Shruti Kumar: All the doors are viable if you keep an open mind about the music you’re creating
We talk about access to musical education, about bridging the gap between classical music and other musical genres. We talk about the role of arts in society, about creating safe spaces, safe spaces for artists, for women artists. We talk about starting musician-led spaces rather than seeking a seat at the table, about the importance and necessity of creating our own jobs. We talk about trusting your gut, trusting your ear and your own creative expression because as Shruti puts it, ‘- art is meant to be a reflection of you, not a regurgitation of what’s been done before’.
We talk about the future of the musical landscape in these pandemic and post-pandemic times and our mutual love of Quincy Jones.
This episode was recorded just before Christmas, so you’re not going to hear any references to some of the political changes that have taken place in the States like the insurrection one Capitol Hill or the inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
Shruti is a composer/producer based in LA. Her work has spanned film/tv, pop, and concert worlds and she often finds herself in projects that mix genres and experiences. Her work has been used by/for The National Geographic, NPR, The United Nations, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, FOX India, A24, The 2016 Summer Olympics, UNICEF, and The Nederlander Organization. She spent the majority of the past year in London doing a residency with Spitfire Audio as well as producing out of Strongroom Studios in Shoreditch working with other artists as well as weaving together several years of collected sounds from her travels around the world for her upcoming album "Nodding Terms". She is also a Dublab radio host, "Let's Shake On It” and founder of Sound Travels engaging with culture & arts advocacy as well as aiming to level the musical playing field.
Guest: Shruti Kumar
Title: ‘All the doors are viable if you keep an open mind about the music you’re creating’
Albums on Playlist: Nicholas Britell - If Beale St Could Talk, Bach - Goldberg Variations, Glenn Gould, Thundercat - It Is What It Is, Fiona Apple - Fetch the Bolt Cutters
Music by Shruti: Knocked for Six, Feels Good Instrumental and Peel Away
Website & IG: @tamingoftheshruti
Let’s Shake on It: Website & IG: @lets_shake_on_it
Sound Travels: Website & IG: @soundcantravel