A true-blue breakout star, Ambika Nayak, a.k.a. Kayan in an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, discusses embarking on a musical transformation, witnessing women defying norms, and more.
Subodhini Purohit
Ambika Nayak, popularly known as Kayan, is an Indian musician, vocalist, and DJ. Her stage name, Kayan, is a playful reversal of her surname, “Nayak”. She is also a member of the group Kimochi Youkai and the electronic duo Nothing Anonymous, alongside Nirmit Shah. Nayak’s musical roots run deep, with her family boasting a legacy of Hindustani classical vocalists and Kathak dancers, providing her with ample exposure and training.
As the saying goes, there are no shortcuts to success; Kayan’s musical journey is certainly a shred of evidence of that. She has carved her own unique path, encountering challenges along the way. She begins, “My musical journey has been an exhilarating exploration of new sounds, melodies, and emotions, fuelling my evolution as an artist and inspiring stories that deeply connect with my audience.”
Music provides peace and rhythm to everyday life, and each individual finds their own reasons to be captivated by music. “Music has been an integral part of my life from early childhood,” shares the artist as she goes on to add, “Serving as my sanctuary, it’s where I find solace, express myself authentically, and forge profound connections with others. My decision to enroll in the True School of Music approximately eight years ago was driven by this passion! Surrounded by kindred spirits who shared my aspirations to create and perform music, I embarked on a transformative musical journey that continues to shape me today.”
Undeniably, inspiration surrounds us, and Kayan draws her inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including musicians, fashion designers, artists, and the individuals in her life. “Immersing myself in music allows me to explore different sounds and discover what resonates with me, although my musical style is always evolving. Currently, some of my inspirations include Jorja Smith, Kaytranada, and Avril Lavigne.”
She believes that emerging music platforms like VH1, Spotify, Apple Music, and others have played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of independent musicians, including herself. “These platforms offer an equal opportunity for artists to present their work to a broad audience, transcending geographical limitations and facilitating direct interaction with fans across the globe. This accessibility and visibility have revolutionised the landscape for independent artists, serving as a game-changer in terms of reaching wider audiences and fostering engagement.”
She enjoys being on her own as more of a homebody or prefers to be out and about, we ask her, and she says, “I find myself embodying a blend of both worlds. Some days, I cherish tranquility and introspection, using it as a canvas for creative expression and personal development. Yet, on other days, I thrive on the vibrancy of social connections and the excitement of new experiences. It’s about striking a harmonious balance that nurtures both my artistic soul and my interactions with others.”
Music serves as a rhythmic vehicle for conveying stories and emotions in a soul-stirring manner. At times, it becomes the sole medium capable of articulating the depth of one’s feelings. She further shares, “My music is deeply rooted in my journey, stemming from my experiences, emotions, observations, and inspirations. Each song serves as a mirror to moments, relationships, and thoughts that have influenced my path, translated into melodies and lyrics that strike a chord with myself and my audience.”
In recent years, the music landscape in our country has experienced a remarkable phenomenon: a surge of immensely talented female musicians! Their emergence reflects a dynamic and vibrant scene spanning across diverse genres. She says, “The music scene in our country is witnessing a surge of talented female musicians, reflecting the vibrant and dynamic landscape across various genres. It’s truly inspiring to witness women breaking barriers, defying norms, and leaving their mark on the industry. With an abundance of creativity and passion, female artists are making significant contributions, underscoring the importance of supporting and elevating their voices to nurture a more inclusive and diverse musical community.”
Incorporating bold song titles serves as a method of expressing inner stories and sentiments, encapsulating the essence of each track with impactful clarity. She says, “For me, music is more than just a form of expression; it’s a mirror reflecting my inner fire, thoughts, and emotions. Each song I create embodies my fierceness and captures the essence of my journey. Often, the titles of my tracks emerge from moments of inspiration, where a single phrase or concept encapsulates the bold and impactful message I aim to convey.”
For many artists, fashion is not merely about clothing; it’s a dynamic form of self-expression woven deeply into their identity. Within the realm of creativity, every garment becomes a brushstroke on the canvas of their persona. Ambika, who was recently a part of a fashion show as well, shares, “Fashion serves as a canvas for my creative expression, intricately woven into the fabric of my identity as an artist. Before each performance, I meticulously curate a style board, a visual testament to my creative vision and personal flair. Embracing individuality is paramount to me, as I revel in the freedom to experiment with diverse styles. For me, fashion is more than just adornment; it’s a powerful medium through which I convey confidence and authenticity to the world.”
The year ahead holds a wealth of opportunities and endeavours for her. With music at the forefront of her priorities, she is committed to channelling her energy into the creation process and bringing forth an album for the audience to experience. On a concluding note, she says, “There’s a lot on the agenda for me this year. My primary focus is channelling my energy into music creation and releasing an album. I have upcoming songwriting sessions and collaborations in the pipeline, along with a lineup of exciting shows throughout the year.”
