Exclusive Interview with Avra Banerjee: Award-Winning Composer and Global Music Visionary

Welcome to this episode of Star Spot! I’m Merry, and in this series, I interview InterContinental Music Awards winners and insiders, bringing you exclusive insights into the music industry. Today, I’m thrilled to have with me Avra Banerjee.

Avra Banerjee, a celebrated composer and sarod player, is a standout winner of the prestigious InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA). With over 15 years of experience in Indian classical music and a versatile background in World, Fusion, and Instrumental music, Avra has captivated audiences worldwide. His compositions, which blend intricate Indian classical melodies with global influences, have earned him numerous accolades, including awards from the Global Indian Music Awards, Indie Music Channel Awards, and the Global Music Awards.

As the founder of the World music bands Ragamorphism in India and SwaraSynthesis in Australia, Avra continues to push the boundaries of musical creativity, making him a true force in the music competition and contest landscape.

In this interview, we explore Avra’s unique approach to music composition, his experience in winning multiple music contests, and his dedication to creating challenging yet melodious music that resonates with listeners. Whether you’re an aspiring musician or simply a music enthusiast, Avra’s insights on his musical journey are sure to inspire and inform.

You have an impressive 15-plus years of training in Indian classical music. How did you first become drawn to this genre, and what was your initial experience like?

Well, I come from a culturally rich family, so music and art were always a part of my environment. From a young age, I didn’t really have much of a choice but to start learning Indian classical music. My parents took me to a teacher, and honestly, at the start, it was quite challenging. Indian classical music is intricate and requires a lot of discipline, so it felt boring and overwhelming.

The practice and dedication involved were difficult for a young kid, but I had to stick with it. Over time, as I began to learn more and understand the essence of the music, I became truly drawn to it. The beauty of Indian classical music is that the more you learn, the deeper your connection becomes. Now, after 15 years of learning, even though I am not actively pursuing it as I did before due to my other commitments, music is still very much a part of my life. That’s how my journey began.

You’ve worked with musicians from several continents. How has collaborating with artists from diverse cultural backgrounds influenced your music style and compositions?

I began my musical journey with Indian classical music, focusing solely on that genre. However, over time, my exposure to international and global music expanded my understanding of various styles and sounds. Collaborating with artists from different cultural backgrounds has played a significant role in shaping my approach to composition. It has given me a more holistic view of how a composition should be constructed.

As a composer, it’s essential to be aware of the wide array of instruments, sounds, and musical techniques from around the world. These collaborations have allowed me to explore and integrate diverse musical elements that I may not have encountered otherwise. It’s not only been fun to collaborate, but each experience has been a valuable learning opportunity that’s enriched my musical journey.

Can you share the story behind founding Ragamorphism and SwaraSynthesis? What was the inspiration, and how do you balance the creative and logistical aspects of leading a band?

My journey with music took an unconventional path. I never originally planned to pursue music professionally. After learning Indian classical music, I followed an academic and career-driven path. But in my early thirties, I felt the pull to start a band with like-minded musicians. That’s when Ragamorphism was born. The band was a collection of world-class musicians, and we focused on world and global music. We had a few successful shows before I moved to Australia for work.

When I arrived in Australia, I felt the absence of music deeply. For several years, I didn’t have the right musicians around me. But after some time, I met the right people, and that’s how SwaraSynthesis came to be. The band has a similar sound to Ragamorphism, but we tailor our performances depending on the audience we’re presenting to. I’ve had to adapt, but I’m grateful to have this group of musicians now, and I am currently focusing on leading SwaraSynthesis.

Balancing the creative and logistical aspects of leading a band is challenging, but with a shared vision and understanding, it’s all possible. You have to stay organized, whether it’s planning rehearsals or managing the logistics of performances, while also giving room for creative exploration and collaboration. It’s a delicate balance, but one I enjoy.

Your compositions span multiple genres from World music to Sufi and rock and pop. How do you decide which genre or music style to explore with your music, and how does your creative process begin for each piece you work on?

In the beginning, my focus was mainly on World music, which is my area of expertise. But over time, I found myself drawn to other genres, especially contemporary sounds. I would hear a style of music that intrigued me, and it would spark the idea of experimenting with it.

My creative process is heavily influenced by my mood. Sometimes, when I sit down to compose, I just go with how I’m feeling at that moment. If I’m in the mood for something light and contemporary, I’ll create music that reflects that. Other times, I might get tired of a certain style and feel the need to switch things up, which leads me to explore new genres.

