Meet Steven Chelliah, a musical virtuoso whose journey began at the tender age of 6, hailing from a lineage of Indian Carnatic music composers. While Steven is a third-generation Malaysian, his roots trace back to Tanjore, India, the very birthplace of Indian Carnatic Music. However, what sets him apart is his revolutionary musical method known as the FuzAsian® Method, a unique approach that systematically blends Indian scales with chromatic and harmonic exploration in Jazz. Steven’s passion for music runs deep, and he has even authored a book on this groundbreaking technique, earning him a place among published authors at Heights Music International in NYC.
The culmination of Steven Chelliah’s artistic journey comes to fruition with the release of his latest album, fittingly titled “FuzAsian”. This album is an exploration of the Fusion-Jazz Guitarist’s evolution as both a Songwriter and Vocalist, where he seamlessly integrates his Fusion Jazz roots with his songwriting prowess, resulting in a harmonious and cohesive musical masterpiece. His musical spirituality and love for orchestration and arrangement also find their roots in the work of the iconic Quincy Jones.
The lead single from the album, “Dreams of Yesterday” narrates the tale of dreams that set Steven on his path to achieve the Californian dream as a musician. However, in a delightful twist, the song’s verses depict a character stranded in New York, feeling frustrated and claustrophobic. “I wrote the song during winter in New York City while dreaming of moving to LA,” explains Steven. “The melody of the chorus just came to my head. And the rest of the song wrote itself.” This combination of personal experiences and musical ingenuity sets the tone for the entire album.
To further solidify his musical prowess, Steven Chelliah received a prestigious scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music in 2007 and successfully earned two Bachelors Degrees in Jazz Composition and Contemporary Writing & Production. His theoretical foundation stems from the works of Joseph Schillinger (author of “The Schillinger System of Musical Composition”) and George Russell (author of “The Lydian Chromatic Concept”), who profoundly influenced his musical imagination. Steven also had the privilege of learning from luminaries such as Mike Stern, Ken Pullig, Ted Pease, and Maria Schneider. His dedication and passion for music earned him the status of a voting member of the Grammy Recording Academy.
With his FuzAsian® Method and the brilliant fusion of Jazz, songwriting, and vocal music in his latest album, Steven Chelliah continues to push the boundaries of musical exploration. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring musicians and a testament to the power of creativity and dedication in the pursuit of one’s artistic vision. So, make sure to tune in to “FuzAsian” and embark on a melodic journey that transcends borders, cultures, and genres. Steven Chelliah’s musical evolution is one that the world will be talking about for years to come.
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