Anoushka Shankar is considered one of the prominent artists in the music world. She is a sitar player and has received the British shield from the British House of Commons as the youngest and first woman to receive it. She is also the first Indian musician to perform live and participate in presenting the Grammy Awards, and she has nine nominations for the award. Anoushka Shankar recently revealed the first chapter of her mini-album titled “Forever, Now”. In addition, she will begin a tour in India and will participate in a Lollapalooza concert.
Growing Up in the Shankar Family
Growing up in the Shankar family was a unique experience. It was a creative environment with many artists and musicians always present. Music was continuously played, and sometimes there were dance rehearsals. Thus, she had a great opportunity to learn about the art and culture that formed an important part of her life and artistic work.
The Discipline Required to Excel in Indian Classical Music
Indian classical music requires a significant amount of discipline, practice, and focus. To master the instrument and develop your singing voice, it takes years of practice, concentration, and dedication. For young people, this can be challenging and requires a lot of commitment.
The Power of Indian Classical Music and Its Impact on the World
Indian classical music has a wonderful range, dynamism, excitement, and exceptional skill. Most importantly, it carries a spiritual connection at its heart. There is a link between vibration and healing. The small raagas can positively influence a person. There’s a reason people around the world have returned to Indian classical music for generations, because there is something unique about it.
Types of Sounds and Vibrations That Attract You
I have always had a wide range of musical interests. I love mysterious music, dance music, psychedelic music, calm and slow music. I am interested in sincere music that comes from the artist’s heart. I am also interested in music that highlights artistic skill. I believe there is a place for fun and light-hearted music. I need a complete set as a human being to reflect the entire listening life and experience.
Have You Ever Experienced Writer’s Block or Creative Block?
There have been times when I felt that “I need to write, I need to write,” but nothing comes. But my experience tells me that once I put myself in a writing situation, whether that’s placing myself in a room full of artists and musicians, or setting a deadline and committing to it, things start to happen. Usually, that does happen. Once I tap into that creative source, it’s always there for me. It’s only when I separate myself from it that I feel like I’m experiencing writer’s block.
Your Experience Learning from Pandit Ravi Shankar
He is one of the greatest sound designers of all time. There’s no doubt about that. As I said, his playing style was unique and revolutionary that you could tell it was his composition distinctly. The experience of learning from him was extremely unique. My musical style was influenced and shaped by his imprint. I learned a lot from his ideas, systematic approach, and knowledge of raagas. He had a tremendous impact. Like many of his other students, I truly benefited from learning from him, performing music with him, and expanding that learning on stage. It is an integral part of the tradition of learning classical music where you can learn live performance. It’s unique and beautiful.
Your Experience in the Evolution of the Music Industry from Tapes and CDs to the Streaming Era
As I said, I started in the music industry in the nineties. My first album was released on CDs and tapes. It gradually evolved into streaming platforms. I believe this evolution has been creatively liberating. Why? Because I wouldn’t have thought of the idea of mini-albums. We can release music and songs whenever we want. When CDs were invented, people weren’t thinking about music in a 60-minute cycle before it was created. So that formed the idea of what we think of as an album. And now that is changing too. I think it’s exciting when technology continues to evolve in terms of how art is made.
Samarpita
Dasa
Samarpita Das is a member of WION.
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