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{{Short description|Indian guitarist, songwriter and composer}}
{{Short description|Indian guitarist, songwriter, and composer (c.1970–2022)}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2016}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
| name            = John P. Varkey
| name            = John P. Varkey
| image            =
| image            = John_p_varkey.jpg
| image_size      =
| image_size      =
| caption          =
| caption          =
Line 10: Line 10:
| native_name_lang = ml
| native_name_lang = ml
| alias            =
| alias            =
| birth_date      = <!-- {{birth date and age|1971|may|01}} for living people supply  only the year unless the exact date is already WIDELY published, as per [[WP:DOB]] -->
| birth_date      = {{circa|1970}}
| birth_place     = [[Thrissur]], [[Kerala]]
| birth_place      = [[Thrissur]], [[Kerala]], [[India]]
| death_date      ={{death date and given age|2022|08|29|52|df=y}}<ref>{{cite news |date=29 August 2022 |title=Music director John P. Varkey dies |newspaper=[[The Hindu]] |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/music-director-john-p-varkey-dies/article65827743.ece }}</ref>
| death_place     = [[Thrissur]]
| origin          =
| origin          =
| genre            = [[Malayalam music|Malayalam]] rock
| genre            = [[rock music|Rock]]
| occupation      = [[rock music|Rock]] [[guitarist]], [[songwriter]], [[composer]]
| occupation      = [[rock music|Rock]] [[guitarist]], [[songwriter]], [[composer]]
| instrument      = [[Guitar]]
| instrument      = [[Guitar]]
| years_active    = {{circa|1995}}{{spaced endash}}''present''
| years_active    = {{circa|1995}}–2022
| label            =
| spouse          = Baby
| associated_acts  = [[Avial (band)|Avial]]; Jigsaw Puzzle; Slowpedalers
| past_member_of  = [[Avial (band)|Avial]]; Jigsaw Puzzle; Slowpedalers
| website          = www.johnpvarkey.com
| website          =  
}}
}}


'''John P. Varkey''' is an Indian [[guitarist]], [[songwriter]] and [[composer]]. He began his career as a session guitarist. Brought out three albums with jigsawpuzzle by the label of BMG CRECENDO was innovative and well accepted by the new generation lead the formation of band [[Avial (band)]]. John discontinued from [[Avial (band)]] and independently directed music for many Indian big time feature films with prominent productions and directors.  His ideas and innovative sound textures made many films came into life. Varkey first came to prominence during the mid-1990s as a member of the [[Malayalam music|Malayalam]] [[rock music|rock]] [[music band|band]] [[Avial (band)|Avial]], which itself evolved out of a band called Jigsaw Puzzle.<ref name=rollingstone>{{cite news |url=http://rollingstoneindia.com/john-p-varkey-avial-evolved-out-of-jigsaw-puzzle/ |author=Kumar, Mohan K|title=John P Varkey: Avial evolved out of Jigsaw Puzzle |work=[[Rolling Stone]] |location=India |date=20 April 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 }}</ref><ref name=hindu>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/25/stories/2002092500320200.htm |title=Here comes 'mallu rock'! |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=India |date=25 September 2002 |access-date=19 September 2015 |author=Vishnu, A}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Varkey is now the guitarist and songwriter for the [[Thrissur]]-based band, Slowpedalers.
'''John P. Varkey''' ({{circa|1970}} – 29 August 2022)<ref>[https://news8plus.com/kammatipadam-music-director-john-p-varkey-passes-away/ ‘Kammatipadam’ music director John P Varkey passes away]</ref> was an Indian guitarist, songwriter and composer. He began his career as a session guitarist.  
Varkey studied music at the [[Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance|Trinity College of Music]] in London.<ref name=hindu/> He started his career as a composer in the [[film industry]] through the film ''[[Frozen (2007 film)]]''.


