When we think of Bhajans, we think of devotional music, complimented by classical beats and sung by the elder more wise holy men or women …but Shivali Bhammer has certainly challenged that stereotype. Bringing a fresh, modernistic approach to Bhajan music, Shivali’s music is comprised of lyrics to the Lord fused with pop and RnB style beats. As a Brit-Asian, her style is influenced by her love for western music and the inspiration she finds from her loyalty to religion. Bringing God Blessed sounds to the mainstream market, Shivali is signed to Sony Music, and her debut album ‘The Bhajan Project' is already creating a noise! I catch up with her to find out more…
How did your musical journey begin?
I began playing piano from a young age and generally my musical journey was heavily complimented by my dancing as I trained in that first which led onto music. I did have singing lessons in school but it became a musical journey when I met Arjun, my rakhi brother and the producer of the album. I heard him play when we were fifteen and just decided that I had to make music with him. We then did a lot of random styles of music until I found what really inspired me – which are bhajans.
You have taken a whole new modernistic approach to Bhajans, how did you create your musical style?
I felt that bhajans did not have to always be sung to traditional instruments such as harmonium and tabla. There was no reason why you couldn’t use lots of different sounds to give the same devotional message so long as it was sincere. I wanted the music to illustrate our lives as they are now, for the music to evoke a feeling of fullness and craziness but yet the depth and love of devotion. Arjun as a favour experimented with one bhajan for me when we were in our teens and once I heard the ‘re vamped’ version I knew I was onto something that could work.
By producing Bhajan music, do you feel that the religious aspect to it may not make your music appealable to a wide audience? Or has this proved not to be the case?
Well, of course because it is religious it attracts a niche market but I don’t care – it is a gift for my Lord so it do esn’t concern me whether it is less popular because of that, it is forHim first than others. However I have found that non religious people have taken a liking to it because Arjun has produced them such that they are accessible by anybody, the sound is attractive enough to pull a listener in despite it being religious (at least I hope).
What music did you grow up listening to, and how did this have an influence on the music you wanted to create?
I grew up listening to Lauryn Hill ‘The miseducation’ album which is very soulful and religious. Also a lot of Musiq soulchild and my absolute favourite is NERD. Their production is inspirational and just so eclectic in terms of sound.. I always want Arj and I to make a neptunes style song. They really know how to play around with instruments.
Who would you love to collaborate with?
Always with Arjun, he’s always number one on my musical list. Otherwise Anoushka Shankar, Vikram Hazra and NERD.
Tell us about the tracks you have done so far and the Bhajan Project?
The album compromises of 9 bhajans which include the Gayatri Mantra, Ganesh mantra and Hanuman Chalisa which is pretty fast and upbeat. There are slower songs which are popular like Jag mein sundar hain do naam and Prabhu ji which is my personal favourite. The album has a real mix of sounds, all guitar based and sometimes quite urban and poppy and at other times very rnb. It’s very hard to classify, its like a tub of smarties, you want all the colours in the mix together and it works.
Would you say you are trying to promote a message through your music?
Yes the message is very simple, devotion is prevalent in every action and thought that we have. It is not about obligatory do’s and don’ts e.g. you have to do this pooja and your bhajan has to have a harmonium. Life is far more diverse than that and it pulls you in all different directions just like the music, so see the divinity in it all and feel Gods grace in all that you do whether it be partying, gymming or just being.
What does Shivali like to do when she is not creating music?
Shivali likes, sorry LOVES to dance and dance and dance. If not that I love to write, and I am working again in the financial markets so that means my days are very busy. I adore my friends and family, I always want to spend my time laughing with them.
What are you currently working on?
The second album – it is going to be very different from the first from what I can tell so far. The sound is more unique and Arjun has just taken it to a whole new level. I think vocally it will be a lot stronger because of training… I can’t wait, and I cant believe the fun has begun again…making music is always the best part.
Where can the B4U fans find out more?
www.facebook.com/shivaliartist
www.twitter.com/shivaliartist
Songs are available on itunes, amazon and in stores.. if not watch them on B4U, my favourite bollywood channel ;-)
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