IN CONVERSATION WITH EASHWAR SUBRAMANIAN
Your music is often described as " sonic experiments devoid of conventional musical grammar ."
While I did get some formal training in music , I was more drawn to exploring unconventional approaches to creating music . The reason for that is that most of the musical structure we know today is man made and it offers a set of rules and confines for music to be created .
However , ambient music is a kind of genre that does not conform to the traditional genres and offers scope to blend in many musical styles . When I view my music as a “ sonic experiment ”, it gives me a freedom to bring in unconventional approaches to melody and rhythm , which may not be possible in other music genres . Further , not sticking to a musical structure , provides the freedom to create music based on emotion rather than conventional grammar .
What does breaking away from traditional musical structure mean to you , and how do you approach creating something so abstract yet engaging ?
I approach music creation as a conversation with the heart and an emotional exercise . I rely on embellishing the music through an intuitive approach , as opposed to the tried and tested formats . I think , the focus on creating from an emotional space helps to create abstract pieces . Further , I feel it is important for an artist to immerse themselves in the music they create . If as an artiste I can enjoy my work and listen to it repetitively , then I consider such work to be engaging for other people as well . Interestingly , I have had people from varied walks reach out to me saying that the music has helped them heal and offered a soothing space to retreat into .
With a background in molecular genetics , strategy consulting , and a PhD in strategy , how do these seemingly unrelated fields shape your artistic process in ambient music creation ?
I would say the focus on music creation has helped me traverse these diverse backgrounds and occupations . Essentially , I believe that as humans we have unlimited potential . There is an entire generation of talent today , that does not define itself within the traditional confines of a job or a degree and seeks to express itself through art . Again , the focus on art is a selfless purpose , as it helps connect with our inner nature , beyond the competitiveness and rat race of our working lives . Further , it helps create an identity for ourselves as artists . A piece of music or art provides people much joy and as artists , we find fulfilment in leaving behind something for the world to enjoy for a long time to come .
Your work integrates Indian ragas , Middle Eastern tones , and Western influences . Do you view your music as a form of cultural storytelling , and how do you ensure authenticity across these diverse elements ?
Much of ambient and new age music that we hear is based on western notations . I believe that there is hardly any music in the ambient and new age genre that explores eastern and middle eastern influences . I would go so far to say that much of our Indian classical instrumental music is ambient in nature . But it is just that , it has for long had a select audience . As generations evolve , it is important to bring forth our cultural heritage in an appealing manner that creates a unique ambience for listeners as a whole . While creating music fusing several genres , I tend to lay greater emphasis on the melodic refrain that highlights the ragas and middle eastern approaches . I believe the authenticity of these elements in the larger musical motif could be possibly attributed to the character of the ragas and tones , which confer the unique signature .
Having released over 500 compositions in just five years , how do you maintain creativity and avoid repetition while producing such a large volume of work ?
I draw inspiration from a lot of world music that I listen to . The access to music across cultures through streaming platforms today , offers great exposure to music sensibilities across the world . From my personal stance , I view myself more as an improviser
than a composer . Everytime I sit at the keyboard , it ’ s a blank slate . I begin with sketches of sounds and experiment with combinations of sound modulations before arriving at the final output . I don ’ t quite plan or setout to create a certain form or piece . Rather I build on my emotional state while creating music and the sound palette I experiment with to create pieces . I come from a philosophy that everyone can create a piece of art . I believe that art is the highest form of self expression that lets us articulate the unsaid . I believe , that is perhaps true with everyone who engages in some art form . Despite all the training one may receive on the technicalities of the art form , art happens when one draws from an emotional space and makes every stroke and every note a personal expression .
Ambient music often evokes visual or emotional imagery . If you could pair one of your compositions with a film , painting , or moment in history , which would it be and why ?
It ’ s hard to answer this one . I would rather ask anyone who listens to the work to picture the imagery they wish to associate while listening . I would personally think that most of my works may suit natural settings and largely abstract paintings of any kind , if I had to pick . However , sometimes , I create tracks as a tribute or in association with a memory . For the Reclusive
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