Sushma Soma’s subsequent album ‘HOME’ releases at present

As Could 2020 stretched on, vocalist Sushma Soma sat in her Singapore dwelling, no concert events in sight and with the pandemic looming massive. She was dwelling a life like most artistes on the time: practising, introspecting, exploring, creating. It was at this level that she got here throughout the horrific information of the loss of life of a pregnant elephant after it consumed a pineapple full of firecrackers in Kerala’s Malappuram district.

There was big outrage throughout the nation. For Sushma, the anger led to the making of ‘House’, her new album (releasing at present on all main streaming platforms). “I reached out to vocalist Aditya Prakash and percussionist Praveen Sparsh, with whom I share an in depth bond. And we determined to precise our emotions via music.”

Whereas she was ideating for the album, Sushma occurred to look at the documentary, The Octopus Trainer, which celebrates the fantastic thing about nature. “It made me surprise why can’t we be extra appreciative of nature and defend wildlife.”

Sushma Soma’s HOME.
| Photograph Credit score: Particular Association

Although formally skilled in Carnatic music, Sushma chooses to dabble in various musical varieties when engaged on her unbiased ventures. However for ‘House’, on the recommendation of her Bharatanatyam dancer-friend Mythili Prakash, she determined to delve deeper into Carnatic music to place throughout her ideas and feelings. Together with Aditya, she got here up with tracks resembling ‘Ma’ that explores the nuances of Shankarabharanam, Bhairavi, and Varali ragas. She additionally collaborated with Praveen on tracks for which in addition they roped in parai and nagaswaram artistes.

“By way of all of it, we marvelled at the truth that whereas we classify ourselves primarily based on variations, each throughout cultures and species, in actuality we’re not so completely different in any case,” says Sushma.

Whereas her first album ‘Sa’ was extra an anthology of her favorite musical items, recreated by collaborating with a few of her closest pals and fellow musicians, the seven tracks of ‘House’ are “pure emotion”. Pushed by Aditya to take her voice past its standard consolation stage, she hopes the album is greater than only a hear. “It’s a tribute to the ecosystem that we share with different beings and a determined plea to avoid wasting our unbelievable dwelling. Therefore the title,” says Sushma.

The freelance journalist writes on artwork and tradition.