My Music, My Collaborations, and My Roots
Music is my first language, a journey of connecting ragas with global rhythms. Here is a look at the collaborations, studio sessions, and the creative 'jaathre' (festival) that define my sound.
This short film captures the heart of how I love to create music. It shows the spontaneous, collaborative energy of the 'VARI' album sessions in Bangalore, where we blended Carnatic traditions with Western harmonies. This is what my studio sessions are all about: an open-minded fusion recording experience where we translate ideas across cultures to make something new.
One of the most surreal evenings in the studio, creating music with the genius Jacob Collier. Moments like these are what I live for, where different musical minds connect and something truly magical happens. This is the kind of deep, harmonic exploration I bring to every collaboration.
This was such a special moment, having my Appa and Guru, Vidwan H S Venugopal, play Carnatic flute on my album. You can see us working through the arrangement, finding the right spaces. This is how I bring my roots and the beautiful texture of the flute into my collaborative projects.
Holding my first Grammy nominee medal was an unbelievable feeling. For me, this isn't just a personal achievement but a celebration of all the incredible artists, gurus, and family who have been part of my journey. It’s a reminder that true art and collaboration shine bright.
This is a still from the music video for 'Harivaa Jhari', a song about water. My collaborations often extend beyond just audio to create a full visual and artistic experience. I love working with a team to bring a song's story to life through powerful visuals.
The 'jaathre' or festival vibe is real! This is our amazing team of Dollu players from Sagara, bringing their incredible energy to the studio. My sessions are about this kind of joy and community, celebrating the rich folk rhythms of my homeland.
Recording the dreamy vocal pads for 'Liquid Light' in Spain with some of the best voices in the world, who I'm lucky to call my friends. This shows how I love to layer vocals and build lush harmonies, creating a unique soundscape in my projects.
A truly humbling and precious memory of my first meeting with the master, Herbie Hancock. Sharing music and ideas with a legend like him is a profound experience that fuels my passion for jazz and fusion.
About Featured
When we work together, I don’t believe in rigid formulas. We start by sitting with your demo—whether it’s jazz, folk, or pop—and finding where my Carnatic roots, like a Konnakol rhythm or a flute texture, can naturally open up the track. It’s an organic process of listening, improvising, and translating ideas until the arrangement feels exactly right.
The 'Jaathre' Studio Vibe
My studio is less of a cold recording space and more of a creative 'jaathre'—a festival of ideas. Whether you are looking for a remote vocal feature for your production or a full 5-hour collaborative block here in Bengaluru, my approach remains the same: deep listening. I want the music to grow from your vision, adding layers that feel authentic and lived-in.
How We Create
- Remote Collaboration: I deliver 24-bit/48kHz stems, including your main lead, harmony, and ad-lib tracks. I am comfortable jumping into odd-time signatures or mixing Carnatic improvisation into jazz and global pop frameworks. My typical turnaround is 7-10 days.
- In-Person Sessions: We work at Laya Digi Studios. It’s where the real magic happens—real-time arrangement, co-writing, and the occasional chili bajji break for fuel. You leave with the full session data so the project is yours to mix.
- Full Production: For end-to-end projects, I take on the direction, hiring musicians from my network to build a complete ensemble. We arrange the Konnakol-based rhythmic structures and melodic lines to suit your specific composition.
Why Fusion Matters
My goal is to build a bridge between traditional Carnatic roots and the sounds you are chasing. You don't need to know the technicalities of ragas to collaborate; we find the emotional pocket first. I’ve worked with artists ranging from Jacob Collier to local folk percussionists, and every time, the process is about honoring the song’s truth.
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