Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Rajib Karmakar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
RAJIB, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Have you been able to earn a full-time living from your creative work? If so, can you walk us through your journey and how you made it happen? Was it like that from day one? If not, what were some of the major steps and milestones and do you think you could have sped up the process somehow knowing what you know now?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to earn a full-time living from my creative work, but it has been a journey of dedication, growth, and exploration. It wasn’t like this from the start. Building a sustainable career as a creative entrepreneur requires consistent effort, adaptability, and a passion for pushing boundaries.
### **My Journey:**
1. **Early Foundation**: I began my music training at the age of four under my first Guru, my father, **Pandit Durgadas Karmakar** and later on vocals with **Ustad Ghulam Akbar Khan** and Veenkar Ang (style) with **Pandit Ramdas Chakravarty**. My first performance was at six, playing a sitar tied to a chair because my hands couldn’t reach the end. At eight, I performed my first grand concert in front of 10,000 people as the opening act for my father’s 70-piece orchestra, marking the start of my musical journey. By age ten, I performed on **All India Radio**, followed by numerous awards and features on Indian radio and TV during my teenage years.
2. **Expanding Horizons**: Touring internationally and studying at California Institute of the Arts exposed me to various cultures and genres like Flamenco, Jazz, Rock, Persian, African, Balinese, and various other music. Music became the universal language that bonded us despite differences in language and culture. These experiences broadened my perspective and allowed me to see the endless possibilities of learning and collaboration. My strong foundation in Indian classical music enabled me to dive deeper into experimentation with other forms throughout the world.
3. **Innovation and Collaboration**: This creative exploration led me to collaborate with artists worldwide, incorporating sound effects and new ensemble formats. This journey of innovation inspired me to create my double-necked electric sitar, **Mayur-Tantri**, a unique instrument designed for blending tradition with modernity.
4. **Milestones**: Over time, I’ve performed at prestigious venues, including **Walt Disney Concert Hall**, **Shrine Auditorium**, **De Singel**, **Lincoln Center** and many others, lectured at esteemed institutions like **UCLA**, **CalArts**, **Butler University**, **Loyola Marymount University** and many others, and launched **LAIMA Academy** and **LAIMA Foundation** to mentor and serve communities through music.
### **Advice for Aspiring Artists**:
– **Stay Curious**: Explore new genres and cultures to expand your creative vision.
– **Build on Your Foundation**: A strong base in your craft is key to experimentation and growth.
– **Collaborate and Innovate**: Collaboration opens doors to unique opportunities and helps push creative boundaries.
Earning a living as a creative and entrepreneurial individual has been challenging, but the journey has been immensely rewarding. Each step has deepened my understanding of music, connection, and purpose.
RAJIB, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I believe music is a universal language that transcends barriers, connects hearts, and inspires change. Through my work, I strive to honor the rich heritage of Indian classical music while exploring its limitless possibilities. My journey has taught me that staying rooted in tradition doesn’t mean being confined by it—it’s about using that foundation to innovate, collaborate, and create something truly unique.
What inspires me most is the transformative power of music. Whether performing on stage, mentoring students, or working with underserved communities through the **LAIMA Foundation**, I’ve witnessed how music can heal, uplift, and bring people together. It’s not just an art form—it’s a way to connect deeply with others and make a lasting impact.
My approach is driven by curiosity and the belief that learning never stops. I’ve embraced collaboration with diverse artists and experimented with new formats, leading to creations like my double-necked electric sitar, the **Mayur-Tantri**, which bridges tradition and modernity. Through every note, I aim to inspire others to dream bigger and explore the endless possibilities of creativity.
For me, music isn’t just a career—it’s a calling to make a difference in the world. Whether through performances, teaching, or community outreach, my goal is to inspire others to find their voice, connect with their roots, and discover the power of music to transform lives.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely, my creative journey is driven by a deep mission to bridge cultures, heal hearts, and inspire minds through the universal language of music. My goal is to honor the rich heritage of Indian classical music while innovating and blending it with global genres, creating a space where tradition meets modernity.
I am passionate about making music accessible to all, not just as entertainment but as a tool for connection, healing, and empowerment. Through initiatives through *LAIMACADEMY*, I aim to mentor the next generation of artists, and through the **LAIMA Foundation**, I work to bring music to underserved communities, using it as a means to uplift and create opportunities.
At the core of my journey is the belief that music transcends barriers. It’s about more than notes or rhythms; it’s about storytelling, unity, and the shared human experience. My mission is to leave a legacy where music continues to inspire creativity, foster understanding, and touch lives across the world.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the ability to influence and transform lives while exploring the profound psychology of human connection. Music is a universal language that allows me to dive into the hearts and minds of people from diverse cultures. Through my art, I’ve been able to transcend geographical and linguistic barriers, fostering a deep understanding of how different cultures, cuisines, ethics, and traditions shape human emotions and experiences.
One of the greatest privileges of my journey has been performing and collaborating globally, where I’ve not only shared my own cultural heritage but also absorbed the richness of others. For example, learning about Flamenco taught me about the fiery passion and resilience embedded in Spanish culture, while exploring Jazz revealed the improvisational spirit and emotional depth of its roots. These interactions have profoundly influenced my perspective, making every performance not just an act of art but a shared human experience.
Beyond the stage, what moves me most is seeing how music can change lives. Whether it’s a student finding confidence, an audience member connecting with a long-forgotten emotion, or an underserved community using music as a source of healing, the impact of art is deeply humbling. It reminds me that art is not just about creation—it’s about connection.
Through my work, I’ve discovered that being an artist is about more than self-expression. It’s about embracing the diverse ways people experience life, understanding the psychology of what moves them, and using my craft to bridge those differences. The reward lies in these shared moments of humanity and the knowledge that, in some small way, my art has left an imprint on someone’s soul.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://sitarrajib.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sitarrajib/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sitarrajib
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sitarrajib
- Twitter: https://x.com/sitarrajib
Image Credits
Jon Gates
Mike Smalley
Srivas Venkatesh