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Stephen Devassy
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Stephen Devassy (born 23 February 1981) is an Indian musician hailing from Palakkad, Kerala.[1] He started his career at a very early age, and has performed on stage around the world. Stephen is the founder of Musik Lounge,[2] an audio technology school and studio in Chennai. [3][4]
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Stephen did his schooling at Seventh Day Adventist school, Ottapalam. He went on to NSS College, Ottapalam for pursuing his Pre-Degree[5].And Stephen married Jesna Joy[6] on 16 November 2010.
Career
[edit]Stephen Devassy's first major break came when he was aged 18, through Johny Sagarika, for whom he did the music orchestration of six songs on the album Ishtamannu. He then went as an accompanying artist to play the keyboard for Hariharan on his European tour. He has also accompanied the violin maestro L. Subramanian at the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival.[7][8][9]
At age 19, he started a music band called Seven, with singer Franco Simon and guitarist Sangeeth Pavithran. An Indian pop band, they released an album titled YehZindagani[10]
Stephen, who started performing at a young age, has done the music arrangement for many films. Some of the films he scored were Majaa, Thambi, Nammal, Azhagiya Thamizh Magan, Hariharan's album, Waqt Par Bolna and so on.[11]
Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu (2003) was his debut music directorial venture in Malayalam. Lyrics were written by famous young lyricst Rajeev Alunkal. The film "KQ"[12] (2013) by Baiju Johnson, a story of two hard working friends also had a touch of Stephen's music. He also composed the music for Neerali,[13] the survival thriller film released in 2018 and three songs for the 2023 neo-noir action thriller Pakalum Paathiravum.[14] In 2024, he composed a song for the Malayalam legal drama Gumasthan.[15]
He is one of the regular band members in Rexband,[16] a Christian contemporary band singing gospel fusion, a musical outreach of the Jesus Youth Movement. He performed with the band before Pope John Paul II during World Youth Day performance in 2002 at Canada. At the time, it was the only catholic band invited from India. Stephen has orchestrated an instrumental version of the popular Rexband melodies called Different Vibes.[17]
In association with Kosmic Music,[18] Stephen has also set to tune to a background of Western music, Sanskrit slokas, mantras and verses from the Upanishads, called Sacred Chants of Kosmic Music, and albums of holy chants on Ganesha, Shiva and Vishnu.[19]
He has released his album Romanza, which was a mix of world music sprinkled with the flavor of piano. Indian ragas have been treated with the rich use of contemporary piano. Hariharan, Ouseppachan and a Russian vocalist appeared as guest artists on the album.[20]
Stephen's solo stage shows have propelled him to the top league of onstage performers.[21]
Stephen did the role of an ideal judge in Amrita TV show Superstar Junior (2016),[22] Top Singer (2018-2019) of Flowers channel and Star Singer on Asianet.
