JOIN USIn Sanskrit, the word ‘Shoonya’ translates to ‘nothingness’ — an Indian concept of how everything comes into being from nothingness.
And that is how ‘Shoonya’ the band takes inspiration from its ‘nothingness’ to create some of the most eclectic and genre-defying music. Formed in 2006 and having given over 150 performances, this band has a unique style of music which combines genres as varied as jazz, Indian classical, African, sufi and folk — a genre aptly called as ‘world music’. The band comprises of Ashok Kumar (djembe and darbouka), Sridhar Sagar (saxophone), Pramod Stephen (bass), Kiran Shankar (keyboard) and Shrinidhi (mandolin).
The band members share their experiences and thoughts on music with Rajitha Menon.
How was this band formed?
Sridhar: Shoonya is the brain child of Ashok. He is a percussionist who plays the djembe, an African folk drum. Ashok also does a lot of work in the area of theatre and contemporary dance. While doing this, he met a few musicians who were
inspired by his rhythms and were keen to collaborate with him. So, he established ‘Shoonya’ as a platform for people from various artistic backgrounds to introduce their musical ideas to the world.
How do you describe your music?
Stephen: I feel Shoonya’s music is mostly explorative in nature. While there is a thematic phrase which denotes the content of the piece, we embark on a creative journey during the rehearsal and on the stage. It is more like an artiste’s expression about a particular idea. Though there is an overall structure, all of us adapt ourselves to the new layers brought by the guest artistes in the performance.
Shrinidhi: It is a free-spirited band playing improvisational music across genres. We dabble in everything from folk music and traditional carnatic to african rhythms and contemporary jazz. That makes it very difficult to describe our sound in one word.
What are the favourite genres of all members and do they incorporate these elements into the band's music?
Ashok: I take inspiration from indian classical ragas to african, latino and middle-eastern rhythms. Pramod Stephin has a western classical music background, while Sridhar and Shrinidhi are trained carnatic musicians and bring that sensibility in to the music. And Kiran - our youngest band member - is inspired by Rock, Blues and Film music. Each of us bring our varied tastes and interests into the music that we create for Shoonya.
Pramod: But that is not all. As and when we collaborate with other artists, they too bring their musical instruments, genres and inspiration in to the mix. Our recent collaborators have come from diverse backgrounds like Prakash Sontakke (Hawaiian guitar), Milind Date (Hindustani Flautist), Manoj George (Violinist), Colin D'Cruz (Bassist) and Lester Gudino (Drums).
You have collaborated with other forms of art too...
Kiran: Yes, it is not musical collaborations alone. We bring artistes from visual and performing arts into our performances too. This is to add a different colour and richness to our music. We have associated with artistic geniuses like painter BKS Verma and dancer Abilash Ningappa.
What is the story behind the name of the band?
Ashok: Shoonya is word that has a special space and dimension in many cultures - Buddhism, Sufism and Hinduism. It translates to 'Nothingness' in Sanskrit. The intent is to reach this state of nothingness which is the highest state of the mind. And music serves as the medium to do so.
Which is why our influences are so varied- from folk music, carnatic and hindustani music to west african rhythms. Music in any form and any language is a way to peace.
Most memorable gig?
Srinidhi: Our first public performance at Alliance Francaise in Bengaluru in 2006. It was a labour of love after months of rehearsals. The show was a successful full house and the response we got inspired us to take the journey forward.
Who, or what is your musical inspiration?
Sridhar: We all take inspiration from the rich tradition of Bhakti-marg in our own country (like Kabir, Purandara Dasa) and the Sufi musicians and philosophers (like Rumi).
Wow! That seems a bit too intense...
Ashok: (Laughs) To an outsider yes, but that's the basis of our music. The central idea for the band is that music needs to go beyond mere entertainment and serve as a medium that brings harmony within oneself and with others.