We recently connected with Radhika Vekaria and have shared our conversation below.

Radhika, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.

Due to a serendipitous turn of events in 2009, I once found myself at a spontaneous audition in the heart of London, prompted by a friend’s suggestion. Little did I know that this singular moment would become the catalyst for my journey to where I stand today.

Three weeks later, I found myself in Germany, immersed in the preparations for a show that blended the enchantment of Cirque du Soleil with the vibrancy of Indian culture. It meant leaving behind my family, friends, and the plans I had meticulously laid out. In this new environment, I was privileged to work under the Musical Director of Broadway’s Annie, the Director of America’s Got Talent, and a team of seasoned experts in theater and live performance. My voice was honed to a level where I performed 8-10 shows a week, featuring a repertoire that spanned from the classics of Peter Gabriel and Sting to the compositions of the renowned Indian artist A R Rahman. This marked the pinnacle of my career thus far — a period of being paid not only to perform but to learn and grow, surrounded by artists whose discipline and passion were profoundly inspiring.

However, at the six-month mark, the show unexpectedly folded. The abrupt transition from a two-year projection to wrapping up within two days was a profound blow to my system. The night before departing, my birthday, was spent tirelessly arranging flights for the crew unfamiliar with Europe, a task I undertook for the crew from India.

Returning to the UK, I found myself without a plan, seemingly back at square one. However, the connections I had forged with the creators in the US were so well-established that they encouraged me to spend some time in America. This was an unforeseen turn in my journey. A month later, I booked a trip to the US, marking the commencement of my exploration of American culture and a deeper immersion into the music of my heritage. Remarkably, it was in Germany that I had encountered the sounds and performance art of India up close, steeping my musical path with this flavour. The openness and curiosity of the American milieu allowed me to delve even further into my own heritage in an artistic manner. Nowadays, everything I undertake is imbued with the philosophies and sounds I’ve been inspired further by, seeking to share these cultural treasures with audiences worldwide. For this, I will forever remain profoundly grateful.

If there is one lesson I’ve learned is that the greatest risk of all is to deny my heart’s sincere call. That spontaneity that speaks from the heart before the mind talks it away. It may sometimes require a scenic route, but answering will only lead us back to our true purpose and joy.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

With roots tracing back to India, family ties reaching across East Africa, and a formative upbringing in the United Kingdom, my soul’s purpose is a harmonious convergence – a bridge across diverse cultures, a vessel for healing, and an elevation through immersive sonic experiences. In the realm of artistic expression, I channel this intention through music, intertwining it with the ancient language of Sanskrit, a sounds science that resonates with the very essence of nature and stands as one of the oldest on Earth.

My creativity is fueled with deliberate aspiration – to infuse new spaces with the transformative vibrations of conscious music, to inspire and bring about a profound metamorphosis in the listener. A moment of immense pride materialized when I had the privilege of collaborating with the esteemed artist Jeff Koons. In his groundbreaking exhibition ‘Apollo’ in Greece, my voice resonated alongside luminaries like Rihanna, Sir Paul McCartney, and David Bowie. Here, the exploration of the ancient world converging with the contemporary unfolded in an unprecedented four-month spectacle.

In the unfolding chapters of 2022, I became the first mantra artist to grace the stage at SXSW. This milestone held special significance as I bore witness to the infusion of ancient modalities into an environment that celebrated the forefront of technology and art, breathing life into our present and future. This moment was an affirmation that a cultural and spiritual bridge is underway, and I am honored to ride the crest of that transformative wave.

Reflecting on my journey, I initially had aspirations of becoming a healer in the medical field from a young age. While the trajectory of my life led me down a different path, creating music with a healing essence, I’ve come to realize that I am still practicing the art of healing, albeit with sound as my medicine.

Music was an inseparable thread woven into the fabric of my family. Raised in a home where melodies were as commonplace as ordinary conversation, my father played a pivotal role in cultivating a musical environment that spanned genres from Jazz and classical to Indian rhythms. In this fusion of UK residency and Indian heritage, the resonance of Sanskrit chants became an integral part of my hybrid cultural identity, shaping the essence of who I am today.

