My Voice, My Flute, and Carnatic Roots
Music is my first language, and this cluster captures the heart of it. From the bamboo flute my Appa taught me, to the deep-rooted Carnatic improvisations that shape every fusion note I sing, this is the core of my sound.
Playing flute alongside my father and Guru is a deeply spiritual experience. This clip shows how I use the Carnatic flute, a core part of my musical identity, in a collaborative studio setting.
On stage, playing the flute during a fusion performance. The flute is like a second voice for me, and I love weaving its melodic texture into different musical styles.
Singing a few lines from my song 'Search' while surrounded by nature. This is an example of my Carnatic vocal style and songwriting, which is deeply inspired by my roots and my language, Kannada.
This is a video from 2017 of me attempting to sing John Coltrane's solo on 'Giant Steps' using Indian sargam. This exercise was a turning point for me, opening a gateway to applying my Carnatic vocal training to jazz improvisation.
I couldn't resist singing along to 'Katerina' by Michael League and Bill Laurance. This is just me, at home, exploring how my vocal style can interact with beautiful Western harmonies.
A short flute and harmonium duet from our 'Kannada (Live)' session. This kind of spontaneous musical conversation is where the magic of fusion happens.
A shot of me playing the flute, featured by Gigital India. The flute is in my blood, and it's an essential part of the sound I offer in any studio session or collaboration.
Transcribing and singing a complex section from Snarky Puppy's 'Lingus' using Indian notation (swaras). This is how I bridge the gap between my Carnatic training and modern jazz fusion.
The music video for 'Ranjani', a track built around a traditional Carnatic raga. This showcases my ability to compose and perform intricate vocal patterns that are the foundation of my style.
A candid shot of me singing during the 'Vari (The Live Sessions)' filming. This captures the pure joy I feel when I'm singing and expressing myself through music.
About My Voice, My Flute, My Roots
I don't just layer vocals or flute over a track; I look for the space where my classical roots can talk to your production. Whether it is using complex Konnakol rhythmic patterns or the specific melodic interpretation of a raga, my focus is on finding the 'pocket' in your music where my tradition can add something fresh, using studio-grade 24-bit WAV recording to ensure that raw emotional punch is captured perfectly.
My musical journey is defined by the bridge between the spiritual depth of Carnatic music and the improvisational freedom of jazz. When we work together, whether remotely or in person at Laya Digi Studios in Bengaluru, the process is less about rigid planning and more about a creative 'jaathre'—a festival of ideas.
My Approach to Collaboration
My classical training allows me to approach your music with a deep understanding of rhythm and melody. I bring:
- Vocal Improvisation: I layer harmonies, pads, and ad-libs that are rooted in raga-based improvisation but adapted for Western harmonic structures.
- Bamboo Flute Texture: The flute acts as a second voice. I use it to provide subtle, breathing textures or upfront melodic solos that bring a unique, earthy feel to modern tracks.
- Rhythmic Complexity: I specialise in adapting Konnakol (rhythmic solfege) structures into odd-time signatures, giving your production a level of rhythmic interest that feels both complex and natural.
The Workflow
Whether you need a quick vocal feature or a full ensemble production, I believe in being hands-on. For remote collaborations, we start with a virtual session to align on the mood and lyrics, ensuring my contribution feels like a natural part of your vision, not an afterthought. For in-person sessions in Bengaluru, we focus on real-time jamming to lock in the groove. My goal is to make sure every note has intent, love, and a bit of that creative chaos that makes music truly alive.
Varijashree Venugopal
I grew up humming ragas before I could even talk, and music has always been my way of connecting with the world. Whether it's a deep dive into vocal improvisation or weaving the unique texture of the Carnatic bamboo flute into your track, I’m here to bring those deep-rooted sounds to your project with a lot of love and spontaneity.
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