Behind the Scenes: Studio and Rehearsals
Every song starts with a spark, a conversation, and a whole lot of love. Come behind the curtain to see how my band and I turn raw ideas into the music you hear on stage.
This short documentary shows the making of my album 'Vari' with producer Michael League. It captures our conversations, the spontaneous ideas, and the process of translating Carnatic music into a new context with our amazing guest musicians.
A fun rehearsal session for our 'Vari' album live show. This clip shows the intricate vocal and keyboard parts we work on, and the pure joy of making music with these incredible people.
Celebrating the camaraderie between Michael League and Pramath Kiran during a folk percussion recording session. This video shows the magic that happens when different musical worlds collide in the studio.
A few snippets from our live band rehearsals for my new album. These are the precious, fun-filled days where the music really starts to come alive, surrounded by brilliant and kindhearted humans.
More candid moments from our album rehearsals. This video captures the laughter, the serious discussions, and the collaborative spirit that defines our creative process.
A happy group photo from our album rehearsal sessions. This is the amazing team of musicians who poured their hearts and souls into creating the music for 'Vari'.
An open rehearsal in Bogotá before our performance at Jazz al Parque. It was a pleasure to share our process with local students and music lovers, thanks to our partnership with Idartes.
A wider view of our open rehearsal in Bogotá. You can see the audience listening intently as we run through our set, creating an intimate and educational atmosphere.
Another angle from our open rehearsal. It was a unique opportunity for us to connect with the local music community and share the stories behind our songs.
Our keyboardist, Jason, during the open rehearsal in Bogotá. He's a master of creating textures and moods that elevate the music.
About Behind the Music: Studio & Rehearsals
My album ‘Vari’ wasn't just recorded; it was lived. We spent ten long, laughter-filled days in the studio translating traditional Carnatic improvisations into a global language with Michael League. It is not just about hitting the right notes, it is about the vulnerability of trying something new—like finding space for Brazilian chord changes inside a raga.
The creative process is where the real magic happens. When I step into the studio, the goal isn't just to track instruments; it's to have a conversation. Working with Michael League on ‘Vari’ taught me so much about how to take my roots and grow the tree in different directions. We didn't just record tracks; we experimented.
Translating Tradition
One of the most rewarding challenges we faced was fitting my Carnatic vocals and flute into a format that non-Indian musicians could connect with instantly. We had to act as translators, breaking down complex concepts like Kalpana Swaras and Raga Alapana into a musical language that our amazing band of percussionists, bassists, and keyboardists could internalize and build upon.
The Rehearsal Room
Whether we are in a studio in Bengaluru or holding an open rehearsal in Bogotá for Jazz al Parque, the energy remains the same. Rehearsals are my favorite kind of work. It is where you see the shift from an idea to a feeling. You will see us laughing through mistakes, dissecting vocal textures, and figuring out how to balance the precision of my classical background with the high-octane freedom of a six-piece fusion band. It is intense, it is raw, and it is entirely honest.
If you have ever wondered what goes into a live fusion show, this is the raw footage. From Pramath’s percussion setup to Apoorva’s dedication to every violin phrase, these moments are the foundation of every show we play.
Varijashree Venugopal
I’m Varijashree. Music is my first language—I was humming ragas before I could speak, and today, I’m lucky enough to share that rhythm with a global family of musicians. Whether we’re in a quiet studio or on a massive festival stage, my goal is always to keep the conversation honest and full of heart.
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