Austin-based musician Nagavalli is a truly unique presence in the local music community—her sound, which she calls “Eastern Soul”—combines Eastern Indian, traditional sounds with Western instrumentation to create a unique blend of soulful, entrancing music. Today, she releases the second single from her upcoming record Immersion, titled Ram Naam Ras Pije. Listen to the track:
“Ram Naam is a composition by Meera bai, an ancient Indian mystic poet and saint,” Nagavalli says. “I grew up learning and singing her bhajans (devotional compositions) in India. When I decided to make an album of Indian spiritual music, it was a natural choice to include a Meera Bai composition. Meera is quintessential bhakti, absolute immersion in her love for Krishna, in her love for the divine. Also, her defiance of social norms and the courage to follow her conscience is an inspiration to humankind, beyond religious and cultural boundaries.”
Ram Naam Ras Pije is an enchanting blend of Nagavalli’s strong melodic vocals and the soothing sounds of a traditional Bhajan. Her voice is sharp yet poignant, combining power with elegance, evoking passion and a sense of thrill. The track puts listeners into a trance and displays a delicate, hauntingly beautiful sound with meditative influences.
Nagavalli’s upcoming album, titled Immersion, is aptly named as it is an immersive, multicultural leap into Eastern sounds in a Western world. Named one of the Top 10 Female Vocalists and World Music artists at the 2015-2016 Austin Music Awards, Nagavalli has become a staple in local music circles, recording and performing with such artists and bands as Eliza Gilkyson, Oliver Rajamani, Atash, Govinda and Ginger Leigh.
Immersion is out Jan. 18, 2019. The album release show will be Jan. 20 at One World Theatre.
