Purbayan ChatterjeeA Sitar Known for his innovative approach, the virtuoso continues to redefine the boundaries of Indian classical music. Celebrating the sitar as a symbol of cultural fusion, Chatterjee It weaves together traditional ragas with contemporary elements, reflecting the instrument’s rich heritage while also expanding its sonic possibilities. His collaborations with global artists, fusion of modern technology and exploration of diverse genres have allowed him to create a sound that connects deeply with today’s audiences. As Chatterjee reflects on his journey, he remains dedicated to the timeless legacy of the sitar while embracing the future. music. Part…
Sitar has a very rich tradition in Indian classical music. How do you balance pushing boundaries in your music while maintaining its legacy?
The development of the sitar itself is a process of fusion of two musical and religious cultures. If the Hindu Dhrupad tradition and its vehicle Veena had not collided with the Persian Sahtar and elements of Sufi culture, this great instrument would never have been successful. It has been a constantly evolving instrument, from a very basic seven string instrument to the addition of 13 sympathetic strings. It has involved itself in everything from pure classical music to ghazals, Sufi, Hollywood films and commercials, concertos and so on.
With any type of music, it’s important to know where you’re coming from and what the basic form and structure is, but it’s also important to be fluid and flow with the moment. The whole point of performing arts is to be able to create some magic in a moment.
I try to be free or burdened by my conventional wisdom. In country, it frees me and allows me to look above and transcend the boundaries of musical cultures.
You have collaborated with artists from different genres and backgrounds. How did these collaborations influence the overall sound and feel of your work?
I’ve been extremely lucky and privileged to work with the greatest of all time, the great maestro Zakir Hussain, Herbie Hancock, Antonio Sanchez, Michael League. Shankar MahadevanBeen incredibly blessed to have had the opportunity to interact musically with people like Bela Fleck, Jordan Rudess and Pat Metheny and Chick Corea.
Whenever I have had a musical conversation with a guru, I have tried to learn something from him, to gather some information about how he thinks and executes. Sometimes just by trying to create something relevant and aesthetically appropriate in that moment, you create a whole addiction, which is a new territory in terms of musical expression. It works best when you don’t try too hard to create something new, but simply to remain relevant at that moment. For me, no matter what genre I work in, I never lose sight of who I am and what the best I can bring.
What role do technology and modern production techniques play in your music? How do you integrate them with the traditional aspects of the sitar?
Technology is woven into our lives in more ways than we can imagine. If we talk about technology in a negative light we will remain in a state of denial. All our musical instruments have improved due to better research into the physics of sound.
Music production and sounds have become an astonishing kaleidoscope of possibilities. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning have made it very easy to create songs in minutes. Moving forward into the future. The successful artist will figure out the best ways to use this type of technology that is available to us to our advantage. We need to broaden our aesthetic sensibilities to the possibilities of different musical cultures and styles. We need to know what will appeal to people, and to do that, the best way is to get in touch with your heart, to know what your heart wants to do. Honestly, I don’t think there are any boundaries between tradition and innovation. Both are parallel lines that emit a special kind of energy that are attracted towards each other.
You have mastered both classical and contemporary styles. What challenges do you face when mixing these styles and how do you overcome them?
I think one of the biggest challenges was the initial identity crisis when I tried to travel across these two regions. Who am I? Am I so pure, so traditionalist that I want to stay true to my training or am I a maverick who pushes the boundaries at every opportunity? The answer to this, fortunately, came to me a few years ago, and I realized that I These two are not opposed to each other because what is modern today will be traditional tomorrow. I realize that if you stay true to creative expression and emotional relevance, whatever you create is aesthetically appropriate. One has to stop being too hard on oneself or too critical and just flow with the moment.
How do you envision the future of sitar music in the rapidly evolving music industry?
I think the sitar is an iconic instrument and one of the most versatile Indian instruments, which fortunately represents almost the entire dimension of Indian musical culture. We have amazing artists coming up every day, and somehow all of these people have found new and innovative ways to use the sitar in different artistic contexts. I think this tool will continue to remain strong and become even more widespread in the future.
In a world increasingly influenced by digital streaming and global platforms, how do you ensure that the essence of Indian classical music remains intact in your modern compositions?
The essence of Indian classical music will remain intact as long as my soul as an Indian classical musician remains intact. I think it is very important to continue publishing quality Indian classical music so that a dedicated listener of this genre has good quality recordings available to listen to. Thanks to various streaming services we can stream well-recorded music in top quality and download them to our devices. Fortunately, artists earn some revenue per stream, although there is some debate over whether it’s enough. I think it is very important to remember that as an Indian classical musician, our essential rappers are based on raga and tala. It is very important to learn from a knowledgeable and good guru who can guide you about the form and structure. Once you have a good grasp on these things, you can go ahead and try to create your own coolness in your composition within the parameters of raga and tala.
A blend of Indian music with contemporary elements. How do you think this fusion will resonate with today’s global audience?
My album takes us on a journey of the evolution of the sitar as an instrument from the traditional dhrupadva, played in both a gayaki style and more tantric elements. We then move on to a drum and bass track and an interpretation of a Bollywood song. I am very happy to see that I am getting as much appreciation for my Miya Ki Todi Aalap, which is in the traditional Rupa style on Sur Bahar, as I am getting for Satyagraha or Bollywood Beauty. Obviously, today’s youth are quite conscious of aesthetics.
Your new album displays a unique approach to the sitar. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind its creation and what makes it different from your previous works?
For a few years now, I’ve wanted to design an album in which the instruments, not the artist, take center stage. Sitar represents the coming together of different musical cultures, religions and is a milestone in the history of our great country.
