Category: Music

Categories
Lite Blogs Music

Musical Harmony Through the Ages

This program makes available NCPA’s archival recordings to lovers of Indian classical music. We have planned a session based on the rarely heard recordings of the legendary vocalist, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi…reports Asian Lite News

Indian music with its rich legacy of over three millennia, has always had a place of pride in the realms of art and culture. The NCPA embraces the diversity of Indian music and continues to feature a wide spectrum of artistes ranging from emerging to established performers. The consciously curated programming includes classical, and semi-classical to devotional, light, regional, folk and cross-over music. The unique thematic element associated with each property makes it exclusive. Over the past decade, the NCPA’s Indian music festivals have been appreciated by artistes as well as audiences worldwide.

Upcoming Events in December 2023:

Music Mirror: A-6 AKASH GANGA

What: Documentary screening on Annapurna Devi with English subtitles

Where: Godrej Dance Theatre

When: Friday, 1 December – 6.30 pm

Duration: 81 minutes

Entry: on a first come first served basis.

About the music screening: Annapurna Devi, fondly called “Maa” by her disciples, was a legendary surbahar exponent and an unparalleled Guru. Daughter and disciple of the celebrated Allauddin Khansaheb who founded the Maihar-Senia gharana, she was destined to rule the world of music but in the 1950’s, she shuttered her music in silence, refusing all recordings and concerts.

Nityanand Haldipur, her disciple, sets out on a journey to tell her story. Cutting through the myths that have surrounded her, he attempts to find an answer to the question – can a musician exist without an audience?

Nirmal Chander has worked in the field of non-fiction since 1996 as an editor, director and producer. A recipient of three National Film Awards, his documentary Moti Bagh was submitted for the Oscars in 2019

The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the director.

Nad Ninad: From Our Archives

Listening Session on the Artistry of Dr. MS Subbulakshmi

Guided by RK Shriramkumar, supported by Amritha Murali and Sriraam Subbaraman

When: Thursday, December 7 –  6.30 pm

Where:  Little Theatre

Entry: on a first come first served basis.

About the show: This program makes available NCPA’s archival recordings to lovers of Indian classical music. We have planned a session based on the rarely heard recordings of the legendary vocalist, Madurai Shanmukhavadivu Subbulakshmi (1916 –2004), some of which were specially recorded for our archives during 1978.  MS Amma, as she was popularly known, was a naturally gifted musician who grew up in an environment conducive to learning the nuances at a very early age from doyens of the Carnatic (South Indian) world. Starting her career at the young age of 13, she went on to become one of the most celebrated exponents of Carnatic music, besides acting in a few films. Eventually, she came to be recognised as the iconic voice of devotion in the Independent India.

The event will be guided by the eminent violinist, RK Shriramkumar, who has had the privilege of accompanying the legendary vocalist in live concerts as well as for some commercial recordings. Based on this association, he will share his valuable insights into the music of MS Subbulakshmi. His presentation will include recordings and live demonstrations.

Born in an illustrious family of violinists, Shriramkumar was trained by his grandfather, RK Venkarama Shastry. Besides performing solo concerts at home and overseas, he has had the honour of accompanying several doyens of Carnatic music. Marked by the gayaki style of violin playing, his music is recognised for its soul-stirring quality.  Furthermore, he is also renowned as a skilled composer for several music and dance productions featuring celebrated artistes. With his innate musicality and vast experience in the world of music, Shriram Kumar is rightly regarded as a fine orator and an illustrious Guru. The list of awards and accolades received is equally impressive.

In this presentation, he will be supported by his disciple, Amritha Murali, who is also a talented vocalist. Sriraam Subbaraman will lend rhythmic support to mridangam.

Citi NCPA Aadi Anant: From here to eternity

The 13th edition of the Citi NCPA Aadi Anant festival seeks to celebrate the vitality of the guru-shishya tradition

About the Show:  As trendsetters in their respective fields, Citi and NCPA stand committed to uphold the Indian heritage. Together, we are proud to present the thirteenth edition of  ‘Citi NCPA Aadi Anant Festival’ with five events spread across two cities: Mumbai and Delhi.

This edition of the festival features presentations that include artistes of four different generations coming together to showcase genres from classical (art) and semi-classical, to folk and other lighter forms that collectively define the broad spectrum of music traditions in India.

Come, join us and explore the exciting soundscapes from here to eternity!

#Aadi Anant Concert 1 – Ft. Zakir Hussain, Sabir Khan, Debopriya Chatterjee

When: Saturday, 9 December –  6.30 pm

Where: Tata Theatre

Duration: 90 mins approx

Performed By Zakir Hussain (tabla) with Sabir Khan (sarangi) & Debopriya Chatterjee (bansuri)

Tickets: BookMyShow

About the show:  In this presentation, Hussain will showcase the versatility of the tabla by performing solo pieces as well as exploring the sonic space together with the other two instrumentalists, leaving aside the conventional hierarchy of either one of the instruments. The spontaneous improvisations are bound to lead up to a musical dialogue that will take the listeners on a journey moving from classical to lighter genres, showcasing the capability of Indian instruments to express myriad shades of sound and emotion.

#Aadi Anant Concert 2 – Remembering the Divas: Gauhar Jaan, Begum Akhtar, M. S. Subbulakshmi, Shobha Gurtu, Noor Jahan, Kishori Amonkar

An NCPA Presentation

Conceived, curated and presented by Kaushiki Chakraborty & a group of musicians

When: Sunday, 10th December –  6.30 pm

Where: Jamshed Bhabha Theatre

Duration:  90 minutes approx

Tickets: BookMyShow

Age Suitability: 6+

About the show: Besides presenting some memorable compositions associated with these six divas, the ensemble led by Kaushiki Chakraborty will also attempt to present some new compositions, keeping in mind the individual style of these divas. 

