It’s her knack for blending in ever so comfortably and the willingness to lend her vocal talent that makes Rachel Viccaji.....
you & me
It’s her knack for blending in ever so comfortably and the willingness to lend her vocal talent that makes Rachel Viccaji special and so familiar in the music circuit. This talent has helped her create a niche as a voice-over artist, who often sings jingles as well as dabble in long-form improvised theatre as part of an acting troupe.
As a psychology undergraduate, Viccaji grew up in a musical home, drawing her earliest influences from Christmas hymns and carols. However, she got her formal training in Eastern Classical from Ustaad Rauf. According to Viccaji, “My entry into the showbiz started with underground gigs with my band when I was 17; the next thing was ‘Chicago’ and ‘Mamma Mia’, the musicals, after which I became a part of Coke Studio.” As a backing vocalist and a featured artist on tracks such as, ‘Shamaan Pai Gaiyaan/Kee Dam Da Bharosa’ and ‘Kaatay Na Katay’, Viccaji’s association with the platform goes back a long, melodic way. In Season 11, Viccaji has brought her powerhouse vocals back on the Coke Studio floor. She is also playing a small role in Asim Raza’s upcoming movie, ‘Parey Hut Luv’, for which she is currently busy shooting. Let’s see what are the likes & dislikes of this talented artist...
How long have you been singing?
As long as I can remember. First memory is maybe from when I was 4 years old.
How would you define your genre for singing?
I wouldn’t. Genres are intended as a general guide, and I feel that I dabble in many genres. If I had to categorise, I suppose I am more jazz/blues/rock/indie in my approach to singing.
What is your most memorable concert to-date?
Ooh, that’s a tough one. Probably my first ever gigs, with my band, when I was 17.
Your claim to fame song:
‘Ki Dam Da Parosa’
Who was your favourite rock/jazz star when you were growing up?
Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, Ella Fitzgerald.
How has been your Coke Studio experience?
Amazing, educational and transformational.
What do you like best about Coke Studio?
The collaborative aspect; the process of being creative together; bringing your ideas to the table and watching them integrate into the whole. Sitting together with the team, eating meals and laughing together like a family.
Share a funny incident from your Studio experience?
There are several, but it would probably have been pretty funny watching us learn Punjabi rap parts for Abrar ul Haq’s ‘Paani da Bulbula’, 20 minutes before recording. Some of the funniest moments were also born of late night/into the morning shoots, where we would all burst out into giggling fits, born of delirium; not to mention the countless parodies of songs we would make to keep ourselves entertained.
Would you define yourself as a bright student in your childhood?
Bright, but distracted and constantly in my own world. A bit of a trouble maker too.
One thing you like best about yourself?
Being a weirdo. ‘Normal’ is no fun.
You don’t like people who are...
Fake.
You are afraid of...
My loved ones being hurt in any way.
Your most valuable possession...
My imagination.
Are you a shopaholic?
Not really.
What bores you the most?
Monotony.
You are passionate about...
Feeling life, nature, play.
What is your favourite tune nowadays?
‘Slow’ by Gentle Robot
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Anywhere GREEEEN!
Your favourite hangout?
Amongst the birds and the trees.
Songs that always get you on the dance floor...
Anything Michael Jackson, Bee Gees, Stevie Wonder, Jamiroquai... essentially any good funk music.
What’s the last thing you bought?
Sindbad Extreme card and Bond Street waffle with ice cream.
What books are on your bedside table?
A book to write in, an Archie comic, and ‘Zen and the Art Of Happiness’ by Chris Prentiss
First thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Say good morning to my doggies, and have a cup of coffee with whoever from the family is home.
When I am not working I am usually...
Chilling; watching anime; hanging out with friends; doing something artsy or creative; doing absolutely nothing.
The most important relationship lesson you have learnt so far...
Never waste time being anything other than your true self, or expecting someone to be anything other than their true self. You can cut out a lot of stress/pain/wastage of time by being entirely honest, and listening to what your heart and intuition are saying.
You get super uncomfortable when...
I have to pose for something fashion related; or when I’m in a situation where people are being fake or pretentious.
The biggest misconception about you...
Hmm... I think a lot of people mistakenly think that I did backing vocals for 7 years because I didn’t have a choice, or other ‘solo’ opportunities. I did it for 7 years, because it’s an amazing experience that I kept wanting to come back to. I really missed it this year, but I had to prioritise gigs.
If you had access to a time machine which era would you revisit?
When plastic and non-biodegradable things were created and made mainstream, and stop that from happening. (Assuming that I’d be that selfless when the opportunity presented itself, haha)
What do you think this country needs the most?
Tolerance and compassion. Live and let live.
Something very few people know about you as a person....
I find it difficult to write ‘happy’ songs/words. I’m definitely not a ‘pop’ artist.
How do you like to spend your Sundays?
With family and friends; doing something fun; going to the beach, watching the sunset from my roof, with a cup of chai/coffee being creative.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Better at life, and achieving my goals; hopefully being a better human being, and more able to transform what’s in my head and heart, into art. Also, maybe living in a place that has more nature.
