By: Divya Shetty
In a world where music often defines identity and bridges distances, Echoes of the East emerges as a bold sonic statement that blends two distinct yet complementary worlds—Indian classical music and deep house EDM. The album, released worldwide on all digital platforms on March 21, 2025, is a groundbreaking project that fuses the meditative, soulful textures of ragas with the pulsating energy of electronic beats. Brought to life by producer Ken Elkinson, known for his genre-defying creativity, each track is a carefully crafted journey through ambient soundscapes, deep basslines, and ancient melodies.
This bold experiment not only defies traditional genre boundaries but invites listeners into a transcendent experience that feels both rooted and modern. The album is designed for global citizens, cultural explorers, and music lovers seeking depth and rhythm in equal measure.
Creativity Between Generations
At the heart of Echoes of the East is a rare and inspiring collaboration between Kamini Natarajan and her 14-year-old daughter, Shivali Chandrashekar. Their joint effort brings emotional richness and authenticity that only a familial bond can offer. The project represents a creative bridge between generations—between a mother steeped in centuries-old traditions and a daughter confidently stepping into a multicultural modern world.
“This album represents a dialogue between tradition and modernity, between the East and the West,” Kamini shares. “It’s also a deeply personal milestone as it brings my daughter and me together creatively.” Their shared vision resulted in an album that is as emotionally compelling as it is musically innovative.
Kamini Natarajan, A Legacy in Motion
Kamini Natarajan is an acclaimed world music performer and teacher with deep roots in Hindustani classical and devotional music. Based in Los Angeles, Kamini has built a global reputation for seamlessly blending the spiritual essence of Indian music with modern influences. Through her work, she has brought traditional ragas and bhajans to contemporary audiences across the globe, while also mentoring the next generation of artists.
Her musical foundation was laid in India and she spent over a decade learning intricacies of Indian Classical music. This rigorous training shaped Kamini into a performer with both technical mastery and emotive power. Her music reflects a unique blend of structure and spontaneity, creating performances that are at once meditative and invigorating.
Kamini’s career has been marked by artistic collaboration. She has worked with musicians across genres—jazz, rock, electronic, ambient, and world fusion—constantly pushing the boundaries of Indian classical music while preserving its core essence. Whether performing solo or with global ensembles, she brings a soul-stirring presence to every stage.
Beyond the stage, Kamini is a dedicated teacher and cultural ambassador. Her music school and workshops offer students around the world a chance to engage with the depth of Indian classical tradition. Through her teachings, she continues to nurture a growing community of musicians who are keeping the legacy of Indian music alive.
With eleven previous releases, Kamini’s work has always been defined by innovation and reverence. Echoes of the East is her twelfth release and perhaps her most adventurous yet. Her ability to honor the spiritual depth of Indian classical music while exploring new sonic terrains marks her as a visionary in the world music scene.
A Voice Rising, Shivali Chandrashekar
For Shivali Chandrashekar, Echoes of the East is more than a debut album—it’s a reflection of her bicultural identity and a bold step into her creative future. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Shivali has grown up immersed in both Indian culture and the American musical landscape. Her voice reflects a new generation of artists who are confidently multicultural and unapologetically expressive.
A trained Hindustani classical vocalist since the age of five, Shivali has been mentored by her mother, Kamini, while developing her own distinct voice and style. Her love for singing devotional songs, mantras, and experimenting with different musical forms has given her the foundation to confidently explore fusion sounds. She combines tradition with innovation, creating music that’s both grounded in heritage and forward-looking.
In Echoes of the East, Shivali not only provides lead vocals but also took an active role in co-composing tracks and shaping the artistic vision of the album. Her discipline, sensitivity, and creativity shine through in every track—especially in songs like “Rising Waves” and “Euphoric Rays,” where her voice moves fluidly between Indian raga sargam and electronic textures.
Shivali speaks about her mission to inspire teens who straddle different cultural worlds. “Music gives me the power to connect with my roots while also being myself,” she says. “I want other teens to know that you don’t have to choose one identity—you can celebrate both.”
Track Highlights: A Journey Through Sound and Spirit
Echoes of the East features a diverse range of songs, each with its own emotional resonance and musical identity. Among them, three standout tracks showcase the range, depth, and unique East-meets-West flavor of the album:
Rising Waves – The opening track, Rising Waves, sets the tone with an upbeat, joyous energy. Based on the vibrant Indian raga Kamod, the song radiates optimism and movement. Its high-energy beats and shimmering melodies create a sonic landscape that feels like the breaking dawn of a new cultural day—a perfect introduction to the album’s fusion ethos.
Euphoric Rays – A celebratory interpretation of the sacred Gayatri Mantra, Euphoric Rays is a thrilling, high-energy track that blends traditional sargam (solfege-style note singing) with vibrant electronic pulses. The song captures the joy of spiritual expression, fusing ancient chants with festival-ready soundscapes. It is a dance between devotion and euphoria.
Echoes of the East is available on all digital platforms starting March 21, 2025. With its innovative sound, emotional resonance, and powerful backstory, the album is poised to make waves across both world music and electronic music circles.
Listen to the album now on Spotify: Listen Now
Follow Kamini and Shivali on Instagram: Follow Us
Website: https://kaminimusic.com
Published by Joseph T.