Achievements
[edit]Featured on 5Talents Magazine Cover Page With His Life Story – 2013[23]
The Icon of Inspiration Music – Behindwoods Gold Mic Award – 2019[24]
Discography
[edit]| Year | Title | Director | Actors | Language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu | Viswanathan Vaduthala | Mohanlal, Jyothirmayi | Malayalam |
| 2010 | KQ | Baiju Johnson | Parvathy Omanakuttan, Baiju Johnson | Malayalam |
| 2010 | College Days (Background score only) | Jiyen Krishnakumar | Indrajith, Biju Menon | Malayalam |
| 2018 | Neerali | Ajoy Varma | Mohanlal, Suraj Venjaramoodu, Nadhiya | Malayalam |
| 2023 | Pakalum Paathiravum | Ajai Vasudev | Kunchacko Boban, Rajisha Vijayan, Guru Somasundaram | Malayalam |
| 2024 | Gumasthan | Amal K Joby | Bibin George, Dileesh Pothan | Malayalam[25] |
| 2025 | Kannappa | Mukesh Kumar Singh | Vishnu Manchu, Mohan Babu, R. Sarathkumar, Madhoo, Mohanlal, Prabhas | Telugu[26] |
| Aghosham | Amal K. Joby | Narain, Vijayaraghavan,Dhyan Sreenivasan,Aju Varghese,Johny Antony, Jaise Jose ,Ranji Panicker,Rosmin,Bobby Kurien,Shaju Sreedhar,Rubin Shaji Kailas ,Nikhil Renji Panicker, and others |
Television
[edit]| Programme Name | Year | TV Channel | Language | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Star Season 1 | 2006 | Amrita T V | Malayalam | Guest/Arranger/Judge/Performer |
| Super Singer Season 1 | 2008 | STAR Vijay | Tamil | Guest |
| Top Singer | 2018–2019 | Flowers | Malayalam | Judge |
| Indian Idol Season 12 | 2020–2021 | Sony TV | Hindi | Guest |
| Star Singer | 2021–2023 | Asianet | Malayalam | Judge |
| Super Singer Season 8 | 2021 | STAR Vijay | Tamil | Guest |
| Super Singer Junior 8 | 2022 | STAR Vijay | Tamil | Guest |
References
[edit]- ^ Menon, Anasuya (18 June 2015). "Stephen Devassy: An orchestra by himself". The Hindu. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- ^ "Muzik Lounge School of Audio Technology". muzikloungeindia.com.
- ^ Music Lounge. YouTube. Retrieved 11 February 2019.
- ^ "In surround sound". The Times of India. Retrieved 10 December 2018.
- ^ "about". stephendevassy.com. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- ^ "Star Singer: Wife Jesna's special Valentine's Day surprise leaves judge Stephen Devassy overwhelmed". The Times of India. Retrieved 18 February 2022.
- ^ "Life Chennai : Village boy from Palakkad climbs the music ladder". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 12 June 2005. Archived from the original on 15 July 2006. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ "എ.ആര് റഹ്മാന്റെ ട്രൂപ്പില് നിന്ന് പിരിയാന് കാരണം; മനസ്സു തുറന്ന് സ്റ്റീഫന് ദേവസ്സി". Mathrubhumi. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- ^ "Hariharan, Stephen Devassy concert live from Kochi". Mathrubhumi. Archived from the original on 17 October 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- ^ "Yeh Zindagani". MusicIndiaOnline. Archived from the original on 20 September 2022. Retrieved 19 September 2022.
- ^ "Key notes". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 15 August 2009. Archived from the original on 25 August 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ "KQ". nowrunning.com.
- ^ "Neerali". thenewsminute.com.
- ^ "'Manamele Poovithalai' song from 'Pakalum Pathiravum' out!". The Times of India. 1 March 2023. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 16 October 2024.
- ^ https://www.mathrubhumi.com/movies-music/news/gumasthan-bibin-george-1.9896179
- ^ "Rex Band". rexband.org.
- ^ "Different Vibes". Reverbnation.
- ^ "Kosmic Music".
- ^ "The right keys to success". The Hindu. Chennai, India. 12 May 2006. Archived from the original on 28 October 2007. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ "On Loop: What is Stephen Devassy listening to right now?". International Business Times. 25 March 2016. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- ^ Rasheed, PMA (14 January 2008). "My efforts are to change the colour of music". khaleejtimes.com. Retrieved 25 August 2010.
- ^ "On Loop: Tune in to the singing stars". The Hindu. 17 March 2016. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
- ^ "5Talents Magazine Issue 10 July 2013 by 5Talents Magazine – issuu". issuu.com. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- ^ "Stephen Devassy | Behindwoods Gold Mic Music Awards – Winners who bagged laurels!". Behindwoods. 7 October 2019. Retrieved 20 November 2019.
- ^ Features, C. E. (24 September 2024). "Gumasthan trailer: Dileesh Pothan and Bibin George's film promises a gripping crime thriller". Cinema Express. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
- ^ Features, C. E. (17 March 2024). "Kannappa makers to unveil comic book based on their film". Cinema Express. Retrieved 24 September 2024.
