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Teenager who plays 107 instruments, eager to learn more
The Indian American multi-instrumentalist speaks to New India Abroad about his upcoming album, musical influences, and his early days when he was still learning to master the first musical instrument.
Neil Nayyar / Image-Supplied
Neil Nayyar, a 17-year-old Indian-American musician, who holds a world record for knowing how to play 107 instruments from various parts of the globe, is carving his way in the music industry. His upcoming album called “Breaking Barriers” which includes a 10-minute song that has all 107 instruments recorded acoustically, has three different genres, and took about three months to record.
Speaking about his early days, when he was still trying to master the drums the first instrument he received as a gift from parents at the age of 2, Nayyar told New India Abroad that he was not interested in music immediately. However, just after one class, his parents discovered his natural talent of easily picking up instruments and encouraged him to learn more.
“My parents and I noticed that I could easily pick up on new instruments and begin to look at more lessons for me,” Nayyar said adding that by age 12 he had already learnt 44 instruments. “I can now play over 107 instruments and practice for 6-8 hours daily. I am happiest when I’m playing music, and it is what helps me connect with people. My favorite part of learning new instruments is understanding the culture that comes with them.”
However, even as someone with a knack for getting accustomed to instruments quickly, Nayyar says he found the Indian Sitar and the Russian Theremin, two instruments which demand patience and hours of dedicated practice, challenging to master.
The teenage artist has performed at a number of high-profile, widely-watched events, such as NBA games. “The only thing I do before going on stage is taking 3 deep breaths which helps me to connect with myself, then I am ready to go and perform and do my best,” Nayyar shared when asked about a pre-show ritual.
Talking about which musicians influenced his creations, Nayyar named, Imagine Dragons, Coldplay, Bruno Mars, Hans Zimmer, Lorne Balfe, Zakir Hussain, A.R. Rahman, Teresa Teng, Sona Jobarteh, Fairouz, and Ivan Dorn. Having met a couple of big names in the industry, the young musician said meeting with Jennifer Hudson when he was invited to perform on her eponymous show was the most memorable.
“Being in her presence was inspiring, and I left the encounter with a profound appreciation for her talent and the impact she has made in the entertainment industry,” he said, calling the meeting an “unforgettable experience.”
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