ALSO READ-Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) with Indian music maestros set to enthrall UK audiences

Categories
Arts & Culture London News Music

A multi-hyphenate music luminary: Badshah. Live in Concert at Ovo Arena, Wembley London

The tour currently named Badshah Live will include a performance on 25th November 2023 at the Ovo Arena in Wembley. Badshah is one of the most influential and pioneering figures in the South Asian music landscape. He is currently the 4th most followed Indian artist on Spotify and is ranked #57 on the global list with over 16 million monthly listeners. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Badshah is on a mission to propel the global domination of Indian pop and hip hop, rapper, producer, mentor and entrepreneur – Badshah is a history maker! From farmlands to stardom, Badshah embodies the quintessential rags-to-riches dream, becoming one of the most successful generational artists while building a culturally rich empire that has made him one of the most bankable names in the Indian music industry.

Today he is one the most sought-after creative powerhouses that every label owner or film producer turns to when they need a guaranteed hit, a festival hot seller who appeals to the multitudes and a trendsetter who has influenced and set a template for a whole new generation of aspiring rappers.

Before he assumed the stage name Badshah, the now-iconic music juggernaut was once a civil engineer in Haryana. Badshah’s real name is Aditya Prateek Singh Sisodia. He was raised in a middle-class Punjabi home in New Delhi – his father worked in a government office while his mother was a school teacher. A math nerd at school, he spent a lot of his early teens devising alternative proofs for classic theorems, or performing DIY physics experiments, or honing his entrepreneurial skills with a comics lending business out of his bedroom or designing sneakers.

During his late teenage years, he took to Asian underground sounds of the U.K. whilst studying at PEC University Of Technology, Chandigarh. He adopted his first ever rap pseudonym ‘MC Cool Equal’ which was one half of ‘Northern Clique’, a band he created with a college companion. Post university, he continued to fuel his passion for music. He spent the daytime toiling away at a civil engineering job and at nights he would be busy recording in the studio which eventually led him to the discovery of Mafia Mundeer.

A few years later after going independent, he broke out of the Punjabi rap underground with a sleeper hit ‘Saturday Saturday’ (2012), a party anthem for urban India. After a string of Bollywood hits – including the house party favourite ‘Abhi Toh Party Shuru Hui Hai’ (2014) and the club banger ‘Aaj Raat Ka Scene’ (2015) – he released his debut major label single ‘DJ Waley Babu’ (2015). The track climbed to the No. 1 spot on the Indian iTunes chart in 24 hours and was named one of the ten most successful non-English songs in the world by Consequence Of Sound, anchoring his dominance in the desi rap circuit and making him a torchbearer of the new-age Bollywood sound. The music video for ‘DJ Waley Babu’ and subsequent releases such as ‘2 Many Girls’ (2015) and ‘Kar Gayi Chull’ (2016) successfully tapped into the escapist yearnings of a new aspirational generation of upwardly mobile, brand-conscious andunabashedly hedonistic young people.

Like most celebrities, Badshah witnessed his highs and lows in equal proportion. After a barrage of emotional setbacks, including battling clinical depression and a severe anxiety disorder, his evolution as an artist truly shone through with the release of ‘O.N.E.’ (2018), ‘The Power Of Dreams Of A Kid’ (2020) and his 2021 singles ‘Genda Phool’ and ‘Paani Paani’ which ascended to the No. 1 spot on the Global YouTube Music Videos Chart. He shied away from his formulaic musical style of bonafide club bangers and bared his soul with gut-punch authenticity as he re-engaged with other emerging hip hop artists from the scene.

In 2021, he delivered a colossal hit ‘Jugnu’ which was supplementarily used by YouTube for the launch of YT Shorts, making him the world’s second artist after BTS to get this unique sync. He premiered another smasher thereafter in the form of collaboration with internet sensation Sahdev Dirdo on ‘Bachpan Ka Pyaar’ which scaled to the No. 1 spot on Global YouTube Music Videos Chart. Later that year, he got signed to global music giant Universal Music Group and released the global trilingual superhit ‘Voodoo’ featuring J Balvin and Tainy which got noteworthily got integrated for the AirPods Pro 2 launch and FIFA 23 as well as got featured on the Formula 1 playlist. Subsequently, the insanely gifted pop-rap behemoth also collaborated with Mikey McCleary on the celebratory song ‘Bachke Rehna Re Baba’ from the action-packed Netflix film ‘Red Notice’

The music titan’s succeeding EPs ‘Retropanda’ (2022) and ‘3 A.M. Sessions’ (2023) further reinforced his detour from his foot-stomping party anthems and highlighted his musical reinvention as he experimented with nostalgic old-world charm, synthwave and paid homage to the lilting melodies of ’90s Bollywood and Indipop.

From a decade-spanning music career with over 500 stadium shows under his touring repertoire, the Delhi-born music mogul’s film contributions have undoubtedly propelled him to a league of his own. His string of film credits include ‘Kapoor & Sons’, ‘Sultan’, ‘Baar Baar Dekho’, ‘Dabanng’, ‘Dhakaad’, ‘Veere Di Wedding’, ‘Saaho’, ‘Badrinath Ki Dulhania’, ‘Shivaay’, ‘Bajrangi Bhaijaan’, ‘Humpty Sharma Ki Dulhania’, ‘ABCD’, ‘Khoobsurat’ amongst others.

With a long-term vision to sample Indian sounds to western audiences and champion the dominance of Indian music in the international music industry, Badshah, who’s worked with most of Bollywood’s elite has been at the forefront of the cross-cultural exchange programme and has collaborated with global heavyweights such as J Balvin, Tainy, Sean Paul, Major Lazer, Diplo, Tiesto, Lil Baby, Mikey McCleary amongst others.

Badshah’s ability to fuse contemporary production with traditional Indian soundscapes to create anthemic and experimental records, has helped him garner admiration, respect and an unparalleled fandom among artists, stakeholders and audiences throughout the vast diaspora of India and the South Asian community across the world.

As someone who’s regarded as an establishment of sorts, Badshah continues to maintain an underdog status and keeps his creative appetite alive.

