South Asian-American artist Gayathri Krishnan discusses her journey, her unique musical fusion, and her performance at Quoz Arts Fest this year. She delves into the tradition of Carnatic music—a classical form from South India—and how her extensive training in it influences her contemporary R&B and neo-soul sound. She shares her start in music, her influences from Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber to contemporary R&B artists like Cleo Sol and Brandy, and Indian musician and producer Sid Sriram, and the challenge of blending traditional and modern styles. She speaks about her collaborative approach to songwriting, her commitment to the raw, unfiltered experience of a live performance, and her hope to inspire audiences to embrace their truest selves.
South Asian-American artist Gayathri Krishnan discusses her journey, her unique musical fusion, and her performance at Quoz Arts Fest this year. She delves into the tradition of Carnatic music—a classical form from South India—and how her extensive training in it influences her contemporary R&B and neo-soul sound. She shares her start in music, her influences from Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber to contemporary R&B artists like Cleo Sol and Brandy, and Indian musician and producer Sid Sriram, and the challenge of blending traditional and modern styles. She speaks about her collaborative approach to songwriting, her commitment to the raw, unfiltered experience of a live performance, and her hope to inspire audiences to embrace their truest selves.
Explore Quoz Arts Fest 👉 https://www.instagram.com/quozartsfest/
0:23 Early Musical Background and Obsessions
1:14 What Is Carnatic Music?
5:02 The Setup of a Carnatic Performance
5:39 The Show at Quoz Arts Fest
6:14 Navigating Music Fusion: Honoring Tradition in Modern Sounds
8:00 Feedback on Fusion: The Carnatic Community Response
8:45 Influences and Finding Confidence: Sid Sriram
11:03 The Collaborative Approach to Songwriting
13:02 Live Performance vs. Studio Recording
17:06 The Festival’s Role as a Cultural Melting Pot
17:48 Defining Impact and Seeking Inspiration
19:42 On Spiritual Music and Lyrical Intent
20:56 Upcoming Project: An EP About Family
Gayathri Krishnan is a singer-songwriter and producer from Los Angeles who merges her traditional roots with contemporary flair. Drawing from her upbringing in Carnatic music — the classical South Indian music system — and her exploration of modern R&B influences, Gayathri’s sound, her introspective songwriting, and lush harmonies were evident in her debut EP "Create to Express (2020)," which amassed six million cumulative streams solely as an independent release. On-stage, Gayathri leaves an indelible impression rich in soul, melodic vocals, spirited energy, and fusion in elements of Bharatanatyam — a classical style of Indian dance.
Connect with Gayathri Krishnan 👉 https://instagram.com/gayathriikrishnan
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns
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