Job Kurian, the celebrated singer-composer, is gearing up to infuse the South Side Story 2025 with the vibrant spirit of Onam and the rich cultural tapestry of Kerala. As he prepares to take the stage in New Delhi on August 30 and 31, Kurian reflects on his musical journey and the deep connection his tracks have with his homeland.
Kurian's music is deeply rooted in Kerala's culture. He was born on July 29, 1982, in Vattiyoorkavu, Kerala. From a young age, he was exposed to the sounds and traditions of his native land, which have profoundly influenced his artistic expression. Though predominantly an alt folk singer, Job shares that he has lately been influenced by old classic culture, r 'n' b and jazz. His early influences, however, include Indian musicians such as Mohammed Rafi, KJ Yesudas, KS Chithra and Shankar Mahadevan. Even after many years in the music industry, Job continues to stick to his roots, incorporating new genres and styles into his music.
South Side Story is a two-day music and food festival hosted by Red FM that aims to connect South and North India through music, crafts, and art forms. The festival will be held at KD Jadhav Wrestling Stadium, IG Stadium. This year's lineup includes Kurian, Avial, Thaikkudam Bridge, and many more. Beyond the music, attendees can also enjoy traditional South Indian meals and shop for handicrafts and funky fashion. The festival coincides with the Onam season, adding a cultural element to the festivities.
Kurian's journey to becoming a recognized musician was marked by early influences and a deep passion for music. Kurian participated in the television reality show Super Star in 2006, becoming the runner-up. He made his debut as a playback singer in the 2007 film Goal. With the album Thaalam, he debuted as a composer. In 2015, he debuted as a film composer in Rasam. His participation in Super Star served as a "catalyst," providing him with recognition and a platform to release his tracks confidently. Kurian also started a music project in 2017 called Hope Project, which consisted of four tracks.
Kurian's performances often feature his original compositions, which are known to be biographical in nature. Some of his popular tracks include "Padayatra," "Bhaavam," "Roots," and "Kannodu". His music often explores themes of personal experiences and human relationships. "Padayatra," for instance, captures the journey one undertakes in search of peace, purpose, and meaning.
Having completed almost two decades in the music industry, Kurian reflects on his journey with gratitude and a sense of purpose. He emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and creating music that resonates with authenticity. Kurian also acknowledges the challenges faced by independent artists, including the lack of investment in music compared to other art forms like cinema. Despite these challenges, he remains committed to making original music and contributing to the independent music scene in Kerala.
As Job Kurian prepares to bring his soulful music to South Side Story 2025, he carries with him the spirit of Kerala and a deep passion for connecting with audiences through his art. His performance promises to be a celebration of South Indian culture and a testament to the power of music to transcend boundaries and touch the soul.
