Ricky Kej, the three-time Grammy Award-winning composer, is elated to have won another Grammy nomination for his new album, Break of Dawn, in the category of Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album. Speaking to ANI, he said, “I have already won three Grammys in the past, and this is my fourth nomination, which I hope will lead me to my fourth win.”.
An ardent environmentalist, Kej has often emphasized the connection between environmental purity and mental well-being, a philosophy deeply rooted in ancient Indian culture. “Our ancient Indian culture teaches us that the impurities of the environment are in direct relation to the impurities of the mind,” he explained, highlighting how *Break of Dawn* reflects this belief. “It’s crafted to foster a kinder, more compassionate, and environmentally conscious society,” he added. The nine songs of the album are based on ancient Indian ragas and have been composed thoughtfully to propel goodness in creating and listening to mental wellness-promoting music with an Indian touch.
Who is Ricky Kej?
Born in North Carolina in 1981, Ricky Kej has Punjabi and Marwari roots and shifted to Bengaluru at age eight. He studied from Bishop Cotton School and received a dental degree from Oxford Dental College. Kej is the youngest Indian Grammy winner and only the fourth Indian to ever take home the award. In 2015, he won his very first Grammy for Winds of Samsara, being awarded Best New Age album. He has a prolific output, having worked on 16 international albums, more than 3,500 commercials, and projects like Wild Karnataka, which he narrated along with Sir David Attenborough.