Madesh Kalaichelvan is an artist whose music really encompasses his versatility. Unlike many other artists, the range of genres he explores in his music shows how unafraid he certainly is to try something new. The lyrics in his songs are revealing, intimate. His pen showcases a level of maturity seldom seen in up and coming musicians his age. The artist’s music journals the personal journey of his emotions.
1 In Music: What is unique about you and your music?
Madesh Kalaichelvan [MK]: I feel like there are a lot of artists where i’m from who are too afraid to put their heart and soul into their music. A lot of them, especially those my age, really try to rap about a life that they don’t belong to, or try to paint an image of themselves online that simply isn’t true. I treat my music like a journal, it’s my emotional vent when I sit down and write. Whether I be producing with other artists’ vocals or my own lyrics, or none at all, my music is a painting of true emotion.
1 In Music: What or who shaped your music and who supports you?
MK: I have always struggled throughout my life. I never had anything handed to me and I always worked for what I had. I worked jobs at 13 to pay for my music lessons so I could do my dream job. That struggle is always present in my music and the lyrics I write. Of course, my good experiences help me write music too! Such as my house track “High Life”. My friends are my main inspiration. My hometown best friend Mert Pekgoz always drove me to the best form of myself.
1 In Music: When did you realise you were going to make music professionally?
MK: I realised music was what I wanted to do professionally as soon as I released my debut single Anohana. The success of that gave me a rush of emotion that I absolutely loved, and I get this feeling every time I put out more music! And of course, making music is a lot of fun.
1 In Music: What type of music do you listen to?
MK: I listen to pretty much everything, as my music might hint at. To be perfectly candid, I am quite partial to mainly the UK scene, the up and coming drill rappers are very talented, as well as the all time greats like Ed Sheeran and Adele. My favourite genre would have to be old school grime! I do indeed like to listen to Piano pieces however haha, don’t hold it against me!
1 In Music: Who, to you, is the most undervalued music artist?
MK: Coi Leray, an artist with clearly a lot of musical potential but online memes and such let her down. I feel like we need to start giving artists more chances and not look down on them for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of their music. I think the problem is that audiences just don’t like change, they like the same mainstream rappers to stay at the top and it’s hard for new talent to break through.
1 In Music: How do you prepare for your performances?
MK: Deep breaths. That’s all I can say. Deep breaths.
Then I walk out, sit at my keys and put on a show.
1 In Music: What do you do when you don’t do music (creative or otherwise) and that you are passionate about?
MK: I do graphics design as a cheeky side hustle! Absolutely love it. I’ve always been a creative person and I am always looking for more and more ways to express myself!
1 In Music: Success to you is…?
MK: Success to me would be hearing my music in the shops, on the radio,
having people argue about which album of mine is better,
having crowds cheering my name…
the stuff dreams are made of basically!
1 In Music: What do you wish you were told when you started out and that you think would help anyone who starts out?
MK: I wish I knew how important it was to stay consistent! I will most definitely not make the same mistake of taking long breaks anymore! I also wish I knew how much of a negative place the internet can be. It’s always shocking seeing some of the things people have to say.
1 In Music: Any upcoming projects?
MK: I am working on a few singles at the moment, as well as my first studio album: “wake me when i’m dead”
1 In Music: Where do we find you music / music project?
MK: You can find my music on every major social media platform! This includes but is not limited to: Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, Youtube, Tiktok and more!
Follow my instagram: @officialmadesh_ for more updates!