==Professional education==
== Career==
* 8th grade in classical guitar from [[Trinity College London]], [[London]]
He brought out three albums with Jigsaw Puzzle by the label BMG Crescendo which were innovative and well accepted by the new generation and led to the formation of band [[Avial (band)|Avial]]. John discontinued from [[Avial (band)|Avial]] and independently directed music for many Indian big time feature films with prominent productions and directors.  His ideas and innovative sound textures made many films come to life. Varkey first came to prominence as a member of the [[Malayalam music|Malayalam]] [[rock music|rock]] [[music band|band]] [[Avial (band)|Avial]], which itself evolved out of a band called Jigsaw Puzzle.<ref name=rollingstone>{{cite magazine |url=http://rollingstoneindia.com/john-p-varkey-avial-evolved-out-of-jigsaw-puzzle/ |author=Kumar, Mohan K|title=John P Varkey: Avial evolved out of Jigsaw Puzzle |magazine=[[Rolling Stone]] |location=India |date=20 April 2015 |access-date=19 September 2015 }}</ref><ref name=hindu>{{cite news |url=http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2002/09/25/stories/2002092500320200.htm |title=Here comes 'mallu rock'! |work=[[The Hindu]] |location=India |date=25 September 2002 |access-date=19 September 2015 |author=Vishnu, A}}{{dead link|date=April 2021|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Varkey was the guitarist and songwriter for the [[Thrissur]]-based band, Slowpedalers. He started his career as a composer in the [[film industry]] through the film ''[[Frozen (2007 film)|Frozen]]''.
 
==Education==
* John studied pre-degree, degree, and master's in economics from 1985 to 1992 at [[St. Aloysius College, Thrissur]]
* Varkey studied music at the [[Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance|Trinity College of Music]] in London.<ref name=hindu/> He completed 8th grade in classical guitar.
 
==Family==
John married Baby, who is working as a teacher. They have two children, Job John and Joseph.


==Filmography==
==Filmography==
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*2016-  '''[[Kammatipaadam]]'''
*2016-  '''[[Kammatipaadam]]'''
*2017-  '''Penkody''' (Background score)
*2017-  '''Penkody''' (Background score)
*2018- ''' [[Eeda (film)|Eeda]]'''  (Travel Song ''Mizhi Niranju'' & played guitar for background score)<ref>https://silverscreen.in/features/making-of-a-song-john-p-varkey-on-the-haunting-melody-mizhi-niranju-from-eeda/</ref>
*2018- ''' [[Eeda (film)|Eeda]]'''  (Travel Song ''Mizhi Niranju'' & played guitar for background score)<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://silverscreen.in/features/making-of-a-song-john-p-varkey-on-the-haunting-melody-mizhi-niranju-from-eeda/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224214/https://silverscreen.in/features/making-of-a-song-john-p-varkey-on-the-haunting-melody-mizhi-niranju-from-eeda/|url-status=dead|archive-date=21 February 2019|title=Making of a Song: John P Varkey on the Haunting Melody "Mizhi Niranju" from Eeda|date=5 January 2019}}</ref>


==Awards and honours==
==Awards and honours==
Line 44: Line 52:


