At the Hammerstein Ballroom in Manhattan, I stood on stage in a NASA-style spacesuit for the Out of This World Tour. The energy was electric—they were filming a documentary for AP Dhillon, and I was interviewed as part of the whirlwind. I had been tapped to play keys and synth for the tour, stepping into a role originally held by my friend La+ch.
That chapter was defined by a constant state of “ready.” I’d get calls to be on standby for shows as far away as India—to fly in, perform, and fly back to Toronto at a moment’s notice. It was a season of high-stakes uncertainty and adrenaline that, despite the hype, often resulted in “broken promises.” In this industry, the distance between a “huge opportunity” and a “no-show” is razor-thin.
A Moment with an Icon
Sharing the stage with Nas was a milestone that stayed with me. He is a true hip-hop icon, and usually, I’m too locked into the performance to think about social media. I’ve played European tours with Alex Bello and performed solo piano for Warren Buffett, yet I have almost no visual proof because I was too busy living the moment. But for an artist of Nas’s stature, I knew I had to sneak a quick photo.
I’ve realized that while my resume speaks volumes, my lack of “content” sometimes makes it harder for future collaborators to see the full picture. It’s a trade-off I’m learning to balance as I move forward.
Representation Matters: The Goan-Canadian Lens
Seeing AP Dhillon—someone who looks like me—commanding that spotlight was a proud moment. While AP represents the Punjabi community, I am driven to bring my own specific identity to that same global stage.
My sound and perspective are a unique mosaic:
Heritage: My Goan-Canadian, English-speaking, Catholic-Christian roots.
Influence: The deep Portuguese and Spanish cultural threads that run through Goan history.
Toronto Upbringing: The heavy influence of Caribbean cultures, particularly Trinidad and Tobago (a connection forged during my touring days with St. Michael’s Choir School).
I’m not just aiming for the spotlight; I’m aiming to be a face that honours the specific, diverse textures of my upbringing. The “Universe” is big enough for all of our stories.
I’ve realized that while my resume speaks volumes, my lack of “content” sometimes makes it harder for future collaborators to see the full picture. It’s a trade-off I’m learning to balance as I move forward.