External links
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Stephen Devassy.
- Official website
- "Stephen (Amrita TV) on Keyboard – a musical magician – YouTube". Archived from the original on 21 December 2021. Retrieved 29 January 2017 – via YouTube.
- "Team 1 Dubai : Your e-Home for TQM & Positive Thinking: Interview with Stephen Devassy – My efforts are to change the color of music". team1dubai.blogspot.com. 14 January 2008. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- "Archive News". The Hindu. 24 February 2009. Archived from the original on 27 February 2009. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- Stephen Devassy at MSI
- "StEpHeN dEvAsSy "The Muzikal Mozart"". stephendevassy.blogspot.in. Retrieved 29 January 2017.
- M, Athira (17 March 2016). "Tune in to the singing stars"". The Hindu. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
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Stephen Devassy
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Stephen Devassy (born February 23, 1981) is an Indian musician, composer, keyboardist, and pianist renowned for his innovative fusion of Western classical, Indian classical, jazz, blues, rock, and Carnatic music traditions.[1] Hailing from Palakkad, Kerala, he demonstrated prodigious talent from a young age, achieving Grade 8 certification in solo piano from Trinity College London at age 11 with a record score, after growing up in a musical family and beginning systematic training around that time.[1][2]
Devassy's career spans live performances, recordings, and film scoring, with approximately 2,000 shows across 60 countries by the age of 42, establishing him as a global ambassador for Indian music.[1] He has collaborated with legendary artists such as Ustad Zakir Hussain, Mandolin U. Srinivas, Louis Banks, and Ranjit Barot, and was a member of the band Rex Band, contributing to his reputation for versatility in genres ranging from classical rock to world music fusion.[1] As a brand ambassador for Roland and Yamaha keyboards and an endorsee for AKG audio gear, he has also been featured on the cover of Audiby magazine (November-December 2012 issue).[1]
In the film industry, Devassy made his debut as a music director with the Malayalam film Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu in 2003, followed by compositions and arrangements for notable projects including Neerali (2018), Pakalum Paathiravum (2023), Gumasthan (2024), and the multilingual epic Kannappa (2025).[3][2] He has also handled music arrangements for Tamil and Hindi films such as Majaa (2005), Thambi (2006), Nammal (2002), Azhagiya Tamil Magan (2007), and the album Waqt Par Bolna.[2] His discography includes a prominent series of devotional albums like Sacred Chants Vol. 1 through Vol. 6 and Holy Chants on Vishnu and Mahalakshmi (2008), alongside film soundtracks that blend traditional and contemporary elements.[4][5]
Devassy's contributions have earned him several accolades, including the Rotary Club of Cochin Excellence Award (2008), the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA) Award for Artiste of the Year (2009), the Swaralaya Award (2016), and the Brand Icon Award from The Times of India (2015).[1] His work continues to influence the Indian music scene, emphasizing music as a "beacon of hope" through live tours, recordings, and educational initiatives via his Chetana Music Academy.[6][7]
Early life and education
Early years
Stephen Devassy was born on 23 February 1981 in Palakkad, Kerala, India.[2] He grew up in Ottapalam, a town in the Palakkad district, as part of a Christian family; his father was P. K. Devassy, and his mother was Susy Devassy.[8] From a young age, Devassy was immersed in the rich cultural milieu of Kerala, where music played a central role in daily life. His early exposure to sounds came through church hymns, local festivals, and traditional forms like Kathakali music, all of which profoundly influenced his budding interest in music.[9] This environment in Ottapalam fostered a natural affinity for melody and rhythm, setting the stage for his lifelong passion. Devassy began exploring the piano and keyboard around the age of 10, marking the start of his hands-on engagement with instruments.[10] He received his schooling at the Seventh Day Adventist Higher Secondary School in Ottapalam, where the disciplined setting complemented his growing curiosity about music.[8] These formative years laid a strong foundation, blending informal cultural influences with initial musical experimentation.Formal training
