The Indica Project, comprised of Robert Giannetti, also known as D.Wood, and Sanjay Swamy, who goes by Storms, has recently released their latest album titled “AUM.” This musical collaboration is a testament to their shared passion for exploring diverse musical traditions from around the world, with a particular focus on India’s extraordinary cultural landscape.
“AUM” delves into the rich tapestry of devotional music primarily indigenous to South India, showcasing the incredible diversity and rarely heard sounds beyond the subcontinent itself. The Indica Project seamlessly integrates compositional elements from both Eastern and Western traditions, weaving together the sounds of Carnatic Violin and Mrudangam with Electric Guitar, Bass, and Drums. The result is a fresh and uplifting body of work that can be likened to modern global chamber music.
The album manages to strike a delicate balance between tradition and contemporaneity. Drawing from India’s timeless spiritual identity, “AUM” radiates positivity, optimism, and goodwill for humanity’s future. Storms and Wood have taken a rigorous approach to composition, deconstructing and recreating elements from Western Classical and African American sources. They pay homage to the pioneers of Global Fusion music while fostering an ongoing musical conversation between India and the rest of the world.
Each artist’s journey has been marked by a relentless exploration of India’s cultural and musical landscape, unearthing rare and diverse sounds. D.Wood, a professional musician since graduating from the prestigious Berklee College of Music in the late ’70s, has embarked on musical expeditions to the British Isles, West Africa, and India. He has toured internationally, composed film soundtracks, and taught music at various institutions. Meanwhile, Storms has made significant contributions as a bassist, singer, and producer, collaborating with renowned artists and working on diverse projects across multiple mediums.
The Indica Project’s collaboration has resulted in a formidable body of work that brings together musicians from India, Africa, New York City, and Latin America. Their fresh and exciting contemporary sound showcases the power of artistic collaboration and the ability of music to transcend borders and connect people across cultures.
With their album “AUM,” The Indica Project invites listeners on a captivating musical journey, where ancient traditions meet modern expressions. By embracing the fusion of global sounds and India’s spiritual essence, they offer a glimpse into the profound beauty of cultural exploration and artistic unity.
The Indica Project’s journey continues to inspire, inviting us all to embrace the richness of musical traditions from around the world.
“We decided to document some music which portrays India in conversation with the world, from our own perspective”. Storms
“We both travelled all over India, and consistently found exciting forms of music that we’d never heard before. Much of the music was never heard outside of India.” D. Woods