Named as one of the most influential contemporary Indian artists by GQ and Forbes, Badshah is the only Indian artist to have achieved 18 different chartbusters with more than 300 million video views each on YouTube, including: ‘Jugnu’, ‘Bachpan Ka Pyaar’, ‘Paani Paani’, ‘Genda Phool’, ‘She Move It Like’,

‘Paagal Kala Chashma’, ‘Heartless’, ‘DJ Waley Babu’, ‘Garmi’ and ‘Mercy’, breaking several chart-records such as Billboard Global 200, YouTube Music Video Charts, BBC Asian Network Charts along the way.

Based on combined annual video views on YouTube, the 38-year-old music powerhouse was acknowledged by music rights data platform Blokur in 2021, as the world’s No. 1 songwriter on YouTube with over 15 billion views on YouTube, establishing his sovereign reign in the pop-rap realm.

Owing to his unprecedented success, popular reality shows such as MTV Hustle (2022) and India’s Got Talent (2022,2023) empanelled him as a judge, UAE World ILT20 tournament (2023) collaborated with him for the league’s official anthem ‘Halla Halla’ as well as for the opening ceremony performance and Genies aligned with him for a global campaign (2022) aimed at personalized celebrity digital avatars for the metaverse. In 2022, Amazon miniTV onboarded him for a special appearance on their marquee title and India’s first court of comedy ‘Case Toh Banta Hai’.

On the brand front, he’s been an ambassador for Ajio (2022) and FairPlay (2023). He’s also created brand anthems for Yamaha RayZR (2016), Hitachi I-Clean (2016), Tuborg OPEN (2017), Pepsi Check My Fizz (2019), Discovery+ India (2021), Tata Play Binge (2023), Royal Stag Boombox (2023) and The Jameson (2023).

An avid connoisseur of all things pop culture, the stylish tastemaker has invested in exciting ventures that allow him to expand his interests and influence beyond music, including a luxury streetwear clothing line ‘Badfit’ (2017), a stake in franchise-based sports league ‘Ultimate Kho Kho’ (2022) and cricket fantasy league ‘Crickpe’ (2023) among other ventures.

While he stays fiercely guarded about his private life as well his philanthropic endeavours, Badshah is also widely loved for his generosity, honesty and humility, having contributed towards multiple social causes including welfare and upliftment of women and children.

Sitting pretty at the top of the Indian music pyramid, by virtue of his laser focussed work ethic and cult following, Badshah is now gearing up for a greater undertaking. As someone who credits The Weeknd, Backstreet Boys and Drake as his musical influences, Badshah’s end goal is to partake in the advocacy and the supremacy of Indian music on global territories.

Badshah said, “It’s always heartwarming to connect with my fans. I’ve always wanted to take my music far and wide. I want to give my audiences something new everytime so they have fun and relish the music and I want to reach more of our global audiences. I can’t wait to be back to spread some love and good vibes at my upcoming arena show!”

ALSO READ: Release the issues in the tissues: The Rosen Method Bodywork by Francesca Stutely

Categories
Events Music UK News

Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI) with Indian music maestros set to enthrall UK audiences

Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI)’s  tour will witness the UK premiere of Zakir Hussain’s Triple Concerto featuring Hussain along with Niladri Kumar on the sitar and Rakesh Chaurasia on the bansuri in London, Birmingham and Edinburgh, Rahul Laud reports

Following the  Autumn 2023 Season in Mumbai, India’s  first and only professional orchestra, the Symphony Orchestra of India (SOI), has announced its forthcoming UK tour commencing on November 29 across seven cities including Coventry, London, Cambridge, Croydon, Bradford, Birmingham and Edinburgh.

The 17-year-old orchestra will be returning to the UK after its well-received maiden tour of the country in 2019. The tour will exhibit the orchestra’s calibre in playing complex classical compositions as well as its unique strength in being able to showcase a signature piece, specially commissioned by the orchestra, that represents a meeting of the classical traditions of South Asia and the West.

The SOI ushered in its Autumn 2023 Season in September which was  one of its most ambitious seasons. It featured esteemed conductors Alpesh Chauhan OBE and Richard Farnes, pianist Pavel Kolesnikov and welcomed celebrated cellist, Steven Isserlis, for his India debut. The world premiere of the SOI-commissioned Triple Concerto by Zakir Hussain in September recorded two sold-out shows and received an overwhelming response. The one-of-a-kind season was applauded by the audience in Mumbai and other concertgoers from different parts of the country. The orchestra’s UK Tour will be an extension of the SOI Autumn 2023 Season featuring the same artistes and the UK premiere of the Triple Concerto, say the organisers.

Khushroo N. Suntook, Co-founder, Symphony Orchestra of India and Chairman, NCPA, expressed, “The SOI’s seventeenth year has been special. The SOI co-founder and Music Director Marat Bisengaliev and I are pleased to witness the orchestra’s journey and hope that this is only the beginning. The Autumn 2023 Season was a great success assisted by the excitement around the NCPA’s commissioning of a Triple Concerto for the tabla, sitar and bansuri played by the three great maestros— Zakir Hussain, also the composer, Niladri Kumar and Rakesh Chaurasia. We can safely say that it was one of the most successful seasons of the SOI in living memory. The same artistes are now preparing to go to the U.K.

The tour promises to be a remarkable musical celebration and we look forward to presenting it to the audiences in the UK.”

The UK Tour 2023 schedule is as follows:

Wednesday, November 29, 2023: Coventry, Warwick Arts Centre, featuring Richard Farnes and Pavel Kolesnikov.

Thursday, November 30, 2023: London, Cadogan Hall, featuring Alpesh Chauhan and the Hussain trio.

Friday, December 1, 2023: Birmingham, Symphony Hall, featuring Alpesh Chauhan and the Hussain trio.

Saturday, December 2, 2023: Bradford, St. George’s Hall, featuring Richard Farnes and Marat Bisengaliev.

