“Maybe should look out for the “Rights” instead of the “Wrongs” and trust me, you will feel better.”

-Pravin Saivi, Being Me.

Nothing connects people of diverse origins like music. As the old adage goes, music is universal. Not only does music soothe our souls, it also helps many of us, relate and reflect upon life. And it is no surprise that music has grown to become an important aspect of our lives. Be it rock, pop or rap, music always delivers the right mood for the occasion.

SI crew recently had an opportunity to catch up with our very own homegrown talent, Pravin Saivi. We were bowled over by his charismatic & upbeat persona. It was an absolute pleasure chatting with Pravin and his energy is highly infectious. Pravin is preparing to release his upcoming debut album; “Being Me”, with songs that he has written and composed about the different phases of life. This album was conceived and delivered together with a team of very talented individuals. ‘Being Me' has been produced by record label Black Chalk featuring some of the biggest names in Asia.

Pravin Saivi began his musical journey when he was given the opportunity to perform at the prestigious 'Victoria Concert Hall' in 1992. He was only nine years old then!

Many would know Pravin for being the son of the late Mr. L Krishnasamy; a great Indian musician who was also the leader of the SBC Indian Orchestra back in the good old days. When Pravin was 9, his father discovered that his son possessed a talent many his age did not . Pravin's gift for music was lovingly groomed by his father. Unfortunately, just four years after his son's first performance, Mr. L Krishnasamy, who was also fondly known as Saivi, passed away, leaving his legacy behind.

Pravin was nominated the best male singer in the 2004, 2005 & 2007 Predana Awards.

Today Pravin fondly revives his dad's passion in his own brand of music and continues to touch many hearts. With his melodious voice & catchy music, listening to his creations, is a pleasure. When asked whether he has taken any formal Sangeetham (classical music) lessons, he laughed and said “Just two weeks! And I stopped going after that!” Pravin truly is gifted.

SI: So Pravin, tell us. What is it like Being You?

PS: (Laughs…) Being Me? Hmm... It's not easy. But it sure has been an interesting ride. And I can say that I've been blessed with good friends to guide me along the way. I must thank my band Tribal Tide , led by Mohd Noor (one of the top 10 drummers in the world) as I've learned quite alot from him and a few others. Music is my passion; I feel inspired by it and I want to share it.

SI: We hear that some of the album tracks in 'Being Me' are in English. Please tell us more.

PS: The album has tracks in English, Tamil & Hindi. Some tracks are in English as I truly want my music to reach out to anyone who's going through a crossroad in life. I want it to be picked up by anyone in the music stores and appreciate it on its own merits. For example, there was this French artist named Yousfour Ndour who sang the song, '7 Seconds' in French and of course international audience didn't understand the language.But that song became a No.1 hit, though only the chorus was in English. So I believe Music is universal; Music transcends language in my opinion.

SI: Coming back to your album, what inspired you and what genre of music can listeners look out for?

PS: Human Values was my inspirational drive. Living right and doing the right things alongside with the choices we make. Every song in my album is a personal experience of mine. I want to give my listeners a chance to get to know me. As for genre, I wouldn't want to label my music. But all I can say is, it is Soul.

SI: Many would know you as Pravin Krishnasamy, but now you're known as Pravin Saivi. Why?

PS: My dad, the late Mr. L Krishnasamy was fondly known as Saivi in his younger days. People remembered Saivi for his music. When I was younger, I must admit that I wasn't too inclined in music. I was coerced to join Sangeetham lessons, which I dropped out of, after 2 weeks. But my dad never gave up on me. He coached and taught me many valuable lessons in music. I learnt how to feel the music. When he passed away, I felt the need to step up. I didn't want my dads' passion for music to end with him. He was an avid musician and filling his shoe is challenging. That is one of my aspirations but I also want people to know that I'm Saivi's son. And I'm going to continue his legacy, in my own brand of music. (Smiles…)

SI: Do you do music full-time?

PS: Technically yes. Besides singing, I teach vocals and digital music production in various private schools. I'm also a brand ambassador for Maestro Guitars and work closely with HPB (Health Promotions Board) in spreading their various messages.

SI: Does that mean you don't smoke?

PS: I used too, when I was younger. But now I don't.

SI: A special message to your fans out there?

PS: I want to let everyone know that Local Indians can produce quality music too. We deserve to be recognized on the music charts. There is so much talent and promise in our society and I want to pave the way to show our dreams can materialize internationally. We have a good chance to reach there. And as the proverb goes, “If there is no you, there is no me”. Thank you for standing by me.

Do catch Pravin's album launch on 15 November, Saturday 7.30pm at Singapore Esplanade Recital studio. Enjoy a night of fusion-pop and original songs from homegrown talent Pravin Saivi, accompanied by favorite local band Tribal Tide!

“We become the choices that we make! So are you making the right one?”