From Prayagraj to the Grammys: The Story Behind 'Sounds of Kumbha'
Delhi-based musician and producer Siddhant Bhatia has achieved a remarkable milestone with his nomination at the 68th Grammy Awards for the Best Global Album category. His project, Sounds of Kumbha, is a 12-track album that intricately weaves together field recordings from Prayagraj during the Mahakumbha, backed by the Uttar Pradesh government. In an exclusive email interview from Los Angeles, Bhatia shares insights into this collaborative endeavor and what the Grammy recognition signifies for him and Indian culture.
The Genesis of 'Sounds of Kumbha'
The album was commissioned by the Uttar Pradesh Government with a clear yet creatively open brief: to create an authentic, respectful, and globally relevant musical expression of the Mahakumbha. Bhatia explains, "The project was envisioned as a cultural and spiritual representation through music, aiming to preserve the true spirit of the Mahakumbha in a form that could travel across the world." His role involved translating this intent into sound, crafting an album rooted in Indian spirituality while speaking a universal language.
Collaborative Efforts and Musical Process
Sounds of Kumbha features collaborations with renowned musicians such as Kala Ramnath, Charu Suri, Kanika Kapoor, Aditya Gadhvi, and Pravin Godkhindi. The creation process was intense and organic, beginning with field recordings at Prayagraj. "Those recordings became the foundation," Bhatia notes, with additional sessions at SoulTrax Studios in New Delhi and international locations. The compositions evolved naturally from these sounds, guided by intuition rather than rigid planning.
Spiritual Influences and Personal Journey
Bhatia's spiritual journey, influenced by Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, played a pivotal role in shaping the album. "Spirituality has always been central to my life and music," he says, emphasizing themes of unity and inner stillness. As a classically trained vocalist from the Patiala Gharana, his foundation in discipline and emotional depth, combined with expertise in sound engineering, allowed him to blend musical intuition with scientific techniques like binaural beats for immersive listening experiences.
Grammy Nomination and Global Recognition
The Grammy nomination came as a surprise to Bhatia, who did not create the album with awards in mind. "This recognition is for the country, representing Indian culture and the collective energy of the Mahakumbha on a global platform," he reflects. Competing against artists like Anoushka Shankar and Shakti, he views it as an honor rather than a competition, highlighting the diverse narratives in global music.
Response from the Uttar Pradesh Government
The Uttar Pradesh Government has been supportive from the outset, with the nomination seen as a proud moment for both the state and the nation. Bhatia acknowledges their foresight in enabling this cultural initiative, which has garnered national and global impact.
In summary, Sounds of Kumbha stands as a testament to India's rich cultural heritage, bridging local traditions with international acclaim through heartfelt musical storytelling.