A big part of my approach to music is balance. Over the past few months, I’ve been working on a particular style, and then I’ll switch to something else when I feel the need for variety. The key is keeping an open mind and allowing myself to be inspired by the music I hear around me. Ultimately, I try to balance my exploration of all genres and musical styles that resonate with me. This keeps my creativity flowing and allows me to grow as an artist.

Are you currently working on something? An album coming out or new compositions?

Yes, I am! I have four or five compositions in progress right now. These are in various stages of development, and while I’m excited about them, I’m still fine-tuning each one. I’m not fully satisfied with how they’re shaping up just yet, but once I’m happy with each piece, I plan to finalize them.

These compositions span different genres, so I’m excited to share them with the world once they’re complete. There’s a lot happening on my plate at the moment, and I can’t wait for everything to come together. Hopefully, I’ll be able to release them soon!

How did you hear about the InterContinental Music Awards, and how was your experience with ICMA?

I first heard about the InterContinental Music Awards (ICMA) through some global colleagues in the music industry. What immediately caught my attention was the fairness and inclusivity of the award categories.

Unlike other prestigious awards, like the Grammys, where “Global Music” is often used to describe anything that’s not American, ICMA truly embraces diverse musical traditions from around the world. Many global music awards often focus heavily on Western or American genres, which I think is limiting. But ICMA takes a much broader view by recognizing music from various regions, ensuring that artists like myself from non-Western backgrounds are equally represented.

Another aspect that impressed me was how ICMA treats different genres and sub-genres. For example, Indian classical music is extremely intricate and complex, and it’s often misunderstood outside of its cultural context. I’ve noticed that many awards do not have judges who truly understand the depth of Indian music. But ICMA does.

The judges here are knowledgeable and qualified, with an understanding of both Indian music and global traditions. This level of expertise ensures that Indian music, which is rich, diverse, and complex, is fairly judged.

I’ve been really happy with the way ICMA recognizes the true essence of world music, particularly Indian music. The awards provide valuable exposure to musicians globally and give us the platform to showcase our work to an international audience. I’m grateful to be a part of this incredible initiative and to see Indian music getting the recognition it deserves.

Your compositions convey a unique message to listeners. What do you hope that they take away from your music?

My approach to creating music is very personal and introspective. While I’m fortunate enough to have a dedicated audience that appreciates my work, I don’t really focus on trying to influence my listeners in a specific way. My primary goal is to create music that satisfies me first. It’s important for me to feel fulfilled with what I’m composing—if I’m happy with the music, that’s what matters most.

The way I see it, I’m not creating music with the intention of making others happy at the expense of my own satisfaction. I believe that the true essence of music comes from authenticity. If the audience enjoys it, that’s wonderful, but their response doesn’t dictate my creative process.

I’m grateful to have cultivated a small yet passionate audience who resonates with my contemporary music, and I appreciate their time and support in listening to what I create. Ultimately, I’m driven by the joy of the process itself, and if my music connects with others along the way, it’s a bonus.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians or composers who are just starting out and looking to find their path?

My advice for aspiring musicians and composers is to invest time in learning the craft before stepping onto the stage. There is a growing trend, especially fueled by reality shows, where people chase quick fame by learning just a few chords on the guitar and performing without a deeper understanding of music. While it’s fine to engage in music as a hobby, if you truly want to be a professional, you need to dedicate yourself to learning your craft thoroughly.

Music isn’t just about performing—it’s about deeply understanding the forms and techniques within the music you choose to play. Listening to a wide variety of music is essential as well because it broadens your knowledge of musical intricacies, and this helps you grow as both a musician and a performer.

To me, music is an art form, not just entertainment. It’s important to gain recognition not only from the audience but also from fellow musicians, who should be able to recognize the quality and depth in your music. Learn the music you’re passionate about properly—whether it’s rock, pop, blues, classical, or any other genre—so you can present it with authenticity and skill. This solid foundation will make you not only a better musician but also a respected artist in your field.

Is there any last message you would like to share with your fans?

I’m not very good at speaking, but I do want to say that I’m incredibly grateful for my fans, especially those who listen to my music on platforms like Spotify. I’m fortunate to have many followers who support every new release. To those who already enjoy my music, thank you for your continued support!

For those who haven’t yet discovered my work, I encourage you to take some time to explore different types of music. Don’t limit yourself to just one genre. Personally, I enjoy exploring a wide range of music styles, and it has helped me grow as an artist. It’s fascinating how music can connect with people and shift their perspective. You never know when a new genre might captivate you and completely change the way you perceive music.

So, keep an open mind and enjoy the dynamic world of music—it connects us all.

Avra Banerjee Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.avrabanerjee.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/avraban

 

Click here to watch Avra Banerjee‘s  full interview on Instagram