A musician of a different genre, Yeshwant
Amroskar has been beatboxing his way to success ever since he took to the art
of vocal percussion. Capping another successful act at the recently concluded
International Music Day at Kala Academy, Yeshwant had the audience rooting for
him.
“When you can get the audience to
participate, it is more fun,” avers Yeshwant who has been practising his art
for three years ever since he witnessed a beatboxing performance at India Fest
2011. “I was amazed and knew immediately that this is what I wanted to do,” he
avers. Picking up the skill was perhaps easier for this musician who has been
playing the piano and harmonium since the age of 13.
Continuing his studies in both instruments
at Kala Academy, Panjim, he maintains that his love for both Indian and Western
music has helped to develop his beatboxing art further. “I have the beat in me.
I just had to learn the technique,” states a confident Yeshwant who scoured
online tutorials with the help of friends to further his interest and training.
“It took me around two months to pick up
the technique and over the last three years, I have kept on improvising. As you
grow you get better and create your own sound,” reveals Yeshwant, who has been
emulating his idol and world champ (2012) ‘SkilleR’ and ‘Reeps One’. “SkilleR
is one of the best. But Reeps One’s music is different as there are so many
variations to his beat. I try to emulate them both. However, in the process, I
have also incorporated my skills and style into my b-box. Every beatboxer has
his own style,” explains this artiste who fuses Indian beats, especially old
retro Bollywood music, into his work. Taking a number from ‘Lagaan’, Yeshwant
seamlessly blended it with the western beats to come up with a singular fusion
style beatbox rhythm. “I listen to a lot of EDM music and produce some as well
with the help of SoundCloud software,” he explains.
Using the social media as the best way to
connect with like-minded people and spread awareness, Yeshwant has not only
joined the online beatbox community, but will soon be uploading his original
recordings on social media as well. “I will be uploading my original recordings
on Facebook and YouTube shortly. I already have followers on Instagram where I
have posted short demos of my work. Social media is a great way to both share
talent online and get more people interested,” avers Yeshwant who has also
showcased his talent at several college events around Goa.
Creating awareness of a genus of music that
is still nascent in Goa, Yeshwant knows his journey thus far could not have
been made without the support of his family and teachers, especially those at
Deepvihar Higher Secondary School, Mormugao. “My school always supported and
motivated me,” he acknowledges.
With his future inevitably entwined with
music and beatboxing, Yeshwant’s sights are focussed on the national and
international beatbox championships.
