. It is incredibly close to my heart, and to have it validated with a Grammy nomination feels truly special.

ELLE: Tell us more about your Grammy-nominated album Break of Dawn. What was the inspiration behind it?

RK: Around 2015, I came across a phrase that resonated deeply with me: all the impurities and imbalances of ecosystems and the environment directly reflect the impurities and imbalances within the human mind. To purify the environment, we first need to purify our minds. This idea struck me profoundly, as it aligns with ancient Indian, Hindu, and Buddhist philosophy. I realised this truth is self-evident: many social and environmental problems we face are only addressed superficially. To create lasting solutions, we need to focus on the root causes—creating a more compassionate society by fostering mental well-being. This realisation began my journey to create music centred on mental wellness.

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After extensive research, consultations with scientists and medical professionals, and in-depth exploration of studies on music and mental health, I concluded that the best approach was to craft India-rooted wellness music based on Indian ragas. I selected nine ragas known for their ability to de-stress and unclutter the mind, creating nine pieces of music that formed the essence of Break of Dawn. During this process, I connected with Universal Music, which was launching Vedam Records—a label dedicated to mental wellness through music. This perfectly aligned with my vision. 

ELLE: Can you walk us through your creative process when composing a piece with a strong environmental message?

RK: My process often begins with inspiration from real-world experiences, like learning about human-elephant conflict in a forest or the effects of land desertification. When I feel strongly about an issue, I aim to translate those emotions into music. Initially, I created a mock-up using software and programming various instruments to build the foundation. Once satisfied, I invite skilled musicians to record their parts, which elevates the piece to a whole new level. Collaborating with talented artists brings dimensions to my music that I could never achieve alone. While many ask why I do not include recorded sounds of nature, I believe music should evoke the essence of nature without directly sampling it. For instance, I often immerse myself in natural surroundings—walking through forests under the moonlight—letting the experience shape the emotional tone of my composition, while not necessarily recording it. This approach ensures the music resonates deeply with listeners, connecting them emotionally to the environmental message I aim to convey.

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ELLE: How has your music played a role in raising awareness about environmental issues?

RK: One prominent example is my 2015 song, Song for Kiribati. Kiribati, an island nation in the South Pacific, is predicted to be the first country to go completely underwater due to climate change. I was inspired to create the song after hearing the powerful speech of Kiribati's President Anote Tong at the COP21 climate change conference in Paris, where he urged global leaders to help his people stay above water. I visited Kiribati to witness their reality firsthand. Despite being an environmentally conscious society with negligible carbon emissions, they are the worst affected by climate change due to no fault of their own.

I have performed Song for Kiribati worldwide, including at the United Nations General Assembly Hall in New York and the UN headquarters in Geneva. The song has raised awareness among world leaders and the public, demonstrating that climate change is not a distant phenomenon but a current crisis affecting vulnerable communities.

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Additionally, I developed an educational program for children called My Earth Songs, comprising thirty environmentally focused songs embedded in textbooks across India and beyond. These songs, accompanied by QR codes for easy access, have inspired children to adopt sustainable practices, such as reducing single-use plastic and advocating for green spaces in schools. Feedback from students, parents, and educators has been overwhelmingly positive, showing the transformative power of music in shaping young minds. Another project, Love Divine, addresses human-elephant conflict, raising awareness in forest fringe areas about coexistence with wildlife. 

ELLE: What has been the most rewarding feedback you have received about your music inspiring change or action?

RK: One of the most rewarding aspects of my work is hearing personal stories of change. People often approach me after concerts or in public places, sharing how my music inspired them to adopt more sustainable and compassionate lifestyles. Examples include individuals who stopped using single-use plastics, began using public transportation or embraced slow fashion by re-wearing clothes and reducing their consumption of fast fashion. Others have reduced their meat consumption after attending my concerts. These small, incremental changes have a ripple effect, contributing to a more responsible and compassionate society. I emphasise to my audience that meaningful change begins with individual actions—no matter how small. It is not about perfection but about finding manageable ways to make a difference. These stories of transformation reaffirm the power of music to inspire positive behaviour and drive tangible action.

ELLE: What is the most memorable performance and collaboration in your career so far?

RK: My most memorable performance was in Leh Ladakh, celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Kargil Divas. I performed at the Sonam Wangchuk Stadium for 12,000 army soldiers, all dressed in uniform. Imagine the scenario—performing in front of such a disciplined audience, surrounded by mountains on all sides, with the Shanti Stupa as my backdrop. It was breathtaking, both literally and figuratively, as we were at an altitude of over 12,000 feet, where oxygen is very thin. We arrived three to four days in advance to acclimatise ourselves before the concert. I believe I can speak for the other musicians present when I say it was one of the greatest experiences of our lives. Another extraordinary experience was performing at the United Nations General Assembly for the first time in 2016. 

As for collaborations, the greatest one in my life has been with the legendary Stewart Copeland—the drummer and founder of The Police, a seven-time Grammy Award winner, and often regarded as the greatest drummer in music history. Collaborating with him on the albums Divine Tides and Police Beyond Borders was surreal, and we have recently completed a third album together, set to release soon. Growing up, I was a huge fan of his, with posters of him on my wall. Winning two Grammy Awards alongside him was an absolute dream come true.

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ELLE: What is your advice to budding artists?

RK: My advice is simple: if you aim for global recognition, it should not be by mimicking Western music or genres that do not resonate with you. Avoid creating music solely in English or about topics disconnected from Indian culture. Instead, dig deep into your roots and figure out what makes you uniquely Indian. Create music that is honest and true to your heart. Historically, it has been traditional Indian musicians, not pop musicians, who have achieved global recognition. So, focus on being authentic. When your music is genuine and reflects your identity, it will resonate with audiences worldwide.

ELLE: What are you working on next?

RK: Right now, I am focusing solely on Break of Dawn. I believe starting a new project while promoting the current one dilutes its impact. As artists, we are always tempted to jump into new ideas, but I consciously avoid that. The album carries a vital message about mental wellness, and I want it to have the desired impact. I wear two hats—one as a creator and another as a promoter. The creation phase is complete, and now I have transitioned into promoting the music with all my energy and focus.