Sayee Rakshith

**Sayee Rakshith** is a Chennai-based violinist, multi-instrumentalist, music producer, arranger, and composer whose work moves fluidly between the Carnatic tradition and contemporary sound. Born and raised in Chennai, Sayee took up the violin at the age of six. His formal training began under T.V. Ramani, and by ten he was already performing in concerts. Alongside Carnatic violin, he completed four grades in keyboard from the Trinity School of Music, an early blend of Eastern and Western influences that shaped his wide musical palette. In 2010, he was runner-up in the Naad Bhed competition, a recognition of both his manodharmam and technical command. He went on to study under Sri K.G. Rajesh and later under the legendary Sangeetha Kalanidhi Padmashree A. Kanyakumari, whose guidance, especially through the duets he performed with her, proved pivotal in shaping his musical identity. He also trained in vocals with Sri Neyveli Ganesh, Sri A.S. Murali, and Sri Rajkumar Bharathi. Today, Sayee is a true multi-instrumentalist, performing on violin, keyboard, harmonium, and a range of percussive instruments, in addition to his vocals. Sayee has shared the stage with some of the most revered names in Carnatic music, performing for audiences across India and internationally, beginning with his first U.S. tour in 2019. Since 2018, he has been a key member of Staccato, a Chennai-based band known for pioneering Contemporary Classical music, where he is integral to composing original work that blends tradition with modernity. Since 2020, he has also expanded into music production and arrangement across genres. His collaborations are remarkably varied. He contributed to the Earth Day Network's "Dharti Ma" initiative alongside Bombay Jayashri, Shankar Mahadevan, and Kaushiki Chakraborty, and lent his violin to T.M. Krishna's Ashoka Edict project, which pairs Emperor Ashoka's ancient inscriptions with Carnatic music. With the Milaap Collective, he joined musicians from India and the UK for an immersive residency that culminated in a performance in Liverpool. He co-arranged and co-produced several songs on Bombay Jayashri's album "Moon Child" and contributed as performer and arranger to "Perumal and Providence." In film, Sayee's talents have been featured in over 50 films, working with music directors such as M.M. Keeravani, G.V. Prakash, Anirudh Ravichander, Leon James, Girishh Gopalakrishnan, and Vishal Chandrashekhar. His creativity extends to dance and theatre as well. He was performer, arranger, and composer for "NAVA - Songs of the Forest," a collaboration with dancer Christopher Guruswamy, and composed music for the Madras Players' "Chudamani," a play centered on women's empowerment. Academically, Sayee earned a Bachelor of Commerce from Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College (2016–2019) and achieved All India Affiliate Rank 2 as an ACCA Affiliate. What defines Sayee is his commitment to the authenticity and honesty of music. Whether in the Carnatic tradition or other genres, his work reflects a deep respect for the art form and a desire to connect with audiences on a profound level.