Anoushka Shankar has significantly impacted the music world by creating a unique sound and style of her own. Known for her extraordinary ability to blend traditional Indian classical music with genres such as jazz, electronica, and contemporary classical, she has steadily evolved as a versatile musician. This transformative journey can be best exemplified by her latest project — a trilogy album, which delves into diverse themes and emotions across its three parts. The first two chapters of this mini-album trilogy, Chapter I: Forever, For Now, released in October last year, and Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn, released in April, have already set a high bar for what listeners can expect.
In an in-depth conversation conducted over a video call from her London home, Anoushka Shankar provided insights into her creative process, collaborative experiences, and reflections on her musical legacy. Here are the key excerpts from the edited interview.
**What inspired the trilogy, and how are ragas, themes, and moods represented across its parts?**
According to Shankar, the trilogy depicts a musical journey divided into distinct parts. Each chapter explores unique themes and moods. “Chapter One,” she explains, “evokes a sunlit garden with melodies and features the evening raga Madhumati, while Chapter Two delves experimentally into the night and healing through ambient textures.” The upcoming “Chapter Three,” she reveals, promises a culmination with themes of strength and joy.
**What inspires your compositions — situations leading to music or the need to create music that defines the situation?**
Shankar states that strong emotions — whether personal or derived from external events — drive her creativity when she is alone and writing. “It could be anything from anger to heartbreak over the news,” she said. These emotions find their way into her music, providing it with a nuanced depth. Collaboration also serves as a significant source of inspiration, allowing for an exchange of ideas that she finds immensely enriching.
**Is it challenging for instrumentalists that their music is interpretative, as opposed to vocalists who can communicate specific messages through lyrics?**
Shankar acknowledges the challenge but also highlights the unique benefits of instrumental music. “Sometimes, instrumentalists have a challenge, but that is a different benefit,” she notes. She explains that instrumental music transcends specific emotions, offering a versatile and universal language that can be comforting and all-encompassing. “Music transcends emotions and binds us; it can be a source of comfort, sometimes even overcoming obstacles, even without vocals.”
**As a global musician, how does your mindset or approach change when you visit India to perform or collaborate?**
Practically speaking, not much changes, according to Shankar. Her band and compositions remain consistent wherever she performs. However, emotionally, playing in India holds a special significance for her. “There’s always a sense of rootedness and musical homecoming whenever I return to India to play. I feel a deeper gratitude when I perform in India because I feel so connected to my musical roots,” she expresses.
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**Given your legendary father’s influence, did you always know you wanted to become a full-time musician?**
Interestingly, Shankar reveals that she was not one of those rare individuals who had total clarity from an early age. She was given the freedom to explore various interests, even though she was deeply immersed in a vibrant musical environment. She ultimately made the decision to pursue music full-time around the age of 18, choosing it over further academic studies.
**If you had considered a degree, what would you have graduated in?**
Shankar disclosed that she has always loved languages and the written word. “I love writing, so maybe English literature. Otherwise, it is something in the humanities or about people,” she shares. The older she gets, she finds herself drawn more towards the therapeutic psychological space.
**You have dealt with traumatic experiences; how do you source your strength to move on?**
Shankar believes that the more we live, the more faith we have in our ability to go through hardships because we have evidence based on past experiences. She also credits her support system — particularly family and friends — for helping her through difficult times. “Sometimes, your strength is the product of the strength of the people around you,” she notes.
**Does having a multicultural background provide an advantage to an artist?**
Shankar acknowledges that a multicultural background can be advantageous, especially in creative exploration. She explains that this background helped her adapt, communicate respectfully, and navigate different environments, particularly useful for traveling and sharing her art globally. “Creatively, too, it’s been enriching because it allows for a more authentic exploration of artistic influences,” she adds.
**What have your major global collaborations taught you, and how do you perceive collaborations in general?**
Successful collaborations, according to Shankar, are built on respect and humility. “It is important to approach each collaborator with a deep appreciation for their traditions and styles,” she advises. The best collaborations, she elaborates, thrive when personal agendas take a back seat to what serves the collective creation best.
**Do you envision your sons performing or being inclined towards the sitar?**
Shankar reveals that neither of her sons is particularly interested in the sitar, although they are both musical and artistic. “I decided ages ago if I’d rather be their guru or mom, and I don’t think I can do both effectively,” she admits.
**Are they aware of the family legacy?**
Yes, her sons are aware of the family legacy, though it doesn’t heavily influence their daily lives. “They know about their grandfather’s (Ravi Shankar) music and contributions, and they are proud of it and supportive of my musical journey,” Shankar shares.
**Is there a parallel between the role you play for your sons now and the role your mother played for you during your upbringing?**
Shankar believes there are many parallels between her role as a parent and her mother’s role during her upbringing. “I parent more like my mother than my father because I’m their parent rather than a distant figure,” she concludes, emphasizing that while each generation brings its own differences, the core values remain the same.
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