New Delhi:
Acclaimed sitar player, singer-songwriter and composer Anushka Shankar has earned not one, but two Grammy nominations this year. Her album “Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn” is nominated for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album, and her collaboration with British multi-instrumentalist Jacob Collier “A Rock Somewhere” has been nominated for the Best Global Music Performance Award.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV’s Hardika Gupta, Anushka spoke about her journey so far, her creative process and what these nominations mean to her.
Commenting on her two Grammy nominations, Anushka said, “It’s a great feeling when the work you’ve worked so hard for is recognized.” “Over the years, I have developed the view that awards and nominations are not a true indicator of one’s work, but the Grammy nomination is truly gratifying and exciting,” she added.
Anushka’s nomination for Best Global Music Performance was for her collaboration with Jacob Collier on “A Rock Somewhere.” Reflecting on how this collaboration came about, she describes it as an “enriching” experience.
She said, “Collaborating with Jacob was a truly enriching experience. We both share a deep appreciation for fusing diverse musical traditions, and this track brings us to that synergy.” The process was organic and each of us brought our own unique perspectives to create something.” It’s something that resonates across cultures. ”
When asked about her approach to music production, especially the fusion of Indian classical music with other genres, Anushka spoke about her love for collaboration and the element of surprise it brings. She continued, “I think the reason I like collaboration is because I love the surprises that come from other humans. Sure, I can write songs by myself in my room, but other people… If I’m coming up with an idea with someone else, their ideas are obviously different than mine, so the work itself could be better than something I could have created on my own, and it just illuminates something. That excitement is very inspiring.”
Anushka Shankar’s album “Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn” was also nominated for Best New Age, Ambient or Chant Album. “This album is the second part of a trilogy of mini-albums I have been working on. Chapter 2: How Dark It Is Before Dawn represents a deep exploration of ambient and neoclassical soundscapes. It marks a departure from my traditional work,” she explained. .
“Working with British producer Peter Raeburn, we began sessions in Los Angeles and London and adopted a minimalist approach to the sitar, which allowed us to delve into new sonic territory and create peaceful, I was able to create healing music,” she added.
Reflecting on her evolution as an artist, Anushka noted the difference in how she approaches her career now compared to when she first started performing as a teenager. She said: “I started performing when I was a teenager. Going through this as a teenager, I hadn’t yet found myself and my voice, so it was very nerve-wracking. But in my 40s, As a woman, I feel that way now.” I have a lot more ownership over my career, and the whole process of making music and managing my career has completely evolved and changed. ”
One of the most exciting aspects of A Rock Somewhere is the contribution of first-time Grammy nominee Valiyashree Venugopal. Anushka says, “Working with Valiyashree was a great experience. Her vocal talent and deep understanding of Indian classical music added rich layers to the track. She beautifully complemented the fusion we were aiming for. He has brought a fresh perspective to the world,” he said, expressing his admiration for the young artist. To achieve. ”
The 67th Annual Grammy Awards will be held on February 2, 2025 at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. Besides Anushka, Radhika Vekaria’s Warrior of Light and Chandrika Tandon’s Triveni are also nominated in the Best New Age category.