Sunday, December 3, 2023: Edinburgh, Usher Hall, featuring Alpesh Chauhan and the Hussain trio.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023: Croydon, Fairfield Halls, featuring Richard Farnes and Marat Bisengaliev.

Thursday, December 7, 2023: Cambridge, Corn Exchange, featuring Richard Farnes and Pavel Kolesnikov.

Friday, December 8, 2023: London, Cadogan Hall, featuring Richard Farnes and Pavel Kolesnikov.

Categories
Lite Blogs Music

Echoes of Earth 2023: India’s Greenest Music Festival Returns

Renowned for its curated line-ups of artists from around the world, Echoes of Earth showcases a diverse range of genres, including Electronica, Jazz, Indie, Afrobeat, Funk, World music, Folk, Soul, and House Techno…reports Asian Lite News

Echoes of Earth, India’s Greenest Music Festival, is thrilled to announce its 6th edition, set to take place on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023.

Known for delivering unique live music experiences, the festival has become a celebration of music, art, culture, and conservation efforts. This year, the festival is proud to showcase a stellar line-up of music headliners and installation artists.

The festival’s theme, ‘Ensemble of the Wild’, highlights the interconnectedness of India’s richest biodiversity hotspot, the Western Ghats. It aims to emphasize the delicate balance and harmonious relationships between flora, fauna, habitats, and ecosystems, showcasing the crucial role each species plays in maintaining the balance of nature through thought-provoking art and educational workshops.

Joining the festival this year are the talented installation artists Haribabu Natesan, the Aravani Art Project, and Siddharth Karawal. Haribabu Natesan, renowned for his unconventional artwork, including the notable “Make in India,” has captivated audiences worldwide. The Aravani Art Project is a transformative art collective led by transgender women and cisgender women, who focus on creating a safe space for artistic collaboration and expression. 

Hailing from Baroda, Siddharth Kararwal is an artist whose work challenges conventions and sparks discussions. With a penchant for pushing artistic boundaries, he has become a prominent figure in the contemporary art scene. Kararwal gained widespread attention with his controversial piece Divine Bovine. Siddharth, fondly known as Tidda, has been a valued member at Echoes of Earth. Karawal has been with Echoes of Earth since its inception and has been instrumental in the iconic Amur Falcon and Himalayan Ibex Stage.

Since its inception, the festival has been working with a variety of artists to transform urban scrap and waste into larger-than-life stages and art installations. Besides its commitment to upcycling and recycling, Echoes of Earth is actively working toward becoming a carbon-neutral, zero-waste event. The two-day event over the years has becomes more than just a music festival; it is a celebration of the community and the environment we inhabit.

Renowned for its curated line-ups of artists from around the world, Echoes of Earth showcases a diverse range of genres, including Electronica, Jazz, Indie, Afrobeat, Funk, World music, Folk, Soul, and House Techno. The line-up for this edition includes top-tier artists such as Sid Sriram (US), Len Faki (Germany), three-time Grammy Award winner Tinariwen (Mali), Jitvam (US/India), Mezerg (France), Parra for Cuva (Germany), Mansur Brown (UK), 8 Kays (Ukraine), and Giant Swan (UK), along with other popular acts like Modern Biology, Matsumoto Zoku Band, Sahil Vasudeva, and many more.

With four intricately designed stages, the festival promises an unforgettable experience for music enthusiasts and those alike. The festival, featuring experiences like the Kids Zone and Pet Zone, is designed for everyone. Attendees can enjoy food stalls, a sustainable flea market, and a café at Echoes of Earth.

Roshan Netalkar, Founder and Festival Director of Echoes of Earth, expressed his vision for the festival, stating, “We are thrilled to announce the arrival of the 6th Edition of Echoes. With the foundation of a strong and credible community established over the past few years, the responsibility now lies with us to elevate our theme and experiences. This year, our focus is on celebrating the Western Ghats’ animals, birds, and the ecosystems that sustain us. Nature has always inspired us, and the responsibility to do more is paramount. Recognizing our audience’s growing love for talent, this year we’re putting an added spotlight on art. It’s not just a visual delight but also blends seamlessly with our audience’s changing tastes. We are also very grateful to WWF – India, Felis Films, Bangalore International Airport, and Hasirudala Innovations, for their meaningful partnerships. All these elements seamlessly converge to create a festival that celebrates the world of music and the world around us.” 

In terms of the partnerships, this year too, the festival continues its association with Walkers & Co., and Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer Non-Alcoholic beverages. As many are aware, the brand’s stirring rally cry “Keep Walking” is a call to those who are looking to create an evolved path for the future. This mission statement found an echo in the festival’s theme of “Ensemble of the Wild” which focuses on efforts of individuals to protect our fragile ecosystem. Speaking on the partnership with the festival, Shweta Jain, CBDO, Premium, Luxury, Craft, and Reserve – India and South Asia, Diageo said, “Walkers & Co.’s association with Echoes of Earth is part of our vision to partner with creators and bold boundary pushers who, through their music and art, are raising awareness about our planet, and the need for purposeful consumption. And we, at Walkers & Co., like to enable and provide a platform to a generation of Walkers who work for the collective progress and go where few have before.”

Vineet Sharma, VP Marketing – South Asia, AB InBev says, “Echoes of Earth, embodies our purpose of inspiring consumers to disconnect from routine and reconnect with nature through unforgettable experiences. We are deeply devoted to conserving and celebrating the natural world, and our participation in this festival underscores this dedication. Echoes of Earth is pioneering a more sustainable and eco-conscious approach to lifestyle events, and we take pride in partnering through our brand Corona, with this environmentally friendly music festival as we toast to more mindful celebrations,” 

Echoes of Earth’s 6th edition promises an extraordinary celebration of music, art, and nature like never before. Be a part of this immersive experience by joining us on December 2nd and 3rd, 2023.

