17 Feb GMI Students Speak: Pranav Magotra
The student community at GMI cuts across age groups, musical backgrounds, and interests. The Student Speak Series aims to give a platform to their voices and stories, share what drew them to GMI, how they see their artistry maturing, and their path forward.
Pranav Magotra // Producer, Composer, Drummer, DJ
Delhi // India
An ardent lover of music from early on, Pranav Magotra is a producer, composer, drummer, and DJ. Through his adolescent years, he was enthralled by the charm of the one-man shows presented by record producer, and DJ Armin Van Buuren. The musical potential and possibilities within a single person left a lasting impression on him. It wouldn’t be until after he found himself in the thick of medical school however, that he realised his own calling towards music. Leaving his undergraduate degree midway and not knowing what was in store for him, Pranav courageously plunged into the world of music, joining GMI’s performance program in 2018. Whilst his music educational journey began with him as a drumming student, it quickly evolved into him pursuing the Artist Diploma program in music production and technology, to align more with his musical sensibilities. As a performing artist, Pranav dreams about making people move with “a musical wand,” and dreams about performing at Tomorrowland.
Read on to learn more about Pranav’s journey.
When did you become interested in music?
I remember when I was a kid, only 8-9 years old, my uncle used to collect cassettes of bands like Dire Straits, Pink Floyd, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, ABBA, Bruce Springsteen and some other very cool artists. He had this walkman that I would listen to music on, while jamming to some real good bangers and playing my air drums over all of them. Later I got introduced to Greenday and was gifted my first drum set. Since then I’ve been hooked on it.
What drew you to study at GMI?
Tanya, my cousin, told me to look into GMI because she met GMI alumni Kamakshi Khanna, who recommended GMI to her. I didn’t know what I was getting into after leaving med school, but Bharat told me about another student who had also left med school to study music- Fazal, and hearing his story inspired me, and he became my inspiration. It made me feel like if he could do it, so could I. Speaking to Tarun, I got really excited about learning drums. I also got very inspired meeting Jay Pei, after being his fan boy for years.
A memorable experience at GMI:
Our GMI final semester performance at Akshara Theatre. My family enjoyed it so much and Dad came to watch me play music for the first time and he had a blast!
How have you managed to stay creative during the pandemic?
I’ve been challenging myself by creating a new track every day and adding elements/inspirations from anything and everything I hear throughout the day– from music to just random sounds. I’ve been actively taking part in online music therapy sessions, taking masterclasses for production with Ableton and also working on my artist alias ‘PMAG’ from a branding perspective.
A fun fact about yourself:
I love acting. I’m pretty decent at mimicking a few actors too
Your favourite food:
Pizza
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be?
Doctor, as I was pursuing the degree but dropped out to follow what I love the most.
An artist that currently inspires you:
Jay Pei, Mark Tarmonea, Anyasa, French 79, Armin Van Buren, Tinlicker, Biskuwi and so many more. All artists are super inspiring!
A track that currently inspires you:
Pray For Rain – Mirror Machines
Your musical idol:
Jay Pei
Your dream collaboration:
David August
How do you spend your free time?
Mostly watching YouTube videos on production techniques and watching Anime. I love ANIME!
A quote that keeps you going / inspires you:
“Drummers talk about technique, musicians don’t”- Tommy Igoe
An instrument you wish you could play / want to learn:
Saxophone and violin
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