A Life in Rhythm: K.V. Balakrishnan on the Spirit of Deep India 2

Splice: Tell us about yourself — what led to you creating samples as an instrumentalist?

K.V. Balakrishnan: I’m K.V. Balakrishnan, an Indian Live Multi-Percussionist and Music Composer based in South India. Playing percussion has always been my passion, and over the years, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to more than 500 Indian films, performing across a wide spectrum of styles—from classical to cinematic and everything in between. As a performer, I’ve always loved the live energy that percussion brings. That’s what drew me to sharing my sounds with the global music community. I’ve created numerous Indian percussion loops and vocal mantra packs, especially for Black Octopus Sound, and it's become something very close to my heart. I also do keyboard programming for my own compositions. I’ve composed over 50 devotional music albums and continue to do so whenever time allows. That spiritual and creative side of music is something I deeply connect with, and I’m always exploring ways to express that through sound. I’m also open to composing for feature films, ad films, and TV series.

One of my dreams is to create Divine Mantra packs, combining the sacred sounds of India with modern production. As a freelance musician, I’m constantly learning, evolving and seeking out opportunities to share my culture and creativity with the world. Sample creation is just one of the many ways I do that.

Splice: Tell us about your work with Indian percussion. Are there particular musical gestures (ex. specific scales, rhythms, etc.) that it lends itself to?

K.V.B.: Absolutely. In Deep India 2, I had the incredible opportunity to bring together over 10 Indian percussion instruments—each with its own distinct sounds and musical heritage. I regularly play more than 25 Indian percussion instruments, along with performing vocal percussion. So when Splice approached me for this interview, it was an invitation to really dig deep into the nuanced vocabulary of Indian rhythm.

One of the fascinating things about Indian percussion is that most of our instruments are tuned. That is to say, they aren't just rhythm makers—they're melodic in their own right. Instruments like the Tabla, Dholak, Mridangam, and Ghatam, for example, can be tuned to specific pitches, which makes them incredibly expressive and versatile.

That opens up a whole world of possibility when combining rhythm and harmony. Each instrument has its own tradition—not just in terms of sound, but in terms of rhythmic structure (taala), playing technique (naadam), and even the scales or tonal centers they favor. For instance, the Tabla lends itself beautifully to intricate finger articulations and lends itself well to both classical and cinematic grooves. Mridangam, rooted in Carnatic music, brings deep, resonant bass tones and intricate rhythmic patterns called korvais. Instruments like the Kanjira and Dholak, on the other hand, often bring a folk or devotional flavor, with their own characteristic swings and pulse. But I play Mridangam in a cinematic style.

In terms of gestures, Indian rhythm is deeply rooted in language—solkattu in the South, and bols in the North. So even when I’m not physically playing an instrument, I’m often vocalizing patterns, which becomes a core part of composition and performance. Vocal percussion allows you to sketch, improvise, and even teach rhythm in a way that’s intuitive and embodied.

Splice: What inspired the sound of your pack Deep India 2?

K.V.B.: This pack, like all my work, is made with love and dedication to rhythm. My goal is to give artists around the world the tools to tap into the timeless energy of Indian percussion. This sample pack is inspired by the rich, diverse traditions of Indian rhythm. It features a wide range of instruments including Tabla, Dholak, and several other iconic Indian percussion tones and grooves.

Splice: What are some of your favorite pieces of recording equipment? (Microphones, preamps, etc).

K.V.B.: When it comes to capturing the true essence of Indian percussion, mic placement and tone clarity are everything. My go-to microphones are the AKG C414 and RØDE mics, especially when recording instruments like Tabla, Dholak, Ghatam, and other intricate hand percussion. The AKG C414 is one of my favorites because it delivers the exact tonal quality of the instrument—rich, detailed, and balanced. It captures both the sharp attack and the subtle resonances beautifully, which is crucial for instruments like Tabla.

Splice: Are there any other insights you'd like readers to understand about this style of music?

K.V.B.: One thing I always tell producers and fellow musicians—there’s no substitute for live playing. When you blend live Indian percussion with programmed drum machines or electronic grooves, something magical happens. The human feel, the micro-expressions, the tonal variations—you just can’t replicate that through samples alone.

The music breathes. It comes alive. Every tap, stroke, and nuance carries intention. That’s why I always prefer playing live percussion—whether it’s for studio recordings or on stage. It adds soul, energy, and a sense of unpredictability.

Indian music, at its core, is divine. It’s deeply rooted in tradition but remains open to fusion and exploration. Each instrument has its own story and timbre, and when played live, it speaks in a way that connects directly with the listener. Whether it's the rhythmic complexity of a Mridangam or the earthy pulse of a Dholak, the live experience always elevates the music.

Splice: You have been a prolific musician for many decades. How did you balance your personal life with your art or how do these relate to each other?

K.V.B.: There was a time in my life when balancing my professional commitments with family responsibilities was truly challenging. I had to juggle studio sessions, performances, and deadlines—while also being fully present at home to support my daughter’s education and well-being. It wasn’t easy. There were moments of real struggle—emotionally, physically, and financially. But despite the pressure, there was also a kind of thrill in it—a deep sense of purpose. Knowing that my work was contributing directly to her future gave me the strength to keep going, no matter how hectic things got. At the end of the day, family is everything. All the hard work, sleepless nights, and tight schedules felt worth it when I saw her growing, learning, finding her own path, and becoming independent. That journey has made me stronger—not just as a musician, but as a person.

As someone who has lived and breathed rhythm for decades, I’ve come to understand that music isn’t just a profession—it’s a way of life. Every performance, every recording, every loop I create is a reflection of years of learning, struggle, joy, and devotion. To all the aspiring musicians and producers reading this: trust your path, keep learning, and never stop playing from the heart.