We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Nishant. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Nishant below.

Nishant, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I always had a natural instinct and reaction to music since young. Always had a deep connection to it and I was 9 when I knew I wanted to do that but growing up in the East and a more strict household, I was not able to express myself. My first real turning point is when I was 16 years old. Went to my first concert. It was ‘Slash’ Live in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Where I was born and raised. I was instantly blown away and liberated. Had a sense of calling that night. I have not turned back since. I’ve had the opportunity to even work with some of the band members of ‘GUN’S N’ ROSES’.

Nishant, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Nishant Kanavathy. I go by Nish primarily and the stage name is kNish. I was born and raised in Malaysia. Grow up in strict and conservative household. I wear many hats in the music industry now but I primarily would say I’m an Audio Engineer, working in Live Show Productions and studio recordings. I’m also a producer, guitarist/musician, songwriter, lyricist, guitar tech, graphic designer and music business consultant.

I think like most musicians I was extremely shy and always kept to myself. Music has been the main source of my self-expression. It allows me to not only be my truest self but be the best version of me.

I got in the music industry back in Malaysia first. I used to hang out with a lot of talented local musicians and learned a lot about the industry as a whole from them. Eventually the hunger for more in terms of the music lead me to pursue my passion and dreams. I decided to move to Los Angeles to join the world renowned Musicians Institute. I wanted to know what it actually means to be a professional in the industry and be certified. I also had a deep curiosity for learning and wanted to deepen my knowledge of the craft.

I was a really good student and was always proactive. I ended up being endorsed by my peers and teachers who I owe a lot to. They mentored me in real life experiences. This lead me to doing a lot of gigs with a lot of talented musicians and some big ones over the course of my career. Just to name a few, I’ve had the great fortune to work with Billy Idol, Steve Stevenson (Billy Idol), Jennifer Batten (Michael Jackson, Jeff Beck), Michael Prince (Michael Jackson, Legs Diamond), Gilby Clarke (Gun’s N’ Roses), Sam Sims (Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson), Lavelle Smith Jr (Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson, Cher), Wayne Kramer (MC5) and Producer Eric Corne (John Mayall, Joe Walsh, Nancy Wilson (Heart) and Robby Krieger (The Doors).

I have since acquired many skills in the industry and these days I find myself doing it all. From Engineering a show or record, to producing, co-writing as well as playing guitars on records.

I think the thing that sets me apart, on top of being well rounded Engineer/Musician/Producer is I have working experience and knowledge of the Music Business/Industry. Navigating the industry is a whole other game from being a creative. I have helped many artists in various ways to ensure their success with the releases they are working on.

The proudest moment in my career is when I go to work with Steven Adler (original drummer of GUN’S N’ ROSES). Gun’s N’ Roses was my favorite band ever and the memory of me doing sound for Steven Adler is one I will remember forever. He signed my copy of ‘Appetite For Destruction’ Vinyl LP with the words ‘Love Ya Nishant’.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

This answer is simple. Go to local shows, buy their music and merch. Follow them on social media. This provides the artist not just financial support but a growth in their fanbase and community. Which is vital to the survival of an artist in today’s music scene.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I think now more than ever there needs to be more resources in terms of legality of music/arts. In terms of copyrighting , protecting your creative intellectually property and the laws that revolve around these things. With the rise of AI, being in the unknown of these issues could lead to devastating results for not just to the individual artist but the community of musicians and other creatives

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knish.music/

Image Credits

Phil Gioia