A soul-stirring live reinterpretation of her debut, now on GroundUp Music
Bengaluru, India / May 2025 – Grammy-nominated vocalist Varijashree Venugopal, widely celebrated for her genre-defying blend of Indian classical and global sounds, returns with a stunning new offering: “Vari (The Live Sessions)”, released on acclaimed U.S. label GroundUp Music. This live album breathes new life into her celebrated debut Vari, capturing the raw spontaneity and collaborative spirit of a powerful live performance.
🎧 Listen here → Vari (The Live Sessions)
Recorded in her hometown of Bengaluru, Vari (The Live Sessions) reimagines seven tracks from her studio album into bold, improvisational new arrangements. Under the expert direction of Grammy-winning bassist Michael League (Snarky Puppy), the album is both intimate and expansive, a true showcase of Varijashree’s virtuosic voice and fearless artistic vision.
🎼 The Ensemble
Featuring an all-star cast of musicians:
- 🎸 Michael League – Bass, Production
- 🥁 Pramath Kiran – Percussion, Co-Arrangements
- 🪘 Jayachandra Rao – Mridangam
- 🎻 Apoorva Krishna – Violin
- 🎹 Vivek Santhosh – Keys & Synths
- 🎹 Praveen D Rao – Guest Appearance on Harmonium
League reflects:
“Distilling Vari’s layered studio magic into a six-piece live act was a beautiful challenge. The live band created its own energy—grooving in real time, without pre-recorded tracks. What emerged was something alive, spontaneous, and joyfully fresh.”
🎶 The Heart Behind the Music
Varijashree’s intention was clear: to share Vari in its purest, most human form.
“This album is about freedom, connection, and the magic of live collaboration,” she says. “It’s been a joyful journey transforming these songs with some of India’s most brilliant musicians. I hope listeners feel that joy in every note.”
Whether it’s the mesmerizing interplay of violin and harmonium or the hypnotic rhythms of mridangam and percussion, Vari (The Live Sessions) is a sonic celebration of culture, collaboration, and the boundless possibilities of live music.
🏆 About Varijashree
A musical prodigy and boundary-pushing vocalist, Varijashree Venugopal is the only Indian artist invited to perform at this year’s International Jazz Festival. Her unique ability to blend Carnatic precision with jazz, soul, and global improvisation has positioned her as one of India’s most exciting musical ambassadors.
“Vari (The Live Sessions)” is available now on YouTube and streaming platforms. It’s not just a follow-up—it’s a full-circle moment, transforming the studio experience into something thrillingly alive.
🖼️ Press images, cover art & additional media attached.