Behind the Scenes: My Studio Recording Process
Music is rarely a solo journey. These moments capture the raw energy, the long hours, and the beautiful conversations that happen in the studio before a track is ready for your ears.
A candid shot from a joyous recording session. Making music on a rainy day with talented artists is the best way to spend time.
A selfie from the studio with my wonderful collaborators. These sessions are always filled with creativity and laughter.
A musician tuning his violin during our recording session. The attention to detail and dedication of my collaborators is always inspiring.
A look at the sound engineer's station during a recording. This is where all the different musical elements come together.
Starting the new year right, in the studio with these crazy, lovely people. Here's to more music and collaboration.
Another happy selfie from a productive studio session. The energy in the room is always so positive.
A rehearsal clip for an upcoming performance of compositions by S.R. Ramakrishna. Here I am singing a vachana, "Honnu Maye Embaru".
A quick jam session with a talented 'navtarist'. This is how new ideas and songs often begin to take shape.
A photo from a recording session at the legendary Lata Mangeshkar studio in Mumbai with folk artist Devu Khan. It was an honour to record there.
Another picture with folk artist Devu Khan at the Mumbai studio. Promoting traditional singing is something I feel strongly about.
About The Creative Process: In the Studio
When we are in the studio, the focus is not just on technical perfection—it is on the connection. Whether I am recording with a folk musician like Devu Khan or layering electronic textures with my regular team, we spend hours just finding the right groove. We do not chase the clock; we chase the emotion. If you are looking to produce a track with me, know that we will be spending a significant amount of time in these sessions to ensure your story sounds exactly how you feel it.
My studio process is an open dialogue. I rarely walk into a session with a rigid, closed-off plan. Instead, I bring the seeds of a composition—a poem, a rhythm, or a story—and then let the artists in the room help it grow.
The Collaborative Sound
I believe in the beauty of blending worlds. You will often find my tracks featuring a mix of traditional instruments like the harmonium or violin alongside modern programming and electronic textures. It is this friction between the old and the new that creates something fresh. In my typical 16-20 hour production cycle for a single track, we focus heavily on arrangement.
Where the Magic Happens
From the legendary recording setups in Mumbai, like the Lata Mangeshkar studio, to the more intimate home studios in Bengaluru, the environment matters. It is about creating a space where everyone feels comfortable to experiment, play, and make mistakes.
My Approach to Production
- Research & Ethos: Every song starts by mapping the soul of the project.
- Arrangement: We build the foundation using live instruments first. I value the warmth of a real violin or guitar over purely synthetic sounds.
- Vocals: As the lead vocalist, I focus on capturing the narrative delivery of the lyrics, ensuring the language—whether it is Kannada, English, or something else—retains its integrity and emotion.
This is not a factory line. This is a space for storytelling, and I am always grateful to share the journey with fellow artists.
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