Venue: Embassy International Riding School, Bangalore

ALSO READ-Gwalior Named ‘City of Music’

Categories
London News Music

Bonus London Dates Added to Taylor’s Eras Tour

According to Ticketmaster listings for the new shows, general on sale will go live for the August 19 show today at 2pm GMT, while the August 20 sale starts on November 15…reports Asian Lite News

Popstar Taylor Swift isn’t quite done with her gigs in the UK just yet as she has now added two additional stops in London as part of her Eras Tour.

Initially scheduled for only six shows, the singer was due to perform six shows at London’s Wembley Arena on June 21, 22 and 23, followed by August 15, 16 and 17.

Now she has added two additional shows on August 19, and 20, she has taken the count to eight as she embarks on the European leg of her tour in 2024. All of Swift’s London concerts will take place at Wembley Stadium with support from the rock band Paramore, according to ‘Variety’.

Parmore took to their official X and wrote: “The Eras Tour with @taylorswift13, 2024. Two new shows added at Wembley Stadium, August 19 & 20. A limited number of fans who previously registered for shows in London will be selected for access to the sale and will receive notifications via email starting today.”

According to Ticketmaster listings for the new shows, general on sale will go live for the August 19 show today at 2pm GMT, while the August 20 sale starts on November 15.

Swift recently kicked off her trek across South America, starting with three shows in Buenos Aires, Argentina. She made headlines on November 11 night when she changed the lyrics of ‘Karma’ to seemingly confirm her romance with American football player Travis Kelce.

A part of the audience, the sportsman heard singing: “Karma is the guy on the Chiefs/ Coming straight home to me.” Swift also took time during November 12 show to ask the crowd not to throw things on stage, saying “it really freaks me out”.

“I love that you brought presents and that is so nice, but just can you please not throw them on the stage,” Swift said. “I love you so much.”

Swift will next play six shows in Brazil before taking a break for the holidays. In February, the Eras Tour will start back up in Tokyo before heading to Australia.

ALSO READ-‘Kaathal – The Core’ Promises a Riveting Experience

Categories
Lite Blogs Music

AARAMBH: A Harmonious Fusion of Diverse Genres

“AARAMBH” represents a true global collaboration, with Abby V, based in Toronto, and Ricky Kej, a world-renowned composer-producer, joining forces to create a musical masterpiece that transcends borders and time zones. The album is also featuring acclaimed guest vocalists KS Chithra, Jonita Gandhi, Pratibha Singh, Sivaangi, Sona Mohapatra, Antara Nandi, Benny Dayal and Asad Khan on sitar. Release Date; 24 November, 2023. Available from groundbreaking UK-based imprint Sufiscore.

In a musical journey that transcends continents and time zones, the young master vocalist Abby V and the three-time GRAMMY-winning, Billboard #1 composer-producer, Ricky Kej, have forged a remarkable friendship that results in awe-inspiring musical creations. Their latest venture, “AARAMBH,” is a full-length album produced exclusively for Sufiscore, a UK-based, South Asian-focused music media platform.

This album showcases the Toronto-based sensation Abby V lending his extraordinary voice to a captivating collection of compositions by Ricky Kej, including a mesmerizing cover of the iconic Lennon & McCartney classic, ‘Yesterday,’ featuring the accomplished Asad Khan on sitar.

“AARAMBH” represents a true global collaboration, with Abby V, based in Toronto, and Ricky Kej, a world-renowned composer-producer, joining forces to create a musical masterpiece that transcends borders and time zones.

The album is a splendid fusion of musical genres, seamlessly blending Indian classical music, electronica, strings, beat-based ambient music, and more. This diverse palette of musical influences promises a unique and immersive listening experience.

Abby V, known for his exceptional vocal prowess as an Instagram and YouTube sensation, takes center stage, showcasing his extraordinary vocal talent that harmoniously complements Ricky Kej’s compositions. Their collaboration promises to deliver musical magic that will captivate audiences worldwide.

A standout feature of “AARAMBH” is the enchanting cover of ‘Yesterday’ by Lennon & McCartney, where Abby V’s emotive rendition is enhanced by the skilled sitar performance of Asad Khan. This reinterpretation of a classic song promises to be a highlight of the album.

Joining Abby V on various tracks are an array of renowned Indian vocalists, resulting in beautiful duets that further enrich the album’s sonic tapestry. The involvement of these esteemed artists ensures that the album boasts a star-studded roster.

“AARAMBH” is a testament to the power of musical collaboration, bringing together the talents of Abby V and Ricky Kej, who bridge the gap between cultures and genres to create a musical masterpiece that is both diverse and harmonious. With the promise of an iconic cover and star-studded duets, this album is set to be a remarkable addition to the world of music, captivating audiences with its fusion of Indian classical music, electronica, and more.

The album is also featuring acclaimed guest vocalists KS Chithra, Jonita Gandhi, Pratibha Singh, Sivaangi, Sona Mohapatra, Antara Nandi, Benny Dayal and Asad Khan on sitar.

“The heart of the album is traditional Indian classical music,” says the Bangalore-based Kej from the road in Nashville, Tennessee. “But the instrumentation is very modern — it’s in a palette that will appeal to people who listen to many kinds of music. We’re taking Indian classical music to listeners that would not normally listen to it.”

“A lot of my learning and training has been in Indian and Western Classical music,” says V. “I’ve sung in English, Latin, German, a lot of Hindustani and Carnatic music, and a lot of what I present online is an amalgamation of styles. I want to present it so it’s not restricted to a certain part of the audience. This album truly stands for that.”

Sufiscore is not just a traditional label but a YouTube channel amassing millions of views of songs from the Asian and South Asian markets. By celebrating new creative processes with leading musicians adapting to adversity as they continue to explore global fusion, Sufiscore is opening doors to international collaborations wherever musicians are in the world. Through live-syncing, remote recording and other practices, Sufiscore seeks to usher in new ways of making and consuming music online.

In addition to the work of Abby V and Ricky Kej, Sufiscore has released such albums as Inheritance by vocalist Pratibha Singh and Unbounded – Abaad by sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee, who is joined by Singh as well as Béla Fleck, Gary Husband, Jordan Rudess, Zakir Hussain, Antonio Sanchez and more. AARAMBH releases on the 24th November internationally through Sufiscore.

