A.R. Rahman Toasts The Unsung' in New Song with Firdaus Orchestra
RollingStone India|April 2024
The master composer discusses the growth and importance of the all-female ensemble created in Dubai and how the "only way survive is to do new things"
PEONY HIRWANI
A.R. Rahman Toasts The Unsung' in New Song with Firdaus Orchestra

IN AN EXCLUSIVE interview with Rolling Stone India, the legendary A.R. Rahman opens up about the release of "The Unsung," the first of 16 tracks in collaboration with the all-female ensemble Firdaus Orchestra, an initiative of Expo City Dubai. Known for his innovative approach to music, Rahman discusses the inspiration and creative journey behind their latest series, a blend of traditional and contemporary sounds that traverse the themes of humanity, space, and love. Rahman takes us behind the scenes, sharing insights into the process, challenges, and the profound messages woven into each piece.

Rolling Stone India: What sparked the creation of your series with the Firdaus Orchestra, and why did you choose them for this venture?

A.R. Rahman: I've been given the privilege to compose for the fabulous Firdaus Orchestra, with its 56 members from 28 nationalities. These musicians have really evolved since we founded them three years back. Throughout the series, each piece is actually trying to bring the artistry of solo musicians and the orchestra.

So the challenge was to see how you can integrate a very orchestral, western kind of a music and also have a hybrid possibility of blending both Arabic, Indian, and western classical. The first piece we're releasing is called "The Unsung."

"Unsung" is actually a tribute to all the people who are behind the scenes doing great things like your parents, your teachers, people who help each other without needing to put a post or Instagram post about it.

It's about celebrating not just our friends but also doctors, nurses, and others we seldom celebrate. That's why they are called unsung and this piece actually kind of celebrates their integrity, the purity and love.

How did the idea for this project begin, and what was the journey like from concept to completion?

This story is from the April 2024 edition of RollingStone India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 2024 edition of RollingStone India.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM ROLLINGSTONE INDIAView All
yashraj
RollingStone India

yashraj

With chart-topping collaborations with seasoned veterans, this rapper has consistently been in the conversations of industry observers

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
taba chake
RollingStone India

taba chake

The Arunachal Pradesh-based singer-song-writer discusses how his latest song \"Kahani\" reflects the power of love songs.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2024
ranj x clifr
RollingStone India

ranj x clifr

The Bengaluru singer-composer and producer duo may not be done with hip-hop, but they are venturing into pop, R&B and Tamil songs next

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2024
Evnne On 'Un: Seen,' Their 'Seen,' And 'Unseen' Sides
RollingStone India

Evnne On 'Un: Seen,' Their 'Seen,' And 'Unseen' Sides

The Band Discusses How A Setback Early In Their Career Spurred Them On And How They Fused Those Experiences With Their Sound In Their Second Mini Album, ‘Un: Seen

time-read
10+ mins  |
April 2024
kayan
RollingStone India

kayan

Between fandoms and aesthetic-setting live shows, artist Ambika Nayak talks about wanting to put out an album

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
mohini dey
RollingStone India

mohini dey

The bass maverick and composer on the common ground between fashion and music, plus the move to Nashville

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024
hanumenkind
RollingStone India

hanumenkind

The Bengaluru-based rapper talks about the work he's putting into his upcoming debut album and how corporatization in music can be a worry

time-read
7 mins  |
April 2024
they don't call him king for no reason
RollingStone India

they don't call him king for no reason

Veracity, talent, strategic moves and everything in between

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2024
VISHAL MISHRA ON 'PEHLE BHI MAIN', NEW MUSIC AND WORKING WITH ATIF ASLAM
RollingStone India

VISHAL MISHRA ON 'PEHLE BHI MAIN', NEW MUSIC AND WORKING WITH ATIF ASLAM

ONE OF THE COUNTRY'S LEADING HITMAKERS RIGHT NOW, MISHRA SAYS HE'D SIMPLY LIKE TO BE KNOWN AS A MUSICIAN INSTEAD OF SINGER, COMPOSER OR ANY SPECIFIC COMBINATION

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024
THE ESSENCE OF CIX
RollingStone India

THE ESSENCE OF CIX

CIX WON’T EVER BACK DOWN FROM BEING COMMITTED TO USING MUSIC THAT WILL STIR FEELINGS OF INTIMACY WITH THE LISTENER, RATHER THAN MIMICKING PATTERNS OR ADHERING TO A CERTAIN PREDEFINED CONCEPT

time-read
6 mins  |
April 2024