In this interview, The Papori Harsh Project and Vishal J Singh’s track Bhairavi is looked at, from recording it to the genre and how folk fusion is coming together. Check out the interview here with us!:
1) Your recent explorations have been about infusing folk and metal. What inspired you to do this?
Folk and metal may sound worlds apart, but at their core they share raw emotion and storytelling. The inspiration came from wanting to honour earthy, rooted melodies while giving them a bold, contemporary edge—letting tradition and rebellion converse, rather than collide.
2) Tell us about Bhairavi. How did you chance upon this single for this reprise?
Bhairavi has always been one of my most beloved raags. As a former student of Guruji Padmaja Chakraborty—herself a direct disciple of the legendary Vidushi Girija Devi—I was blessed with the rare, almost divine opportunity to learn this thumri from the very source, in its most authentic form.
My love for fusion naturally urged me to present the thumri genre to an audience that might otherwise never encounter it. Hence, this fusion—an attempt to carry the soul of tradition into newer listening spaces, without diluting its essence.
3) Vishal and your collaboration has been a great balance of the contemporary and traditional. Is finding a balance difficult at times?
Striking a balance between pure classical music and the contemporary soundscape of metal is both challenging and deeply rewarding—and the ease or difficulty depends largely on intent, understanding, and restraint.
4) Tell us about recording at Toxic Teddy studios and with Bhargav Sarma. How did he add to this one’s recording magic?
Oh, we recorded remotely at our respective studios.
5) After Challa and Bhairavi, what is next for us to experience? Are there any more varied expressions you’re looking forward to?
At the core of my musical identity, I am a multi-genre artist. My work spans Ghazals, Sufi, folk, Bollywood and Hindustani classical traditions, presented through a contemporary fusion lens. So this year apart from doing concerts in these genres
I plan to venture into a unique musical space — the fusion of Ghazal and Jazz — bringing together poetic depth and improvisational freedom. Have already started some work on this. Hopefully by the year end we’ll get to see some results too
6) If this leads to an album being completed, are there live shows slated where you will perform?
Yes, of course. If this leads to an album, definitely.
7) We’re grateful for this anthem of power that you’ve performed so well. What other themes do you want to explore with your newer releases?
While I continue to perform & record fusion sounds with Indian music, as I mentioned earlier, I am looking forward to seeing what my exploration through ghazal & jazz will lead to.
Check out the single here!:
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