How challenging it was to bring western classical elements into a Hindustani / Sufi based compositions in Inheritance ?
I remember we were planning to go to Budapest to record the symphony and shoot with them live . And then the COVID lockdown happened . So , Deepak ji recorded the whole symphony online . It ’ s challenging to depend so much on technology but the best part that it also gave us an option on how to make it happen . Deepak ji is known for his brilliance in Indian classical and western classical so for us it was a plus point . It is very important to connect to every generation so the only way we can keep Indian classical music alive is through fusing it with a modern approach so that every kind of audience listens to it . Our goal is to make Indian music reach different corners of the world .
Can you share any interesting incidents that happened during the recording of this album ?
We recorded all the final vocals first which is opposite to how we usually go about the recording process . I sang with
The Score Magazine
34 highonscore . com tanpura and click first . After I dubbed my final vocals , Deepak ji started the arrangements . It ’ s difficult to control and sing when you don ’ t have a track . So I sang for hours and from that we had to pick and choose which lines to keep for a 7 mins track .
How do you balance the spirit of both Hindustani and Western Classical music - as you are knowledgeable in both the contrasting genres ?
I have learned Indian classical music but in western I don ’ t have much command as it ’ s completely different from my singing style , so thank you for your kind words . I use vocal techniques and try to balance my vocal texture according to the demand of the song .
Your valuable piece of advice for budding musicians and vocalists who are willing to pursue Hindustani classical music ?
I believe that whatever you do or want to get into , know and learn the basics of it . Hindustani classical music is an ocean of great knowledge . If you have the knowledge you can present your art in the best way .
A lot of purists are against fusion as they feel it tampers with the sanctity of Hindustani classical music . How do you perceive this notion ? Do you think fusion is a good change in the world of music as the range of audience gets broadened ?
There are different ways of presenting the same thing . I personally believe there is no harm in making fusion music till the time the authenticity is not diluted . These days when people only want to listen to dance numbers so how will they appreciate the nuance of ‘ Bada Khayal ’? If we want people to know and enjoy Indian classical music , we have to present it interestingly . It ’ s exactly how a mother says no to junk food outside and makes a healthier pizza at home . We want the current and next generation to follow classical music and endeavours like Inheritance are a way to make that happen .
Your greatest musical influences , genre no bar .
My musical influencers are varied and range from Lata Mangeshkar to Celine Dion , Hariharan and Mehdi Hasan .
What do you love doing when not pursuing music ? I love to spend time with animals whenever I can . And , I also love to read and write poetry .
Your biggest motivating factor when it comes to composing and performing music ? I feel music is the language of every kind of emotion . It can be felt , conveyed and experienced . When people say that my music gives them happiness and joy , I feel motivated to continue .