==Prominent works==
==Prominent works==
 
*1991-1997 toured with various LIVE rock bands and participated in prominent festival including [[Indian Institute of Technology Delhi]] " rendezvous "
*1991-1997 toured with various LIVE rock bands and participated prominent festival including [[Indian Institute of Technology Delhi]] " rendezvous "
*1997-2000 founded Malayalam rock band JIGSAWPUZZLE (the first Mallu band to come in to view in MTV)
*1997-2000 founded Malayalam rock band JIGSAWPUZZLE(the first mallu band come in to view in MTV)
*composed, arranged and produced vibrant songs like NADA NADA, THEEKANAL, FLOW etc. became internationally hits.
*composed, arranged and produced vibrant songs like NADA NADA, THEEKANAL,FLOW etc. became internationally hit.
*2000-MAY music composed and performed with Daksha Sheth, I[[Isha Sharvani]] in Asia and in Helsinki music and dance festival held in Finland
*2000-MAY music composed and performed with Daksha Sheth, Isha Sharvani in Asia in Helsinki music and dance festival held in Finland
*2000-2001 music composed for Malayalam feature film [[Neythukaran]] directed by [[Priyanandanan]]
*2000-2001 music composed for Malayalam feature film [[Neythukaran]] directed by [[Priyanandanan]]
*2002-2003 composed and arranged music for Malayalam rock band [[Avial (band)]]
*2002-2003 composed and arranged music for Malayalam rock band [[Avial (band)|Avial]]
*2004-200 5music composed and arranged for filmPunhm directed by Gangamukhi [[Film and Television Institute of India]] and K Rajesh.
*2004-2005 music composed and arranged for film Punhm directed by Gangamukhi [[Film and Television Institute of India]] and K Rajesh.
*2004-2005 composed and arranged music for  film Vadhakramam directed by Kamal K. M.
*2004-2005 composed and arranged music for  film Vadhakramam directed by Kamal K. M.
*2005 sound design and co produced music for fusion band Karnatrix
*2005 sound design and co produced music for fusion band Karnatrix
Line 57: Line 64:
*2006 music composed for experimental film KA directed by [[Amit Dutta]]
*2006 music composed for experimental film KA directed by [[Amit Dutta]]
*2007 composed music for  film Theerangal directed by Sanju Surendran
*2007 composed music for  film Theerangal directed by Sanju Surendran
*2007 music composed and arranged for feature film Frozen (baged best music award from 8th MADRID IMAGINE INDIA FILM FESTIVAL) directed by Shivaji chandrabushan
*2007 music composed and arranged for feature film Frozen (bagged best music award from 8th MADRID IMAGINE INDIA FILM FESTIVAL) directed by Shivaji Chandrabushan
*2008 music composed and arranged for docufiction Cradle of Christianity directed by Jain Joseph FTII
*2008 music composed and arranged for docufiction Cradle of Christianity directed by Jain Joseph FTII
*2008 composed music for Telugu feature film Idi sangathi (TABU AND ABBAS in lead role) directed by Chandru Siddharth. three songs became superhit!
*2008 composed music for Telugu feature film Idi Sangathi (TABU AND ABBAS in lead role) directed by Chandru Siddharth. Three songs became superhits
*2008 composed and arranged music for  film When the man dies directed by Arun Sukumar FTII
*2008 composed and arranged music for  film When the man dies directed by Arun Sukumar FTII
*2009 sound designed and music for [[International Film Festival of Kerala]] 2000 Signature Film
*2009 sound designed and music for [[International Film Festival of Kerala]] 2000 Signature Film
*2010 music composed  and supervised music production of  Kannada feature film karthik
*2010 music composed  and supervised music production of  Kannada feature film Karthik
*2011 music composed and arranged for docu fiction JEWS IN KERALA directed by Sajive pillai
*2011 music composed and arranged for docu fiction JEWS IN KERALA directed by Sajive Pillai
*2012 music composed and supervised music production  for Sibimalayil film Unnam (ASIF ALI,RIMA KALLINGAL,NEDUMUDI,LAL)
*2012 music composed and supervised music production  for Sibimalayil film Unnam (ASIF ALI, RIMA KALLINGAL, NEDUMUDI, LAL)
*2012 music  for Hindi movie ID directed by K.M Kamal got several international awards
*2012 music  for Hindi movie ID directed by K.M. Kamal got several international awards
*2013 music and its  production supervision for [[Olipporu]] lead role [[Fahadh Faasil]], [[Kalabhavan Mani]]
*2013 music and its  production supervision for [[Olipporu]] lead role [[Fahadh Faasil]], [[Kalabhavan Mani]]
*2013 supervised pre session  Background score music production  for Movie [[Masala Republic]]
*2013 supervised pre session  Background score music production  for movie [[Masala Republic]]
*2014 Video, Audio Album with Fr Bobby Jose Kattikkad  and Prof V.G Thampi  
*2014 video, audio album with Fr Bobby Jose Kattikkad  and Prof. V.G Thampi  
*2014 October 22 A musical concert for the Homage to the children of Gaza  in Thrissur Regional outdoor theater  
*2014 October 22 A musical concert for the Homage to the children of Gaza  in Thrissur Regional outdoor theater  
*2015 performed in [[Kappa TV]] Music Mojo, Pappaya Cafe Cochin.
*2015 performed in [[Kappa TV]] Music Mojo, Pappaya Cafe Cochin.
*2015 Live performance with LEAVES OF GRASS (a music movement which featuring  poets, and contemporary musicians) Conducted musical concerts with some eminent  Poets.
*2015 live performance with Leaves of Grace, a music movement constituted by Sasikumar V, Anvar Ali, and Mustafa Desamangalam, which featured poets and contemporary musicians.
*2015 Composed music for [[Rajeev Ravi]]'s film [[Kammatipaadam]].
*2015 Composed music for [[Rajeev Ravi]]'s film [[Kammatipaadam]].
*2017 Live performance with Slow peddlers at Pepper House (Alt and Pepper)  
*2017 Live performance with Slow peddlers at Pepper House (Alt and Pepper)  
Line 78: Line 85:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
*[http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/imagining-a-life-in-peace/article6502987.ece]
 
