During the pandemic, when many people found themselves isolated and searching for a renewed sense of purpose, Rahul Mukerji began work on Mridhangit. The project provided Rahul with a constructive creative focus during a period of uncertainty while also creating an opportunity to connect and collaborate with musicians from around the world. Mridhangit features contributions from thirteen musicians, bringing together a diverse range of perspectives, backgrounds and musical talents. Notable collaborators include Praveen Sparsh, a prominent mridangam artist within the Indian classical music community; Leo Margarit, a southern France-born, Sweden-based drummer and member of the acclaimed progressive metal band Pain of Salvation; Ruben Rubio, an accomplished bassist from Spain recognised for his versatility; and Chaplin from South Africa, an accomplished pianist particularly known for creating beautifully evocative tonal moods. The international line-up is complemented by a number of talented local musicians. The title Mridhangit reflects the collaborative character of Rahul Mukerji’s project, combining the words mridangam, handpan and guitar. These three instruments represent the album’s fusion of musical styles, cultures and influences. The process of assembling tracks from musicians across the globe, with ideas, performances and arrangements exchanged remotely, demonstrates the adaptability, creativity and commitment of everyone involved. The album […]
Ajay Srivastav delivers a folky world music blend that takes you on a cosmic universal journey
In a world of X-factor, covers and comebacks it’s rare to find real innovation in music. Ajay Srivastav delivers a double helping by seamlessly fusing two disparate musical cultures of Delta Blues and Indian folk into a sonic whole to create ‘Karmic Blues’. Think Ben Harper having a late-night jam with George Harrison just after he came back from a sitar lesson with Ravi Shankar. As a musician Ajay has worked with a diverse variety of acts such as Jamiroquai, Gregory Isaacs, Zakir Hussain, Sister India and Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan. His song-writing skills have been touted by British music legend Jah Wobble who has produced two of his forthcoming tracks. Ajay’s passion for music and a global philosophy has taken him on a journey that has seen him work as a touring guitarist, compose for film and musical theatre, write Top 10 hits in India and garner success on the World Music scene with his band Botown. However, something was missing and while taking a break from touring he travelled to his father’s hometown of Varanasi ‘the holy city of India’ in search of his truth and came back with Karmic Blues. In his own words Ajay […]