Devassy completed his higher secondary education, known as pre-degree, at NSS College in Ottapalam, Kerala, where he was part of the 1998 batch and actively engaged in music alongside academics.[11][12] His formal musical training began in earnest at age 11 with systematic piano lessons, building on early self-taught keyboard skills developed from childhood interest in music.[1] At 16, he enrolled at Chetana Music Academy in Thrissur, Kerala, an institution affiliated with Trinity College London, where he underwent rigorous classical training under mentors including Fr. Thomas Chakkalamattath.[13] There, Devassy focused on piano proficiency, completing all eight grades of the Trinity College London examinations in just three years—a record at the time—and achieving the highest score in Asia for Grade 8 solo piano with 92.2%.[1][14] This Western classical foundation evolved to incorporate elements of Indian musical forms.[15]Personal life
Marriage and family
Stephen Devassy married Jesna Joy on November 16, 2010, at the Indian Pentecostal Church in Ottapalam, Kerala.[16] The couple welcomed their son, Shawn Stephen Devassy, in early 2015.[16] Devassy and his family reside primarily in Kochi, Kerala, as of 2025, where he has established professional ventures, allowing him to balance frequent travels for performances with family responsibilities.[17] While Devassy keeps details of his family life private, he has noted that Jesna plays a vital role in managing the household during his absences, providing essential support for his musical pursuits.[16]Philanthropic activities
Stephen Devassy co-founded Muzik Lounge School of Audio Technology (MLSAT) in Chennai with his brother Sam Devassy in 2007, establishing it as a premier institution for training aspiring sound engineers and music producers.[18][19] The school emphasizes practical, industry-oriented education in audio engineering and music production, aiming to nurture talents among youth.[18] Through this initiative and broader philanthropic efforts, Devassy has contributed significantly to music education in India, including support for underprivileged children.[20] Devassy has actively participated in charity concerts and fundraisers in Kerala and abroad, focusing on education and health causes. In 2021, he headlined the live-streamed event "Nilaamazha – A Stephen Devassy Show," organized in collaboration with Pallium India and other groups, to raise funds for purchasing COVID-19 vaccine doses and providing vocational training to families affected by chronic illnesses.[21] During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-2021, Devassy contributed to relief efforts via virtual performances, including a living room concert as part of the #playitforward campaign curated by Anil Srinivasan, which raised funds for elderly care through the NGO Bhoomika.[22] More recently, in 2024, he performed at the ABHAYAM charity event organized by the Mar Thoma Parish in Sharjah and a fundraiser for the Compassionate Hearts Network.[23][24] In 2025, he participated in the Snehardramayi program in Dallas, supporting charitable causes.[25] These initiatives underscore his ongoing commitment to community welfare through music. Devassy advocates for music therapy and youth empowerment through workshops conducted at music academies and various platforms up to 2025. He has highlighted music's therapeutic benefits, particularly for cancer patients, in public discussions, promoting its role in pain management and emotional well-being.[26] His ongoing workshops focus on skill-building for young participants, fostering creativity and personal development while integrating music as a tool for social upliftment.[20]Musical career
Early breakthroughs and bands
Devassy achieved his first significant professional breakthrough at the age of 18 by orchestrating the music for six songs on Johny Sagarika's Malayalam album Ishtamannu, released in 1998.[27][28] This opportunity marked his entry into the music industry, showcasing his keyboard and arrangement skills honed through formal training at Trinity College London.[29] In 2000, at age 19, Devassy formed his first band, Seven, an Indian pop group featuring singer Franco Simon and guitarist Sangeeth Pavithran; the band released an album titled Yeh Zindagani.[27][2] Seven represented Devassy's initial foray into band leadership and collaborative performance, blending contemporary pop elements with his classical influences. He later established additional ensembles, including the Solid Band for live support and the internationally oriented Rexband.