*[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/slowpedaling-back-to-stage/article6997940.ece]
==External links==
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNFxmibkTlk]
[http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/imagining-a-life-in-peace/article6502987.ece]
*[https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/slowpedaling-back-to-stage/article6997941.ece]
[http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/slowpedaling-back-to-stage/article6997940.ece]
*[https://silverscreen.in/features/making-of-a-song-john-p-varkey-on-the-haunting-melody-mizhi-niranju-from-eeda/]
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vNFxmibkTlk]
[https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Thiruvananthapuram/slowpedaling-back-to-stage/article6997941.ece]
[https://web.archive.org/web/20190221224214/https://silverscreen.in/features/making-of-a-song-john-p-varkey-on-the-haunting-melody-mizhi-niranju-from-eeda/]
* {{discogs artist|John P. Varkey}}
* {{imdb name|7467795}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Varkey, John, P}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Varkey, John, P}}
[[Category:Year of birth missing]]
[[Category:1970s births]]
[[Category:2022 deaths]]
[[Category:Indian rock guitarists]]
[[Category:Indian rock guitarists]]
[[Category:Year of birth missing (living people)]]
[[Category:Musicians from Thrissur]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century Indian male musicians]]
[[Category:20th-century guitarists]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian male musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century Indian guitarists]]

Latest revision as of 03:53, 9 March 2026


John P. Varkey
ജോണ്‍ പി വർക്കി
Background information
Bornc. 1970
Thrissur, Kerala, India
Died (aged 52)[1]
Thrissur
GenresRock
Occupation(s)Rock guitarist, songwriter, composer
InstrumentsGuitar
Years activec. 1995–2022

John P. Varkey (c. 1970 – 29 August 2022)[2] was an Indian guitarist, songwriter and composer. He began his career as a session guitarist.

Career[edit | edit source]

He brought out three albums with Jigsaw Puzzle by the label BMG Crescendo which were innovative and well accepted by the new generation and led to the formation of band Avial. John discontinued from Avial and independently directed music for many Indian big time feature films with prominent productions and directors. His ideas and innovative sound textures made many films come to life. Varkey first came to prominence as a member of the Malayalam rock band Avial, which itself evolved out of a band called Jigsaw Puzzle.[3][4] Varkey was the guitarist and songwriter for the Thrissur-based band, Slowpedalers. He started his career as a composer in the film industry through the film Frozen.

Education[edit | edit source]

Family[edit | edit source]

John married Baby, who is working as a teacher. They have two children, Job John and Joseph.

Filmography[edit | edit source]

  • 2007- Frozen (Hindi/Ladaki, background score)
  • 2008- Idi Sangathi (Telugu, three songs)
  • 2011- Karthik (Kannada, five songs)
  • 2012- Unnam (Malayalam, four songs and background score)
  • 2012- I.D. (Background score)
  • 2013- Olipporu (Eight songs)
  • 2016- Kammatipaadam
  • 2017- Penkody (Background score)
  • 2018- Eeda (Travel Song Mizhi Niranju & played guitar for background score)[5]

Awards and honours[edit | edit source]

  • Jury of the 8TH MADRID IMAGINE INDIA FILM FESTIVAL selected Frozen (2007 film) which he did in 2007, for the best music.

