Tiny Desk, global stage
Brunch|June 24, 2023
Carnatic music tends to sound incompatible with R&B, jazz and the Blues. So how did Sid Sriram get it all to blend so well?
Karishma Kuenzang
Tiny Desk, global stage

Remember the fusion wave? When every song seemed to be a mix of genres cobbled together like a hasty, desperate Tinder date?

Indian music has, thankfully, moved on to more stable relationships. In fact, Indian fusion (one kind of it) recently had a showcase at the Tiny Desk Concert. The intimate series, put together by the American media organisation NPR, is possibly one of the internet's most popular music events.

It's recorded in a small room, but it's no small feat. Dua Lipa has played a gig, as have Wu-Tang Clan and BTS. Chennai-born musician Sid Sriram, 33, joined that elite set in May.

Sriram, now based in Minneapolis, performed an original set, with unreleased songs from his upcoming album Sidharth. It blended R&B, Soul and Americana with Carnatic music. The concert has had just under 3 lakh views on YouTube. Among the 700+ comments is one from singer Monica Dogra: "You're amazing". Indian indie musicians such as Kamakshi Khanna have shared it on Instagram.

"I've been in music for over a decade," says Sriram. "My only pursuit is honest expression. That performance was a celebration of it. I wear it as a badge of honour that maybe more people will know what Carnatic music is or look up the term and dive into the beautiful rabbithole that is the form."

Early start

Denne historien er fra June 24, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra June 24, 2023-utgaven av Brunch.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA BRUNCHSe alt
Fit Check? Look Behind You
Brunch

Fit Check? Look Behind You

In gyms, someone is always filming. We are all in the frame without meaning to be. Is privacy at odds with fitness goals? Is consent even possible with all those mirrors?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Avantika Dassani
Brunch

Avantika Dassani

Actor, @AvantikaDassani

time-read
1 min  |
November 23, 2024
Keep your i on this BMW
Brunch

Keep your i on this BMW

The brand's beloved sedan has now gone electric. The i5 M60 has a sci-fi roar and razor-sharp graphics. It's worth the hype

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Why adapt when you can evolve?
Brunch

Why adapt when you can evolve?

Sometimes, the movie or show does it better than the book it is based on. Here's when to stream not flip

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Sharp edges, blunt words
Brunch

Sharp edges, blunt words

British chef Heston Blumenthal has gone public about his struggle with ADHD and bipolar syndrome. He hopes it calms kitchens down. It's hot in there already

time-read
3 mins  |
November 23, 2024
The suitable boy
Brunch

The suitable boy

He's played lovers, taxi drivers, street rats and rich brats. He's redefining what it means to be the token Brown boy on set. But would he be on a reality show? Ishaan Khatter tells us why he's a career chameleon and how he got here

time-read
4 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Stay stylish in your cubicle
Brunch

Stay stylish in your cubicle

Everyone's back at the office. Covid flexibilities are long forgotten. But being comfortable is still key. So, what are we wearing to work?

time-read
2 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Hey, I found you online
Brunch

Hey, I found you online

Baby pics, emo selfies, old tweets outing the ex. If it makes you cringe, it makes HR departments do too. Here's how to clean up your digital footprint

time-read
3 mins  |
November 23, 2024
Is It Scrolling Or Screening?
Brunch

Is It Scrolling Or Screening?

Being on the phone while the TV plays is the new normal. Just don't do it when there's company. A case for what it means to be present

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024
This week, we're...
Brunch

This week, we're...

Preferring the spinoff.

time-read
2 mins  |
November 16, 2024