Track Listing AARAMBH

Total playing time: 35: 25

01 Rathiya Ft. Jonita Gandhi 03:53

02 Ghule Kajarwa Re Ft. Sona Mohapatra 05:35

03 Kahe Sataye Ft. Pratibha Singh Baghel 03:49

04 Payoji Maine Ft. KS Chithra 03:29

05 Yesterday Ft. Asad Khan 03:47

06 Balama More Ft. Antara Nandy 04:36

07 Kaga Jaa Re Ft. Benny Dayal 05:09

08 Mangala Din Ft. K. Sivaangi 04:33

Sufiscore:

Ricky Kej: https://www.rickykej.com/

Abby V: https://www.instagram.com/abbyvofficial/?hl=en

ALSO READ-Sonam Kalra’s Fusion Music Journey

Categories
Asia News Music UK News

AARAMBH: A Harmonious Fusion of Diverse Genres

‘AARAMBH’ represents a true global collaboration, with Abby V, based in Toronto, and Ricky Kej, a world-renowned composer-producer, joining forces to create a musical masterpiece that transcends borders and time zones. The album is also featuring acclaimed guest vocalists KS Chithra, Jonita Gandhi, Pratibha Singh, Sivaangi, Sona Mohapatra, Antara Nandi, Benny Dayal and Asad Khan on sitar. Release Date; 24 November, 2023. Available from groundbreaking UK-based imprint Sufiscore

In a musical journey that transcends continents and time zones, the young master vocalist Abby V and the three-time GRAMMY-winning, Billboard #1 composer-producer, Ricky Kej, have forged a remarkable friendship that results in awe-inspiring musical creations. Their latest venture, “AARAMBH,” is a full-length album produced exclusively for Sufiscore, a UK-based, South Asian-focused music media platform.

This album showcases the Toronto-based sensation Abby V lending his extraordinary voice to a captivating collection of compositions by Ricky Kej, including a mesmerizing cover of the iconic Lennon & McCartney classic, ‘Yesterday,’ featuring the accomplished Asad Khan on sitar.

“AARAMBH” represents a true global collaboration, with Abby V, based in Toronto, and Ricky Kej, a world-renowned composer-producer, joining forces to create a musical masterpiece that transcends borders and time zones.

Ricky Kej

The album is a splendid fusion of musical genres, seamlessly blending Indian classical music, electronica, strings, beat-based ambient music, and more. This diverse palette of musical influences promises a unique and immersive listening experience.

Abby V, known for his exceptional vocal prowess as an Instagram and YouTube sensation, takes center stage, showcasing his extraordinary vocal talent that harmoniously complements Ricky Kej’s compositions. Their collaboration promises to deliver musical magic that will captivate audiences worldwide.

A standout feature of “AARAMBH” is the enchanting cover of ‘Yesterday’ by Lennon & McCartney, where Abby V’s emotive rendition is enhanced by the skilled sitar performance of Asad Khan. This reinterpretation of a classic song promises to be a highlight of the album.

Joining Abby V on various tracks are an array of renowned Indian vocalists, resulting in beautiful duets that further enrich the album’s sonic tapestry. The involvement of these esteemed artists ensures that the album boasts a star-studded roster.

“AARAMBH” is a testament to the power of musical collaboration, bringing together the talents of Abby V and Ricky Kej, who bridge the gap between cultures and genres to create a musical masterpiece that is both diverse and harmonious. With the promise of an iconic cover and star-studded duets, this album is set to be a remarkable addition to the world of music, captivating audiences with its fusion of Indian classical music, electronica, and more.

The album is also featuring acclaimed guest vocalists KS Chithra, Jonita Gandhi, Pratibha Singh, Sivaangi, Sona Mohapatra, Antara Nandi, Benny Dayal and Asad Khan on sitar.

“The heart of the album is traditional Indian classical music,” says the Bangalore-based Kej from the road in Nashville, Tennessee. “But the instrumentation is very modern — it’s in a palette that will appeal to people who listen to many kinds of music. We’re taking Indian classical music to listeners that would not normally listen to it.”

“A lot of my learning and training has been in Indian and Western Classical music,” says V. “I’ve sung in English, Latin, German, a lot of Hindustani and Carnatic music, and a lot of what I present online is an amalgamation of styles. I want to present it so it’s not restricted to a certain part of the audience. This album truly stands for that.”

Sufiscore is not just a traditional label but a YouTube channel amassing millions of views of songs from the Asian and South Asian markets. By celebrating new creative processes with leading musicians adapting to adversity as they continue to explore global fusion, Sufiscore is opening doors to international collaborations wherever musicians are in the world. Through live-syncing, remote recording and other practices, Sufiscore seeks to usher in new ways of making and consuming music online.

In addition to the work of Abby V and Ricky Kej, Sufiscore has released such albums as Inheritance by vocalist Pratibha Singh and Unbounded – Abaad by sitar virtuoso Purbayan Chatterjee, who is joined by Singh as well as Béla Fleck, Gary Husband, Jordan Rudess, Zakir Hussain, Antonio Sanchez and more. AARAMBH releases on the 24th November internationally through Sufiscore.

