I am a classical guitarist, composer and music producer. My captivating journey in the realm of music commenced in 2002. Initially drawn to the allure of rock bands heavily influenced by the iconic Pink Floyd, fate led me to discover the mesmerising world of classical guitar. As I delved into the study of musical technique, an extraordinary encounter with the Vipassana Meditation technique occurred when I was just 21 years old. This profound experience, in conjunction with my dedicated yoga practice, intertwined the essence of art with the pursuit of the Truth. Since then, I have been creating evocative music and crafting immersive soundscapes that serve as catalysts for introspective voyages. Throughout my artistic endeavours, my greatest wellspring of inspiration has been the remarkable musician Toumani Diabate.
My journey as a professional musician took off in 2010 when I ventured into the world of music through a captivating experience on the reality TV show, "India's Magic Star." I had the incredible opportunity to create music specifically tailored for the magic performances, Magic Music - Perfect! During those moments, I often found myself gazing at the sky, speaking to it, expressing my desire to compose music for films. Deep down, I believed it was a path where I could truly excel.
Life has a way of surprising us, often in surreal ways. To my astonishment, the sky the sky spoke back! Soon enough, I received an extraordinary opportunity to serve as the Music Director for my first film, "Not Out," directed by Jeff Goldberg. The film went on to receive remarkable acclaim, earning the esteemed title of "Best LGBTQ Film" at the Halo Festival in Russia, the Vesuvius International Film Festival, and the Masters of Cinema Film Festival. Additionally, it garnered recognition as an official selection at the NY Independent Film Festival and qFLIX Philadelphia, The LGBTQ+ Film Festival and Kalakar Festival.
Every musician has, at some point, dreamed of their first music video. Though it may not be a constant thought, it's surprisingly moving when such a whimsical dream becomes reality. I cherish this song and couldn't imagine a more fitting choice for my debut video. "Still Walking" embodies a mindset and philosophy I've carried throughout all stages of my life and across various realities I've experienced.
Jeff Goldberg resonated with the song when I included it in his film, "Not Out." He sensed something special in the track, which led to the creation of this incredible video—a concept I could never have envisioned on my own. Thanks to Jeff and his team at the Jeff Goldberg Studio, my whimsical dream has been transformed into a tangible reality.
In this EP, I have woven a tapestry of electronic influences into my production. The captivating allure of electronic music's hypnotic nature has deeply fascinated me, compelling me to incorporate its elements into both my studio work and live guitar performances. With an ardent desire to create a profound and introspective narrative, I have blended these electronic ideas, crafting an immersive sonic experience that resonates deeply with my audiences.
My approach towards this album is different from before, using the electric guitar and skills on the DAW.
The EP has been Mastered by Rohan Vengurlekar, who has also Mixed 'Smoove Grooth' and ‘Bombay’.
Release Date – 30th September 2022
"Look Up & Smile" holds a special place in my heart as my debut release. This musical endeavour encompasses a truly remarkable journey for me. Amidst the challenging circumstances of the 2020 lockdown, I poured my passion and dedication into every aspect of its creation. From composition to mixing, engineering, and recording, I meticulously crafted this album entirely within the confines of my home studio in Mumbai. The result is a testament to my unwavering commitment and a testament to the power of creativity even in the face of adversity.
It's a journey within and my take on the magic of acoustic music in the time of heavy production. It's a take on honesty and truth in the time of all of us having to wear a mask.
The Cover is the art of Allen Shaw and its design was put together by Abhijeet Kumar.