The 'VARI' Album: A Global Music Journey
Step into my 'jaathre' (festival) of sounds. Explore the creative process behind my album 'VARI', where my Carnatic roots meet global jazz, folk, and world music. From spontaneous sessions in Bangalore to recording vocal pads in Spain, this is how we brought the music to life.
A mini-documentary on our Bangalore sessions for 'VARI'. It shows how we act as translators between Carnatic and Western sounds, creating a spontaneous and open-minded fusion recording experience.
A precious session with my father and Guru playing the Carnatic flute for the song 'Kannada'. This is a perfect example of how I integrate traditional flute textures and deep personal history into my compositions.
The 'Liquid Light' team in Spain, tracking dreamy vocal pads with some of the best voices in the world. This is how I approach vocal arrangements, layering harmonies to create rich, emotional soundscapes.
A beautiful session with Veena maestro Rajhesh Vaidhya for the song 'Dream'. It was a joy to guide the arrangement and watch him bring his magic, blending the classical Veena sound into a new context.
My mentor and friend, Praveen D Rao, adding his brilliant touch on the harmonium. Having him on my album was so special, as he was one of the first to guide me in a studio setting.
Working with the amazing Ojas Adhiya on tabla for the songs 'Jaathre' and 'Search'. This clip shows our collaborative process of refining rhythmic ideas to find the perfect groove.
Here you can see us working with Sarfaraaz Khan on the Sarangi for the song 'Dream'. His soulful playing added such a beautiful, melodic layer, showcasing how we can weave traditional instruments into modern arrangements.
The Dollu players from Sagara bringing their raw, powerful energy to the studio for 'Harivaa Jhari'. This is how I incorporate the vibrant folk percussion of Karnataka into my music, creating an authentic and high-energy sound.
Behind the scenes of recording 'Ranjani' in Bangalore. You can see the whole team in action, from the string section to the percussionists, as we build the track layer by layer.
Celebrating the camaraderie between producer Michael League and co-producer Pramath Kiran during the folk percussion recording. This joy and friendship is the foundation of the 'VARI' album.
About The 'VARI' Album: A Global Music Journey
When you look at the studio sessions for 'VARI', you will notice it was not just about recording parts. Whether we were layering vocal pads in Spain or tracking folk percussion in Bangalore, it was a constant translation between my Carnatic roots and global sounds. If you are looking to collaborate, know that my studio is not a factory. It is a space where we find the groove by jamming, listening, and being open to the unexpected.
Creating 'VARI' was a cross-continental conversation. We did not walk in with rigid sheet music. Instead, we treated the studio as a lab. Working with producers like Michael League meant taking Indian classical elements, like odd-time signatures and specific raga improvisations, and placing them in a Western context. We often incorporated jazz harmonies or Brazilian grooves to see how they would sit alongside traditional instruments.
The 'Translation' Process
My favorite part of this project was acting as a bridge between musicians. When a Sarangi player or a Dollu percussionist walks into the room, my job is to translate their traditional expertise into a language that a jazz or Western-trained musician can instantly understand.
Why This Matters for You
If you are planning to collaborate, I bring this same open approach. Whether you need a vocal feature, flute texture, or full production help, I focus on the emotional punch. We don't just record tracks, we build a dialogue. We can blend your vision with Carnatic, jazz, or folk influences, ensuring the final output feels authentic to your story rather than just another generic sound. My studio in Laya Digi, Bangalore, is ready for that kind of experimentation.
Varijashree Venugopal
I'm Varijashree. Music has been my first language since I was a baby, and for me, it is all about connection. Whether it is a flute piece or a vocal arrangement, I love finding that sweet spot where tradition meets a fresh, global vibe.
What sound are you looking to create?
Let's find the right musical direction for your next project.
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