The former Bharatnatyam dancer rousing folk rock is not only the symbol of metropolitan India’s blossoming alternative music scene, but is also making waves internationally. But even for someone as popular as he is, it has been tough going. His experience provides a peek into what it is to be a fulltime musician in the country. Yes we are talking about Raghu Dixit who is back in town after his tour performing at various places; the Salisbury International Arts Festival in Wiltshire, a special performance before appearing at the exclusive members club Shoreditch House in East London, the Solas Festival in South Lanarkshire and most importantly he opened the prestigious TED Conference 2012 (Technology, Entertainment and Design)
Considered one of the biggest cultural exports from India, his international associations started way back in 2008 when he was invited to the Sage Gateshead in the UK’s North East folk heartland, for a collaborative project. The positive feedback encouraged him to pursue more international dates, resulting in a slot at Groove Armada’s Hackney festival Lovebox, which in turn led to a booking at premier world music festival, Womad in 2009.A powerhouse who delivers songs in a fluid combination of English, Hindi and Kannada set to virtuoso guitars and violin, drawing on blues, rock, reggae, bhangra, Latin and Sufi, a myriad array of instruments and instrumentalists lend the album a vibrancy that is signature Raghu Dixit, on a whole new level. And this year the genius performed for The Queen of England and His Royal Highness, The Duke of Edinburgh, for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations too.
That’s not it all. Raghu Dixit project was also witnessed at the Larmer Tree Festival, WOMAD and the Cambridge Folk Festival. Raghu Dixit project accounted to representing India’s music, ethnic and rooted at the core, but at the same time, global in its outlook. The artist has recently even inked a deal for his debut LP to be released on renowned world music label, Wrasse (Amadou & Mariam, Gilberto Gil, K’naan, Tinariwen).We sure know that the artist is definitely going places after this UK sojourn which has remapped his career line. Here is EIGHT OCTAVES wishing the artist all the very best.
