Collaborating with Musical Giants: Studio Sessions & Fusion
Music is a universal language, and I have been beyond lucky to share the room and the mic with artists who push the boundaries of sound. Here are glimpses of those magical exchanges.
A surreal evening in the studio with the one-and-only Jacob Collier. This black and white photo captures the intense focus and joy of our musical exchange. Collaborating with a genius like him is a deeply reprogramming experience.
Another shot from the session with Jacob Collier, this time showing him completely lost in the music. Being in the room when this happens is pure magic.
A happy selfie with Jacob Collier after our musical exchange in Bengaluru. It's moments like these, connecting with artists I admire, that make this journey so special.
Jacob at the piano during our session. The wall behind him lists names, but that night, the only language in the room was music.
A candid shot of the team during the Jacob Collier session. The energy in the room was electric, and it was a privilege to witness this level of creativity.
A beautiful, happy moment with Jacob. Our collaboration on his song 'A Rock Somewhere' was a dream come true and led to my first Grammy nomination.
Jacob and his trusty crocodile companion in the studio. Even in moments of intense musical creation, there's always room for a bit of fun.
A selfie with Jacob at the Grammy Awards. Sharing a nomination with him and Anoushka Shankar was a monumental moment of celebration.
Jacob playing the glockenspiel during our session. His ability to pick up any instrument and create something beautiful is endlessly inspiring.
A moment of pure connection and friendship with Jacob. This is what collaboration is all about: sharing, learning, and creating with joy.
About Collaborating with Musical Giants
When I work with artists across different genres, we are rarely just swapping files or laying down tracks. We are usually in the thick of a dialogue, trying to reconcile the microtonal nuances of Carnatic ragas with Western jazz progressions. Whether it is finding the right bamboo flute texture to sit in a global beat or layering vocals to hit a specific emotional frequency, my goal is to make the connection real. It is messy, intense, and deeply rewarding work that happens right here in our studio home in Bengaluru.
My studio is not a place for rigid scripts. It is a 'jaathre'—a creative festival where we roll with whatever ideas spark in the moment. When I collaborate with giants of the industry, the process is built on trust and a shared curiosity. We lean into the improvisation that defines both Carnatic music and jazz.
For artists looking to incorporate my style into their projects, I bring more than just a vocal or flute part. I bring my training in Konnakol-based rhythmic structures and my experience as a co-producer.
Whether you need a remote feature where I layer harmonies and improv over your existing track, or an in-person, 5-hour collaborative block at a facility like Laya Digi, the outcome is always a distinct fusion of sounds. We do not just record instruments; we chase the 'pocket' and the groove. I have been blessed to learn from the best in the world, and I apply that same spirit of deep listening and collaboration to every project, whether it is a Grammy-nominated album or a new indie single. Let us make something that feels as alive as the music I have been lucky enough to witness.
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