Known as ‘Tabla Balu; King of Percussion’’, K.V. Balakrishnan plays sixteen percussion instruments.

Born into a musical family in Chennai, he has been playing professionally since he was ten years old. Playing classical, jazz and world music, his projects and performances have taken him all over the world; often playing with award winning lineups. 

While being a master of traditional Indian drumming and classical percussion, his new and innovative rhythmic ideas and concepts create an interesting freshness of sound. His various collaborations have played a huge part of the fusion music scene in Chennai, music capital of Southern India. His compositions bring rhythms and melodies from all over Indian culture into the sphere of popular western music; pushing the boundaries of genres and styles. 

KV has worked with countless producers and musicians across the world, and also produces and facilitates music and drumming workshops for recording professionals.