After winning the second season of Vijay TV’s Super Singer, Ajesh Ashok, who went onto sing for films, just released his independent album. Titled “Rain, College, Love- The Connect”, the album features five smooth, romantic and catchy tracks, which are all composed by Ajesh himself.

TamilCulture recently caught up with Ajesh to ask him about his album and his journey thus far.

TamilCulture:  Can you tell us a little bit about your album?

Ajesh: The title of the album is “Rain, College, Love – The Connect”. The title says it all; it’s about the unique connection between the rain, college and love. The album tries to bring out the connection, musically.

TC:  What made you decide to release an album of your own?

A: I’ve always wanted to do an album, right from my school days, so that I can showcase my composing skills as well. I think the time has just arrived for my long time dream to be fulfilled.

TC:  We know that you composed the tracks for the albums. What was the experience like?

A: The experience?  It was such an amazing experience to compose songs. It all depends on your mood, because you never know how it’s going to come out. The next day you listen to it, it sounds awesome, and that’s the best feeling in the world. And more than anything, when people appreciate it, there’s nothing like it.

TC:  Are there any people, events, or experiences that have inspired and/or influenced your music on this album?

A: Of course. A R Rahman sir and Ilayaraja sir, the two pillars of Indian music have inspired and influenced me a lot.  I’ve always wanted to recreate Rahman sir’s 90s feel and Raja sir’s 80s. Big fan, I am, of those two! Who wouldn’t be? And in English, I’m a huge fan of John Mayer and Michael Jackson.

TC:  How has your life changed post- Super Singer?

A: Super Singer has been my stepping stone to what I am now. Super Singer changed my life, from a musician to a full musician. The competition, the determination, the spirit, the hard work, everything I learned from the competition. More than anything, I got some good souls who have always stood by my side, even now.

Life has changed tremendously. Yes. But it was after the competition I learned how different the actual industry is. It is definitely not what we think. It takes lots of time, a lot of hard work (still in the process) and determination. Just talent? No, it’s not going to work.

TC: What are your goals in terms of the music industry?

A: I see God in music. What I do, I love. For me, it’s not about the music industry. It’s about music. I know, at the end of the day, it’s business. As of late, I’ve started realizing that. If I had to play a safe game by singing in movies, waiting for opportunities, singing shows, to earn some money, I could have. I didn’t do that, just because I see something beyond all this. Music is my love and it always will be. I don’t do music for money. I do it for my happiness and the love I have for it.

Quick Six:

Favourite song on the album: Kaadhal Tune (especially for the arrangements)

A singer or musician you would love to work with one day: A R Rahman

Your favourite song(s) at the moment: Aaha Kaadhal, Netru Aval, Jee Le Zaraa

Favourite past times/hobbies: Movies, books

One thing on your bucket list: I want to go to at least one Russell Peters show.

Best advice you ever received: “No big thing comes to you easily. If it does, it will never stay with you.” – My mother told this to me when I lost the Best Debut Singer Award at the Vijay Music Awards, which was given away by A R Rahman sir.

You can listen to Ajesh’s full album here:

Image courtesy of Deccan Chronicle.