Wouter Kellerman has seemingly cracked the code of how to win a Grammy.
On Sunday the flautist, composer and producer won Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album for Triveni at the 67th Grammy Awards in collaboration with Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto and Indian vocalist Chandrika Tandon.
“It’s absolutely surreal! Winning a Grammy is an incredible honour and to receive my third is beyond anything I could have imagined. It’s incredibly meaningful that the music we worked so hard on is being recognised. I’m grateful for the journey, the collaborations and the power of music to connect us all," he told TshisaLIVE.
Wouter won his second Grammy in 2023 for his song Bayethe and his first in 2015 for Winds of Samsara.
He's proven that his success is no fluke, but what is his secret?
“It’s been a combination of curiosity, collaboration and an obsessive passion for quality and attention to detail, while staying true to the emotional core of the music. I’ve always loved blending different musical traditions and creating something that resonates deeply. Surrounding myself with incredible artists and continuously pushing creative boundaries has also been key.
“Authenticity, artistry and the ability to connect with people on an emotional level are essential. Music that tells a story and creates an experience beyond just sound — those are the projects that stand out. Then very important as well is excellent engineering and production."
While his previous Grammy-winning projects explored various global influences, this album was created with the intention of soothing, uplifting and uniting through sound, Wouter said.
“Triveni is deeply rooted in healing and spiritual connection. The collaboration between South African, Indian and Japanese cultures brought unique textures and traditions into the music, making it a truly special experience."
Thinking outside the box to blend different musical backgrounds to make them sound seamless while keeping their essence comes at a price.
“It took us a long time to find the sweet spot where we were all in alignment! Inherently in collaboration is the possibility that it will take you to a whole new place you didn't expect. We had to get comfortable outside our comfort zones and persevere."
After scoring this accolade, Wouter said he is still bursting with ideas and wants to create more, but his sole purpose is to spread good energy through his music.
“I’m always creating and I have a few exciting projects in the works. I’m planning some single collaborations with a number of artists. This year is earmarked to spread my wings to different genres. There’s also a new music video coming soon from Triveni. My mind is bursting with ideas. I want to keep pushing the boundaries and exploring different genres."
'Curiosity, collaboration & an obsessive passion for quality ' — Wouter Kellerman shares his formula to winning a Grammy
Image: DANIEL COLE
Wouter Kellerman has seemingly cracked the code of how to win a Grammy.
On Sunday the flautist, composer and producer won Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album for Triveni at the 67th Grammy Awards in collaboration with Japanese cellist Eru Matsumoto and Indian vocalist Chandrika Tandon.
“It’s absolutely surreal! Winning a Grammy is an incredible honour and to receive my third is beyond anything I could have imagined. It’s incredibly meaningful that the music we worked so hard on is being recognised. I’m grateful for the journey, the collaborations and the power of music to connect us all," he told TshisaLIVE.
Wouter won his second Grammy in 2023 for his song Bayethe and his first in 2015 for Winds of Samsara.
He's proven that his success is no fluke, but what is his secret?
“It’s been a combination of curiosity, collaboration and an obsessive passion for quality and attention to detail, while staying true to the emotional core of the music. I’ve always loved blending different musical traditions and creating something that resonates deeply. Surrounding myself with incredible artists and continuously pushing creative boundaries has also been key.
“Authenticity, artistry and the ability to connect with people on an emotional level are essential. Music that tells a story and creates an experience beyond just sound — those are the projects that stand out. Then very important as well is excellent engineering and production."
While his previous Grammy-winning projects explored various global influences, this album was created with the intention of soothing, uplifting and uniting through sound, Wouter said.
“Triveni is deeply rooted in healing and spiritual connection. The collaboration between South African, Indian and Japanese cultures brought unique textures and traditions into the music, making it a truly special experience."
Thinking outside the box to blend different musical backgrounds to make them sound seamless while keeping their essence comes at a price.
“It took us a long time to find the sweet spot where we were all in alignment! Inherently in collaboration is the possibility that it will take you to a whole new place you didn't expect. We had to get comfortable outside our comfort zones and persevere."
After scoring this accolade, Wouter said he is still bursting with ideas and wants to create more, but his sole purpose is to spread good energy through his music.
“I’m always creating and I have a few exciting projects in the works. I’m planning some single collaborations with a number of artists. This year is earmarked to spread my wings to different genres. There’s also a new music video coming soon from Triveni. My mind is bursting with ideas. I want to keep pushing the boundaries and exploring different genres."
READ MORE:
‘Deeply honoured’: Wouter Kellerman earns Grammy nomination for collaborative album ‘Triveni’
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Wouter Kellerman talks about music collabos and his journey as a flautist on the international stage
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