Varijashree Venugopal, the accomplished Carnatic musician, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first Indian artist signed with the esteemed American music label GroundUP. With this groundbreaking collaboration, Venugopal embarks on a journey to showcase the rich heritage of Carnatic music to audiences around the world.
“It’s a great honour and privilege to have a platform where I can represent the music of my land to the world,” expresses the 32-year-old musician, who recently graced the stage at the GroundUP Music Festival in Miami, USA, earlier this month.
Venugopal’s vision extends beyond personal acclaim; she sees this opportunity as a means to introduce Carnatic music to diverse audiences who may be unfamiliar with its depth and beauty. “I’ve always dreamt of taking Carnatic music to every corner of the world. This milestone is facilitating the process of introducing this genre of music to audiences who probably have no idea of it,” she shares passionately.
Her debut album under the GroundUP label, titled “Vari,” is poised to release in May this year. Describing it as a fusion of global sounds interwoven with Carnatic elements, Venugopal attributes its inspiration to her profound connection with Carnatic music. Collaborating with musician Michael League, founder of GroundUP and the fusion jazz band Snarky Puppy, Venugopal infuses her album with an eclectic mix of influences.
The album features contributions from forty Bengaluru-based artists alongside internationally acclaimed musicians like bassist Victor Wooten. Venugopal’s deliberate inclusion of traditional Indian instruments such as the violin, sarangi, and shehnai enriches the album’s sonic tapestry, offering listeners a transcendent musical experience.
Looking ahead, Venugopal envisions taking her music on an international tour, further expanding the reach and impact of Carnatic music on a global scale. Beyond her debut album, she remains committed to exploring the fundamentals of Indian music and innovatively presenting it to audiences worldwide.
Varijashree Venugopal’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of music to transcend cultural boundaries and foster cross-cultural appreciation. With her pioneering spirit and unwavering dedication, she continues to illuminate the world with the timeless beauty of Carnatic music, leaving an indelible mark on the global music landscape.
