We were lucky to catch up with Aakash Sridhar recently and have shared our conversation below.

Aakash , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Throughout my journey as a pianist and composer, there have been many meaningful projects that I’ve had the chance to be a part of. I’ve realised that the artistic freedom that comes from playing music with others allows me to be myself and this in itself means a lot to me. Composition and improvisation for me are presently mediums to communicate my innermost thoughts and feelings, and I’m learning to carry this out in a better manner every year.

That said, the most meaningful project for me would be my debut album “Revived Emotions”. Collaborating with exceptionally talented musicians I met at University of North Texas, Andrew Getman on the guitar, Joshua Ferrell on the drumset, and Adam Abrams on the double bass, I feel that this album is the closest representation of me as an artist today. Every composition was written with a clear intention and inspired from events in my life, and emotions that most people can relate to. The music was recorded and mixed by Kent Stump in Crystal Clear Sound Recording Studio and mastered by Kevin Blackler in New York. There will also be professionally edited videos recorded in the studio that will be released on my Youtube channel along with the audio, which capture the spontaneous interaction and improvisation between all of us. The compositions in this album were written over the last two years and I find it interesting how my upbringing and life story somehow factors into this music. For context, as a child, I studied tabla for six years and Carnatic music from my mother for two years. While I’m not directly pursuing either of these art forms, there are small elements in my music that reflect these diverse experiences. I believe that in a sense every part of our musical journey defines where we are today as an artist.

Aakash , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I am a jazz pianist and composer originally from Bangalore, but currently based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
I would like to say that throughout my life I have felt proud about each step I’ve gone through as an artist, and about everything I’m currently doing, which includes teaching, performing, making more connections and releasing more music. However, how music and jazz became my career choice is another story altogether. One of the turning points in my life came when I was awarded an opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by Swarnabhoomi Academy of Music free of cost, which opened my mind to jazz and the culture of improvisation. The following year, with the support of my family, I moved to Boston to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Music at Berklee College of Music and then there was no turning back for me. Being in Berklee was an immensely exciting experience and fostered my interest in improvisation in many ways. It also provided me with a network of reliable and incredibly talented musician peers and friends.
Later on, and more recently, I moved to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to pursue my Master’s in Jazz Piano at the University of North Texas. I attribute a major part of my growth as an artist to my studies in UNT. Furthermore, through the course of the two year program I not only met with the musicians that collaborated with me on my upcoming album, but also got acquainted with a number of exceptionally talented musicians whom I intend to gig with and record with in the near future. I am always trying to genuinely connect and learn from other musicians involved in a similar path as I am. I believe we all have something unique to offer as an artist.
Besides being an active performer and composer, I should add that I have also taken a huge interest in teaching over the years. I have always advocated sharing what I learn and have been fortunate to work with students in various settings, including theory lessons, private lessons and ensemble coaching.
During my teaching sessions, I always aim to provide a comfortable environment where sharing of ideas and questions are most encouraged. I believe we tend to learn better when we are able to be ourselves and are proactively participating in the lesson. I make a conscious effort to help students find their own voice on their instrument and feel proud to be able to inspire and help them in every way I can.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

Sure. I feel that most people pursuing a career in arts may go through a phase where other people doubt their ability to succeed. Ultimately I believe we need to listen to ourselves and that there is strength in embracing every challenge with a positive attitude.
Nine years ago, when I first expressed my interest in jazz and improvisation to others, outside of the few who were encouraging and supportive towards me, there were a lot of folks who told me how hard the music is or that it’s too late for me to have a successful career in it. A lot of people I knew were concerned when I decided to do music full-time and quit my engineering job and they decided somehow that I was doing the wrong thing. Well, I decided to listen to my heart because I believe it’s never late to pursue something you love. I stuck to my decision, focused on learning tunes and continued working on my artistry.
I never considered myself to have started late. In fact, I feel incredibly fortunate to have a diverse musical upbringing as this allows me to be more creative and have a personalised approach towards jazz and improvisation. I am constantly working on representing myself better as an artist and person. Today, outside of my academic achievements, I feel grateful to have many valuable teaching experiences, an album on the way I’m proud to share with the world, and also a tour within the Dallas-Fort Worth area in the months of October and November.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Through the years I found myself often re-connecting with experiences from the past and dwelling on them for inspiration. I am trying to showcase these experiences in my music in creative ways by using specific harmony to outline the desired mood. For context, one of the songs from my new album is about how some friendships are temporary, while the memories remain forever. I place a lot of importance in the melodies that I write, and I believe the melancholy and hopefulness that the mood of the music demands in this instance is adequately reflected in the composition.
Carrying forward my musical journey has made me realise that my creative mission is often to be able to communicate and present my story and my thoughts and feelings, in the most interesting manner possible. Of course, I understand this is subjective, but I know I will be happy to connect with those with whom my art resonates. The sense of satisfaction I receive from my ideas reaching fruition is always a rewarding experience.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.aakashsridharmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aakash.sridhar/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aakashsridharmusic

Image Credits

Jose Negrete
Marcy Bishop