The atmosphere in our home echoed with the rich sounds of the world, and this immersive soundscape became the backdrop for my earliest memories. Before forming coherent words, I found myself singing melodies, and the art of storytelling through the movement of voice became a foundational aspect of my developmental journey. This narrative thread has seamlessly woven its way into every facet of my life, and it continues to unfold with each passing chapter.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Being an artist is like discovering a secret passage to freedom. It’s not just about creating art; it’s a journey of finding yourself and inspiring others to do the same. For me, the real reward comes from the liberty to be true to who I am and nudging others to embark on their own paths of authenticity.

The beauty of it all unfolds when people tell me my art has changed them. It hits deep because it’s not just a change; it’s a realization of who they are. They’ve tapped into something within themselves, away from the noise of the world. Once you realize this, life decisions start falling into place, guided by your unique purpose.

I’d take a guess that, at the core, what everyone craves is freedom. Living by your own rules, true to your essence. As an artist, I feel honored to play a small part in helping people take a step closer to that freedom. It’s a bit like being in service, using art as a tool to open doors to self-discovery.

Art, in whatever form it takes, becomes a way for people to connect with their true selves without all the distractions. It’s a mirror reflecting their genuine state, a reminder of who they are beneath the daily chaos. This realization empowers them to make choices that align with their purpose.

Considering the human experience, I’d argue that the pursuit of freedom is a universal desire. To live in harmony with your true self is something embedded in all of us. As an artist, it’s not just about creating; it’s about contributing to that quest for personal freedom. Each brushstroke or note becomes a small step in helping people break free from whatever holds them back.

So, being an artist is more than just putting things on canvas or creating something beautiful on a stage. It’s about guiding people through the emotional and identity landscapes, offering a safe space for them to explore themselves. In the end, it’s about contributing to everyone’s journey towards self-realization and the full embrace of personal freedom.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

The discourse on changing our world for the better often circles back to what we cherish and where we choose to invest our energy. Pose a question to anyone about life’s essentials beyond air and sustenance, and music tends to weave into the universal fabric of responses. Yet, the critical question lingers: do we truly serve and support music in a manner reflective of its profound impact? To profess a love for music is to extend that affection to its creators.

Supporting an artist isn’t merely a transaction; it’s a form of nurturing. It positions us as direct contributors to the intricate food chain of creativity. Conversely, withholding support introduces a discord, akin to a break in the chain – a reality we may lament when the resulting “meal” fails to satisfy.

Music, with its inherent vibration, bears a responsibility for the resonances celebrated globally. This, in turn, directly influences our mental states and society’s ability to connect and collaborate. What we choose to nourish ultimately nourishes us. A symbiotic relationship emerges: support artists, and they, in turn, support us.

In bygone eras, artists found themselves in the courts of kings, serving as conduits between leaders and higher powers. The artist’s ultimate role remains unchanged: providing a connection to conscience. Without our support, leaders lose this vital link, hindering decisions for the greater good. In today’s world, each of us is a sovereign in our own realm. Artists serve as our connection, guiding us toward the best and highest.

Artists, in essence, are modern-day heroes. Fueled by an innate drive to create irrespective of challenges, they have historically stood at the forefront of societal shifts, crafting beauty in the face of adversity. Their enduring gift serves as a reminder to the rest of us that creativity perseveres, regardless of circumstances.Consider the cost of a full album – comparable to the price of two cups of coffee. The coffee is brewed in minutes, but the album, a labor of years. By purchasing music, we become patrons, nurturing the art we love. Just as we care for a child we love, supporting artists is an act of nurturing. Pay for their music, attend their performances, and, in the digital age, become a direct supporter through platforms like Patreon or their own platforms.

Consider a world where music is dictated not by our collective needs but by the limitations of those who can afford to produce it. In a landscape already marred by various industries and societal sectors driven by inequity, it becomes imperative that we rally behind artists of all backgrounds, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish unhindered. The dividends of such support promise a richer, more harmonious world for us all in the end.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.radhikavekaria.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/radhikavekaria_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/radhikavekaria
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/radhikavekaria
• Youtube: www.youtube.com/radhikavekaria.com

Image Credits
Outside picture: Kelly Love Red dress performance pictures: Bradley Parks Red dress still shot: Maclean Kotas Performance with Nathalie Bonin on violin: unknown