Prominent works[edit | edit source]

  • 1991-1997 toured with various LIVE rock bands and participated in prominent festival including Indian Institute of Technology Delhi " rendezvous "
  • 1997-2000 founded Malayalam rock band JIGSAWPUZZLE (the first Mallu band to come in to view in MTV)
  • composed, arranged and produced vibrant songs like NADA NADA, THEEKANAL, FLOW etc. became internationally hits.
  • 2000-MAY music composed and performed with Daksha Sheth, IIsha Sharvani in Asia and in Helsinki music and dance festival held in Finland
  • 2000-2001 music composed for Malayalam feature film Neythukaran directed by Priyanandanan
  • 2002-2003 composed and arranged music for Malayalam rock band Avial
  • 2004-2005 music composed and arranged for film Punhm directed by Gangamukhi Film and Television Institute of India and K Rajesh.
  • 2004-2005 composed and arranged music for film Vadhakramam directed by Kamal K. M.
  • 2005 sound design and co produced music for fusion band Karnatrix
  • 2006 music composed for film Kshitij directed by Binthesh Paruri FTII
  • 2006 music composed for experimental film KA directed by Amit Dutta
  • 2007 composed music for film Theerangal directed by Sanju Surendran
  • 2007 music composed and arranged for feature film Frozen (bagged best music award from 8th MADRID IMAGINE INDIA FILM FESTIVAL) directed by Shivaji Chandrabushan
  • 2008 music composed and arranged for docufiction Cradle of Christianity directed by Jain Joseph FTII
  • 2008 composed music for Telugu feature film Idi Sangathi (TABU AND ABBAS in lead role) directed by Chandru Siddharth. Three songs became superhits
  • 2008 composed and arranged music for film When the man dies directed by Arun Sukumar FTII
  • 2009 sound designed and music for International Film Festival of Kerala 2000 Signature Film
  • 2010 music composed and supervised music production of Kannada feature film Karthik
  • 2011 music composed and arranged for docu fiction JEWS IN KERALA directed by Sajive Pillai
  • 2012 music composed and supervised music production for Sibimalayil film Unnam (ASIF ALI, RIMA KALLINGAL, NEDUMUDI, LAL)
  • 2012 music for Hindi movie ID directed by K.M. Kamal got several international awards
  • 2013 music and its production supervision for Olipporu lead role Fahadh Faasil, Kalabhavan Mani
  • 2013 supervised pre session Background score music production for movie Masala Republic
  • 2014 video, audio album with Fr Bobby Jose Kattikkad and Prof. V.G Thampi
  • 2014 October 22 A musical concert for the Homage to the children of Gaza in Thrissur Regional outdoor theater
  • 2015 performed in Kappa TV Music Mojo, Pappaya Cafe Cochin.
  • 2015 live performance with Leaves of Grace, a music movement constituted by Sasikumar V, Anvar Ali, and Mustafa Desamangalam, which featured poets and contemporary musicians.
  • 2015 Composed music for Rajeev Ravi's film Kammatipaadam.
  • 2017 Live performance with Slow peddlers at Pepper House (Alt and Pepper)
  • 2017 Live performance with Voters at Quilon Ashram conducted by 8 point Art cafe and DTPC as part of Onam celebrations

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "Music director John P. Varkey dies". The Hindu. 29 August 2022.
  2. ↑ ‘Kammatipadam’ music director John P Varkey passes away
  3. ↑ Kumar, Mohan K (20 April 2015). "John P Varkey: Avial evolved out of Jigsaw Puzzle". Rolling Stone. India. Retrieved 19 September 2015.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Vishnu, A (25 September 2002). "Here comes 'mallu rock'!". The Hindu. India. Retrieved 19 September 2015.[dead link]
  5. ↑ "Making of a Song: John P Varkey on the Haunting Melody "Mizhi Niranju" from Eeda". 5 January 2019. Archived from the original on 21 February 2019.

External links[edit | edit source]

[1] [2] [3] [4] [5]

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