EP. 29 Kanaxx - High Energy, Great Vibes

Send us a text

In this episode, we sit down with Ramkumar Kanakarajan, better known to the music world as Kanaxx. As one of India’s most prolific and versatile drummers, Kanaxx’s journey is a masterclass in staying grounded while playing at the highest level.

From peeking through a hole in a brick wall in Besant Nagar to watch legends like Sivamani and S. Murali Krishnan, to sharing stages with Sean Roldan, Ganesh Kumaresh, and the Raghu Dixit Project, Kanaxx has seen it all. In this candid conversation, he opens up about the "flashy" early days of his career and his transition into a seasoned professional who prioritizes the soul of the song over technical flair.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Origins: Growing up in the musical hub of Chennai and how being neighbors with maestros like John McLaughlin and Zakir Hussain shaped his subconscious.
• The Philosophy of the "Pocket": Kanaxx explains the fine line between playing for the song versus playing at it.
• The Professional Rigor: Why punctuality is his greatest prep tool and the meticulous work that goes into managing a professional drum kit.
• Stage Realities: Navigating "freak accidents"—from broken kick drum heads during competition finals to beaters getting caught in his pants.
• The Modern Spectacle: How the role of a musician has expanded to include stage persona, time-synced visuals, and creating an immersive experience for the crowd.

Support the show