[1] Devassy gained further exposure through early live collaborations, accompanying renowned vocalist Hariharan as keyboardist on a European tour in the early 2000s, where he performed across multiple stages for three years during Hariharan's ghazal concerts.[29][30] This international stint built his reputation among audiences in India and abroad. Additionally, he supported violin maestro L. Subramanian at the Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival in Bangalore, highlighting his versatility in fusion settings that integrated Indian classical traditions with Western instrumentation.[29] These performances at youth-oriented and cultural events underscored his emerging role in rock fusion genres, such as rap rock and electronic rock, often merging Indian classical motifs with contemporary rock structures.[6]Film and album compositions
Stephen Devassy entered the realm of film composition with his debut score for the Malayalam film Hariharan Pillai Happy Aanu in 2003, marking his transition from band performances to cinematic music direction.[31] This initial foray established his ability to craft melodic tracks suited to narrative storytelling, drawing subtly from his earlier rock band experiences to infuse fusion elements into the soundtrack.[32] In 2010, Devassy contributed the background score to the Malayalam film College Days, focusing on atmospheric instrumentals that enhanced the film's youthful themes without dominating the primary songs.[33] His work extended to the 2013 Malayalam film KQ, where he composed the full original motion picture soundtrack, including tracks like "Chundathe" featuring Shankar Mahadevan, blending rhythmic beats with melodic vocals to suit the story of friendship and ambition.[34] These early film efforts highlighted his versatility in handling both songs and scores. Devassy's compositions evolved in subsequent projects, such as the 2018 Malayalam thriller Neerali, for which he created the songs, including the serene duet "Azhake Azhake" performed by Mohanlal and Shreya Ghoshal, emphasizing emotional depth through piano-driven arrangements.[35] By 2023, he delivered the music for Pakalum Paathiravum, composing tracks like "Manamele Poovithalai" with Nithya Mammen, which incorporated folk-inspired melodies to complement the film's rural setting.[36] In 2024, Devassy contributed the romantic song "Gaanam Neeye" to the Malayalam film Gumasthan, a composition featuring B. Murali Krishna that fuses soft rock rhythms with heartfelt lyrics, released as a single ahead of the film's theatrical debut.[37] His most extensive recent work came with the 2025 multilingual epic Kannappa, where he composed the complete soundtrack, including devotional themes like "Shiva Shiva Shankaraa," the romantic "Love Song," and instrumental pieces such as the "Kannappa Theme," blending electronic textures with classical rock and folk motifs to evoke spiritual and emotional resonance across Telugu, Tamil, Kannada, and Malayalam versions.[38] This project underscored his signature style of integrating diverse musical influences for immersive cinematic experiences.[39]Live performances and tours
Stephen Devassy has established a prolific live performance career, delivering over 2,000 shows across more than 60 countries by the age of 42.[15][1] His international reach spans classical, fusion, blues, jazz, and Carnatic influences, often blending Eastern and Western elements to captivate global audiences.[1] In the 2000s, Devassy gained prominence through collaborations with vocalist Hariharan, including a notable USA tour around 2005 and approximately 60 ghazal performances together.[9][40] These joint appearances extended to Europe and the Middle East, where their fusion of ghazals and light music drew large crowds.[9] Devassy has since embarked on solo world tours, promoting his signature fusion style through high-energy concerts that highlight piano-driven improvisations and cross-genre experimentation.[1] As a key member of the internationally acclaimed Rex Band, a Christian contemporary group specializing in gospel fusion with rock and electronic elements, Devassy has toured extensively, performing at major events including before Pope John Paul II.[1][41] The band's dynamic live sets, featuring Devassy's keyboard prowess, have solidified his role in blending rock-infused rhythms with spiritual themes during global outings.[41] In recent years, Devassy has maintained his momentum with standout appearances, such as his live performance at the pre-release event for the film Kannappa in Hyderabad on June 21, 2025, where he showcased original compositions alongside the cast.[42] His festival performances and ongoing tours, including a 2025 USA circuit across 15 cities, have reinforced his status as a youth icon in modern music, inspiring younger audiences with innovative stage presentations.[43][1] In September 2025, he announced Ekta, an upcoming global musical production slated for release in early 2026, uniting over 200 artists from around the world in a fusion of Sanskrit-rooted ancient Indian music with contemporary international sounds.[15]Television and media
