For almost ten years, Somdev Devvarman was a household name in Indian tennis, earning accolades like the Arjuna award and a Padma Shri for his contributions to the nation. Now, nearly a decade after stepping away from professional tennis, Devvarman is revealing a completely different facet of his personality. This isn’t about powerful forehands or swift footwork; it’s about raw emotion. His upcoming album, Infinite, marks the sound of a celebrated athlete embracing vulnerability and exploring his inner world through music.
“This album has been years in the making,” Devvarman shares. “My songwriting journey has always been a reflection of my life experiences. Each song emerged at various stages, some demanding countless hours of work, while others simply appeared in an instant.”
A New Chapter: The Evolution of a Musician
What many might not know is that Devvarman’s passion for the guitar rivals his love for tennis, having played it for nearly his entire life. He recounts, “I’ve been obsessed with the guitar for as long as I can remember. When I was eight, my siblings and I shared a single acoustic guitar. Then, for my eighteenth birthday, my parents surprised me with my very own beautiful instrument, which I still cherish at their home in Agartala.”
He continues, “My very first paycheck as a student, earned while teaching tennis at summer camps in America, went towards buying another guitar. Later, with my first professional earnings, I invested in a Black Takamine, which I used extensively throughout the making of this album.”
Even during his intense years on the ATP tour, music remained a constant companion. “I always took a guitar with me whenever possible,” Devvarman remembers. “After a tough five-set loss at Roland Garros, I’d find solace watching Eric Clapton perform in Paris. Another early exit at Wimbledon led me to a Dave Matthews concert. Those musical escapes defined my European summers.”
Behind the Lyrics: Stories and Inspirations
The ten tracks on Infinite offer a glimpse into Devvarman’s personal diary, each one reflecting a spectrum of emotions – from doubt and worry to hope and wonder. He explains, “’Not an Alcoholic’ came to me right after a party with friends. ‘What’ll They Say’ was born from the isolation and detachment of the pandemic, while ‘Feeling That September’ started as a persistent melody fragment that eventually evolved into a complete track for the album a year later.”
Somdev Devvarman | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
Another poignant track, ‘Bullet Through My Heart,’ draws inspiration from his dog, Bullet, who lost her eyesight a few years back. “I was practicing Joni Mitchell songs and experimenting with guitar picking patterns when the idea for that song suddenly struck me,” Devvarman shares.
Not all tracks are heavy; some are lighter and more whimsical, like ‘Monkey and the Elephant,’ a sweet tribute to his son and his beloved stuffed animal. The album’s title track, ‘Infinite,’ beautifully encapsulates the record’s essence: a profound reflection of vulnerability and a brave willingness to open his soul to listeners.
Crafting the Sound: Collaborating in the Studio
Transforming raw ideas from notebooks into a polished album could have been a challenging feat, but fate intervened. Devvarman crossed paths with Aravind Murali, a national award-winning music director, producer, and bassist, at a live performance. “I mentioned I had written some songs and asked if he’d be willing to hear them,” Devvarman recollects. “Fortunately, he agreed, and I even brought my wife, Shivali, for encouragement at our first studio session. I had no idea then that this initial meeting would lay the groundwork for ninety percent of the entire album.”
Aravind’s creative spirit led to the inclusion of unexpected and delightful textures: a whimsical whistle in ‘Easy Love,’ an evocative accordion in ‘Not an Alcoholic,’ and even a tabla, a suggestion from Shivali, gracing the track ‘Worry.’
The assembled band was truly impressive, featuring Dhina on drums, Vikram Vivekanand on guitar, Aravind on bass, and providing invaluable guidance from the background, Devvarman’s guitar teacher, Michael Dias, who served as a continuous source of feedback and support.
Together, this talented team transformed heartfelt poetry into captivating songs, weaving dreams into rich musical tapestries. The result is an album that feels incredibly intimate, akin to listening to someone share their deepest secrets, but beautifully enhanced by the warm, embracing sound of a full band.
From the Court to the Concert Hall: A Seamless Transition
For Devvarman, Infinite isn’t just a reinvention; it’s a natural evolution. The very same discipline that powered him through grueling five-set tennis matches now manifests as patience in his songwriting. The curiosity that once drove him to meticulously study opponents now propels him to explore new sounds, intricate textures, and diverse moods in his music.
While his past career demanded an unwavering fight until the final tennis point, his new path allows the music to convey what words alone cannot. He reflects, “I believe it’s all about being truthful to your emotions and then simply letting the song unfold naturally.”
Infinite is set to premiere at Aura Studio, T Nagar, on September 28 at 11 AM. For those interested in attending the event, please contact +91 9092310822 for registration details.