November 11, 2009
Reflections
From the Past
Album
launches music career
by David Thompson
Former Deep River resident Rani
Chatoorgoon recently released her premiere album, “Illusions of
Loneliness.” Dave caught up with Rani in Toronto.
Dave: What is your fondest memory of Deep River?
Rani: The walk to school after a snowfall... surrounded by evergreens,
covered with pristine white snow and fresh clean air... it was like a
picture out of a book. When I describe Deep River to my friends, they
find it hard to believe such a place exists. The view of the Ottawa
River and the hills on the Quebec side still makes me pause in wonder.
Dave: Who were your earliest musical influences?
Rani: I grew up listening to great East Indian musicians and mostly
spiritual music. I’m actively involved at a temple here in Toronto and
singing spiritual songs and playing the harmonium are vital parts of
our services. In my teens, I began to explore other contemporary
artists. I became a huge fan of Sarah McLachlan and the Cranberries,
and they both influenced my musical style... softer female vocals and
lyrics that spoke to more profound issues.
Dave: What local teacher had the greatest impact on you?
Rani: I can only pick one?! First and foremost, I think my parents
were, and still are, my greatest teachers. They taught me how to live
with humility and to realize that the most important thing I can do in
this life is to help others. With my own hands - through music,
education or with words - every action I take is with that hope in mind.
There is one teacher though, in high school – Mrs.
Forster. I don’t think she even knows what she did for me. I have so
many great memories of teachers and coaches in Deep River, but Mrs.
Forster remains the one who stands out in my mind for her kindness and
simple wisdom during a challenging time.
Dave: What trigger point got you into the music industry?
Rani: I think the tipping point dates back to Frosh week during my
undergrad at McGill. I ended up on stage in front of 3,000 people
singing a Cranberries song and the adrenalin surge I felt from the
crowd’s response to my performance was intoxicating.
Dave: How can people best access your music today?
Rani: If people just want to hear the album, all tracks are streaming
on www.myspace.com/ranichatoorgoon
Dave: What does success look like for you in the next five years?
Rani: My immediate goal is to secure a distributor for my first album,
Illusions of Loneliness. In five years I hope to successfully
transition into a full-time musician, spending my days creating music
and sharing it with whoever will listen!
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