Judging roles
Stephen Devassy has established himself as a prominent judge on Malayalam music reality television, leveraging his expertise as a fusion musician to mentor aspiring singers. He served as a judge on the inaugural season of Top Singer, a singing competition broadcast on Flowers TV from 2018 to 2019, where he offered constructive feedback to young contestants demonstrating vocal and musical prowess.[44] Devassy joined the judging panel for Star Singer Season 8 on Asianet in 2021, collaborating with established artists such as K. S. Chithra, G. Venugopal, and Manjari to evaluate participants' performances.[45] He continued in this capacity for Star Singer Junior Season 3, which aired starting in late 2022, emphasizing evaluations of classical foundations alongside contemporary interpretations in young performers' renditions.[46] Throughout these roles, Devassy has focused on nurturing emerging talents by providing detailed critiques, particularly on fusion techniques that integrate traditional Indian elements with Western influences, reflecting his own musical style.[1] His extensive background in live performances has informed his judging approach, enabling practical guidance on stage presence and technical execution for contestants.[47] As of November 2025, no additional judging roles for Devassy on major music reality shows have been announced.Guest appearances and performances
Stephen Devassy has made several guest appearances on television shows, primarily as a performer and interviewee, highlighting his musical talents beyond his judging roles. In the 2020-2021 season of Indian Idol on Sony TV, he served as a guest performer, delivering live piano sets that captivated audiences with his fusion style blending classical and contemporary elements. On Malayalam television, Devassy featured in promotional performances on shows like Super Star Season 1 and other programs on Amrita TV, where he showcased his keyboard prowess during special episodes and celebrations. For instance, he performed at the grand finale of Super Star Junior in 2016, contributing to the event's musical highlights alongside young contestants.[48] These appearances often promoted his ongoing projects and reinforced his reputation in regional music scenes. Devassy has also participated in career-focused interviews on channels such as Asianet, discussing his journey from early performances to composing for films and albums, with notable segments airing up to 2023. In one such interview on Asianet News in 2018, he shared insights into his training and influences during the School Kalolsavam coverage.[49] In 2024 and 2025, Devassy made cameos on various music shows to promote the soundtrack of the film Kannappa, where he composed the original score. These televised spots included live demonstrations of tracks like "Shiva Shiva Shankaraa," emphasizing the devotional themes and his orchestral arrangements, aired on channels like Gemini TV ahead of the film's release.[50] His prior judging experience lent added credibility to these promotional performances, allowing him to engage viewers with behind-the-scenes anecdotes.Awards and recognition
Major awards
Stephen Devassy has received several prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to music as a keyboardist, composer, and performer. In 2008, he was honored with the Excellence Award by the Rotary Club of Cochin for his outstanding musical achievements and innovative performances.[1] The following year, in 2009, Devassy won the AMMA Award for Artiste of the Year, highlighting his rising prominence in the South Indian entertainment industry through his multifaceted musical talents.[1] Devassy's instrumental prowess earned him the Swaralaya Award in 2016, an accolade from the Swaralaya organization that celebrates excellence in Indian classical and fusion music, underscoring his ability to blend traditional elements with contemporary styles.[1] He was recognized as a Brand Icon by The Times of India in 2015.[1] In 2019, he received the Behindwoods Gold Mic Award for "Icon of Inspiration - Music" at the annual ceremony, acknowledging his inspirational role in the music scene and his high-energy live performances that captivate audiences.[51] In 2018, Devassy won the Vijay TV Music Icon of the Year Award.[52] In March 2025, Devassy received the 2024 Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Award for his excellence as a keyboard player.[53]Notable achievements
