by Vishal Venkatesh
The seeds of Gana’s self-titled album comes down to a collaborative effort, but one of the focuses is,arguably, an explorative journey into global musical influences (e.g. Western, Eastern, Irish,
Spanish), to ultimately create “ a sense of internal peace”.
This intention clearly translates into ‘Mahatma’, where Gana discovered that the soulful
strings of a guitar possessed the capability of creating stylised Indian expression.
1st Sept 2019 Performance of Mahatma - Photo Credit: Film Drop
Using this discovery as a basis, Gana ventured to create nine other pieces which each have their own nuance to offer. There is something fresh and new to take for the audience, regardless of whether they listen to a piece in isolation or the album in its entirety. Beyond purpose-driven compositions, Gana decided to not compromise on his experimental attitudes – this unique and subtle blend was workshopped with Audius Mtawarira who acted as Gana’s primary source of feedback throughout the album creation process.
“There were 6 compositions which Audius said, go for it.” but Gana felt that a few extra
songs were needed to make the album feel more complete and genre-rounded.
Compositions like Irelon Stomp and Veetu Kuthu and the use of diverse high-calibre
instruments like the mridangam and tin whistle, are products of a “collaborative effort”.
Gana was effectively able to find intersection points between Indian musical mannerisms and Spanish/Irish influences (styles he grew fond of during his university days).
1st Sept 2019 Performance of Extrana Rapida Bulerias - Photo Credit: Film Drop
As a producer, Audius encouraged Gana to take the next step in exposing his music to audiences, both in online and offline contexts. Gana gratefully explains that it’s a relationship of belief and hope that he will always treasure, regardless of his much expected, musical heights and adventures of the future. When recording for Audius, Gana realised that certain parts of the album “didn’t click together”, but Gana soon found that minor changes in his way of orchestrating instruments went a long way in terms of ensuring the album’s continuity and cohesion.
13rd Feb 2021 Performance of Modern Carnatic Dream - Photo Credit: Asaf Luft For instance, the drum beat which was used in ‘Mother and Child’ was modified from what it was nearly a decade ago, in order to accommodate the addition of the mridangam.
Gana wishes for the audience to understand that he does not composed with the pure intent to breaking conventions, but it happens anyway in his experimental processes. Compositions like ‘Modern Carnatic Dream’ evidence that going traditional has its own charm and appeal factor. “I want the album to grow. I want it to be relatable to as many people as I can make it to be. I have plans for the next couple of albums to make that happen.” says Gana with high-spirits.
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