Track Listing AARAMBH

Total playing time: 35: 25

01 Rathiya Ft. Jonita Gandhi 03:53

02 Ghule Kajarwa Re Ft. Sona Mohapatra 05:35

03 Kahe Sataye Ft. Pratibha Singh Baghel 03:49

04 Payoji Maine Ft. KS Chithra 03:29

05 Yesterday Ft. Asad Khan 03:47

06 Balama More Ft. Antara Nandy 04:36

07 Kaga Jaa Re Ft. Benny Dayal 05:09

08 Mangala Din Ft. K. Sivaangi 04:33

Sufiscore:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2P4ZF54afaHo7JcDVVCWzQ

Ricky Kej: https://www.rickykej.com/

Abby V: https://www.instagram.com/abbyvofficial/?hl=en

AARAMBH’ represents a true global collaboration, with Abby V, based in Toronto, and Ricky Kej, a world-renowned composer-producer, joining forces to create a musical masterpiece that transcends borders and time zones
Categories
Lite Blogs Music

Sonam Kalra’s Fusion Music Journey

The performance at NMACC will be a collection of well and lesser-known poetry of mystic poets as well as people who wrote about inclusion and finding faith, and God within…writes Sukant Deepak

Trained in both Hindustani classical and Western traditions of music including Gospel, Jazz, and Opera, Sonam Kalra, who is all set for HCL’s ‘Friday’s Sufi Magic’ and ‘Songs of the Sacred’ at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) on October 8, feels studying both traditions of music has been instrumental in ‘opening’ her mind and helping her approach music with a wider perspective.

“It has also allowed me to add the learnings from varied styles to what I present. The same gives me the freedom to use the different colours and projections of my voice, phrase a song to my personal liking or interpret a piece differently using influences of both traditions,” she tells IANS.

For the HCL concert, she will present a more traditional Sufi set with the poetry of well-known poets like Bulleh Shah and Amir Khusrau in her own style and understanding of the kalaams.

The performance at NMACC will be a collection of well and lesser-known poetry of mystic poets as well as people who wrote about inclusion and finding faith, and God within.

“It is a prestigious venue and I am looking forward to performing there,” she adds.

Someone who was invited in 2022 to join the US Grammy Recording Academy as a voting member and has performed in over 30 countries at festivals and venues across the world including Sydney Opera House and Pyramids of Gaza, Kalra, she is known for constantly experimenting and incorporating elements from multiple genres in her music — like adding the recitation of Tagore’s ‘Where the Mind is Without Fear’ in her version of ‘Hum Dekhenge’.

Kalra smiles she would not have achieved in her journey what she has if she cared too much about what purists thought.

Stressing that art is a personal journey and the minute one lets voices from the outside colour personal judgment or tell what should or should not be done, one stops being true to yourself, she adds, “ For me, the only way to create art is to be true to yourself. We have to push the boundaries, experiment, make mistakes, and face the struggle to get to an end — which feels right.”

Admitting that despite multiple festivals and streaming platforms, things have not really improved for independent musicians, the musician feels what is really needed is an ecosystem that encourages artists, and that means involvement from both the private sector and governments.

“Of course, there are corporates like HCL that have been giving consistent patronage to the arts for the past 25 years.”

ALSO READ-NCPA’s Celebration of Indian Music

Categories
Lite Blogs Music

NCPA’s Celebration of Indian Music

Music composer, lyricist, and singer, Avinash Vyas (1912-1984), left an indelible mark on the world of Gujarati Sugam sangeet (light music) through nearly 10,000 songs that he composed during the course of his career…reports Asian Lite News

Indian music with its rich legacy of over three millennia, has always had a place of pride in the art world. The NCPA embraces all the major strands of Indian music and continues to feature a wide spectrum of artistes – from up-and-coming to top-ranking and living legends.

The range of genres is equally diverse – from pure classical, and semi-classical to devotional, light, regional, folk, and cross-over music. The unique thematic element associated with each property makes it exclusive. Over the past decade, NCPA’s thematically curated Indian music festivals have been appreciated by artistes as well as audiences worldwide.

Avinashi Avinash: An NCPA presentation in association with the Kilachand Foundation & Ashwin C. Shroff    

Music composer, lyricist, and singer, Avinash Vyas (1912-1984), left an indelible mark on the world of Gujarati Sugam sangeet (light music) through nearly 10,000 songs that he composed during the course of his career. Having had the privilege of being groomed under the legendary sarod maestro Allauddin Khan of Maihar, he went on to compose around 1,200 songs covering a wide range of subjects and moods for over 190 Gujarati films.

Some well-known films for which he scored music were: Mahasati Ansuya (1943, with Allarakha), Gunsundari (1948, in Gujarati and Hindi), Bhagyawan (1953),  Andher Nagari Chaupat Raja (1955), Grihalakshmi (1959), Mehendi Rang Lagyo (1960), Hawa Mahal (1962), Taqat aur Talwar (1972), Santu Rangili (1976), Maa Baap (1977), Garvi Nar Gunaratan (1981) and Kanku ni Kimat (1983), amongst others. Besides using mainstream male and female singers, he was equally comfortable working with new talent.

In fact, he was instrumental in introducing Geeta Dutt to Gujarati films. This presentation will showcase a wide range of his songs in Gujarati along with a garba sequence, providing a glimpse of the versatility of the award-winning music composer.  

When: Friday, 6th October- 6.30 PM 

Where:  Tata Theatre

Duration: 2 hrs 

Age Suitability: 6+

Language: Gujarati 

Compere: Mukesh Joshi  

Name of the artistes: Ashit Desai, Hema Desai, Alaap Desai & others  

Tickets: BookMyShow

One World Many Musics: Celebrating Artistic Plurality 

The world that we live in is buzzing with myriad traditions and musical forms across various indigenous cultures. It is natural that various musical styles from around the world tend to influence each other, leading to newer forms that keep evolving.

This festival, showcasing varied musical forms, reaffirms the peaceful co-existence of cultural and artistic plurality in the world. With this event, we celebrate the power of music as a healing force that promotes cross-cultural understanding and reminds people of all cultures and religions that we share a common humanity.  

#Dipesh Varma Collective

Led by Dipesh Varma (percussion & djembe), the ensemble includes Sridhar Parthasarthy, a senior percussionist (mridangam, Kanjira, morsing), along with a younger team comprising Sandeep Mishra (sarangi), Harmeet Singh (tabla), Abhay Nayampally (guitar) and Amit Padhye (harmonium & keyboard). Besides having a mix of artistes trained in North and South Indian music traditions, the ethnic diversity of instruments adds to the appeal of the band.

The collaborative endeavour of the band strives to blend purposefully some conventional Hindustani and Carnatic melodies and rhythms with contemporary elements, resulting in an exciting sonic experience.