Stephen Devassy has amassed over 2,000 live performances across more than 60 countries, a feat that has solidified his status as a youth icon in Indian fusion music, blending Western and Indian classical elements with jazz, blues, and rock.[1] His dynamic stage presence and innovative keyboard techniques have inspired a new generation of musicians, particularly in the realm of ethnic fusion genres.[1] In 2007, Devassy co-founded Muzik Lounge School of Audio Technology (MLSAT) in Chennai with his brother Sam Devassy, establishing it as a premier training hub for audio engineering and music production.[19] The institution offers hands-on courses in sound design, mixing, mastering, and live reinforcement, equipping aspiring professionals with industry-standard skills amid the South Indian film industry's digital evolution.[19] Over nearly two decades, MLSAT has fostered a pipeline of sound engineers and producers, reflecting Devassy's commitment to nurturing talent in audio technology.[19]Works
Discography
Stephen Devassy's discography encompasses a range of non-film works, including collaborations, instrumental albums, devotional chant series, and contributions to rock band projects, showcasing his versatility in blending Western and Indian musical elements.[54][55][56] His early involvement in album production began with the orchestration of six songs on Johny Sagarika's debut album Ishtamannu, released in 1999, marking Devassy's breakthrough at age 18 in the Malayalam music scene.[54][27] In 2007, Devassy released his first solo instrumental album Romanza, a 10-track collection that fuses world music with piano-centric compositions, including pieces like "Forgiven" and "Mum's Lullaby," emphasizing rich orchestral arrangements.[55][57] Devassy's association with the Christian rock band Rexband, of which he is a member, led to several releases in the rock genre during the late 2000s. Notable among these is the band's album Son Rise (2008), featuring energetic rock tracks with spiritual themes, where Devassy served as a key composer and performer. In the same year, he orchestrated Different Vibes, an instrumental EP reinterpreting popular Rexband melodies with piano and electronic elements, highlighting his production skills in the rock fusion style.[58][59] From 2008 onward, Devassy produced the Sacred Chants series in collaboration with Kosmic Music, setting Sanskrit slokas, mantras, and Upanishadic verses to contemporary Western instrumentation. The inaugural volume, Sacred Chants Vol. 1 (2008), includes 10 tracks such as "Shanti Mantra Om Sahana Vavathu" and "Guru Ashtakam," spanning devotional genres focused on enlightenment and peace. Subsequent volumes, including Vol. 2 (2008), Vol. 3 (2008), Vol. 4 (2008), Vol. 5 (2008), Vol. 6 (2008), and Vol. 7 (2008), expand on this theme with chants dedicated to deities like Ganesha, Vishnu, and Shiva, each featuring 6-10 tracks blending traditional lyrics with piano and orchestral backdrops. A related release, Holy Chants on Vishnu and Mahalakshmi (2008), offers similar devotional instrumentals.[56][60][61][62][63] In 2015, Devassy released Project 70, an instrumental album featuring collaborations with The Solid Band, including tracks like "Desi Bindass" and "Mum's Lullaby," which integrate Indian classical, folk, and Western jazz influences through live strings and percussion.[64][65] No independent non-film releases by Devassy have been documented between 2023 and 2025.[61]| Album/EP | Year | Type | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ishtamannu (with Johny Sagarika) | 1999 | Orchestration/Collaboration | Orchestrated 6 songs; debut major project.[54] |
| Romanza | 2007 | Instrumental Album | 10 tracks; world music and piano fusion.[55] |
| Son Rise (with Rexband) | 2008 | Rock Album | Spiritual rock tracks; composer/performer role.[58] |
| Different Vibes | 2008 | Instrumental EP | Rexband melody reinterpretations.[59] |
| Sacred Chants Vol. 1 | 2008 | Devotional Album | 10 tracks; Sanskrit chants with Western music.[56] |
| Holy Chants on Vishnu and Mahalakshmi | 2008 | Devotional Album | Instrumental chants for deities.[61] |
| Project 70 (ft. The Solid Band) | 2015 | Instrumental Album | Fusion of Indian/Western elements; multiple collaborations.[65] |