When: Friday, 13 October, 7.00 pm 

Where: Experimental Theatre           

Duration: 2 hrs 

Language: English, Hindi

Tickets: BookMyShow

#When Chai Met Toast

After having met at music circles in Kerala, the quartet—comprising Ashwin Gopakumar, Achyuth Jaigopal, Palee Francis, and Pai Sailesh—went on to form the pop band, When Chai Met Toast. Debuting with ‘Joy of Little Things’ in 2017, followed by hits like ‘Believe’ and ‘When We Feel Young’ and others, the band has established its identity which can be described as a mix of indie folk and alternative rock. Having performed at numerous concerts worldwide, today, the band enjoys a wide following among global audiences.

When: Sunday, 22 October- 7.00 pm 

where: Tata Theatre 

Age Suitability: 6+

Duration: 2 hrs

Language: English, Hindi

Tickets: BookMyshow

NCPA-HSBC Music Workshop – Understanding live sound, its fundamentals, and possibilities. Supported by HSBC A free online workshop on Zoom by Ashwin Jyoti

With the advancement in the technology that is available today to control and influence the sound, it becomes imperative for all personnel involved in a live event to have some basic knowledge about the fundamentals governing the live sound as well as the possibilities for enhancing the sound quality in such a scenario.

This workshop is aimed at not only musicians but also technical personnel like budding sound engineers who have aspirations to join the live sound industry.

The session will specifically deal with issues related to the behaviour of sound in real-time, during a live stage performance. It is designed to introduce participants to various devices used, such as microphones, speakers, mixers, etc., that influence the quality of sound. The role and impact of each of these devices will be explained and demonstrated with the help of live ensembles of vocal and instrumental music. This will enable participants to understand how to achieve the best sound during performance, within the given acoustic conditions such as the architecture of the hall and the size of the audience.

 Ashwin Jyoti has trained in audio engineering and has vast experience in managing “live” sound. Having worked with a variety of PA systems, he specialises in setting up sound and rigging PA for huge audiences, both indoor and outdoor. An amateur singer himself, he has knowledge about mixing events across various genres. Presently, he heads the team for live sound at the NCPA.

When: Saturday, October 14 – 11.30 am

How to Register: BookMyShow

The Saga of Songstress

Reminiscing the artistry of Gauhar Jan, Janki Bai, Zohra Bai & Begum Akhtar by Chandra Chakraborty. Accompanied by Farooq Lateef Khan (sarangi), Sudhanshu Gharpure (harmonium), Tejas Burse (tabla).

The contribution made to Indian music by talented women of the courtesan community is indeed laudable. Although society at large preferred to ignore their contribution and even sought to abolish them from the performing space, research points to the ways in which these songstresses overcame social taboos and logistical challenges of recording and contributed immensely to the documentation and propagation of traditional classical and semi-classical repertoire.

Naturally endowed with tuneful and delicate voices, coupled with systematic training and arduous practice, they became custodians of an unusually large repertoire ranging from Khayal, thumri, dadra, tappa, and hori to ghazal. With a unique combination of beauty, brains, and musical talent, they ruled the world of classical and semi-classical Indian music in the early 20th century.  

Narrators: Dr. Giorgia Caspani & Dr. Sid Kargupta

When: Thursday, 19th October- 6.30 pm

Where: Experimental Theatre  

Language: English, Hindi

Duration: 2 hrs

Age Suitability: 6+

Tickets: BookMyShow

Citi-NCPA Urja – Presenting young talent Supported by Citi

Urja – Gayathry Krishnachandran 

When: Friday, 20th October-6.30 pm

Where: Little Theatre

Duration:90 mins (approx)

Entry: on a first-come, first-served basis.

Name of the artistes: Manas Kumar (Violin), Gayathry Krishnachandran (Carnatic Vocal)

ALSO READ-NCPA gears up for annual Marathi Theatre Festival

Categories
Lite Blogs Music

Shruti Haasan Grooves to the Beat with Rocker Vibes

Donning a black shirt with a completely pixelated black and white background, the actress was merely dancing and letting her hair swing while belting the song and grooving to it…reports Asian Lite News

Actress Shruti Haasan has never been shy of showing her rock’n roll side these days as she has been frequently posting on her social media. This time, the actress-singer was belting songstress Bettye La Vette’s song ‘When a Woman’s Had Enough’.

While the original track is more mellow and does not use much high notes, Shruti was singing it completely high and seemed to be doing more out of just casually enjoying herself rather than practicing it or anything.

On her Instagram Story, she posted her clip and captioned it: “Normal screamy mornings at home to annoy @santanu_hazarika_art on national boyfriend day.”

Donning a black shirt with a completely pixelated black and white background, the actress was merely dancing and letting her hair swing while belting the song and grooving to it.

Before this also, the ‘Gabbar is Back’ actress had never made her love of rock a secret as she grew up listening to rock bands ranging from Nirvana, Rolling Stones, Metallica, Iron Maiden, Creed, The Beatles among other classic acts.

Back in September also, the ‘Premam’ actress had said that she likes working out with heavy metal music playing in the back which gives her extra boost and makes exercising a lot more enjoyable for her.

Shruti also has her own alternative rock band The Extramentals where she is the lead singer and has done various songs with them, including her big hit ‘Edge’, which currently is one of her better known songs.

The actress-singer, has also done playback singing in films such as ‘Unnaipol Oruvan’ and ‘En Mana Vaanil’.

In addition to soul and rhythm-blues, the actress also has posted various reels of herself singing out to various songs from many rock bands ranging from Nickleback to Rush, while even showing her singing abilities, and even done some Tamil rock songs with other bands.

Shruti Haasan, who has 25, 923, 198 followers on Instagram, is currently geared up for the Prabhas starrer-action-thriller film ‘Salaar-Part 1: Ceasefire’ which will release on December 22, 2023.

ALSO READ-Theatre Needs More Support, Corporate Backing Lacking