Varijashree Venugopal on Her First Grammy Nomination and the Struggles of Independent Musicians in India

Indian musician Varijashree Venugopal has been making waves with her recent Grammy nomination in the Best Global Music Performance category.

Varijashree Venugopal’s collaboration with renowned singer-songwriter Jacob Collier on the song “A Rock Somewhere” has earned her this prestigious recognition. In an exclusive interview, Varijashree opened up about what the nomination means to her, how she came to work with Jacob Collier, and the struggles faced by independent musicians in India.

A Dream Realized: Varijashree’s First Grammy Nomination

Varijashree Venugopal is overjoyed with her first-ever Grammy nomination. The recognition, she says, is a huge boost for her as an artist. “As an artiste and an ever-growing student of music, any acknowledgement or pat on the back in the form of awards always gives a sense of reassurance,” she explains. For her, this nomination is not just a personal achievement but also a testament to the impact of her work, encouraging her to continue pursuing her passion.

Collaborating with Jacob Collier: A Dream Come True

The collaboration that led to her Grammy nomination came about through an unexpected outreach from Jacob Collier. “I love Jacob Collier for the avid, curious, genius musician that he is,” Varijashree says. Jacob had personally reached out to her, sharing his vision for a song and how he envisioned her voice as a perfect fit. “He had already recorded with Anoushka Shankar, and there was a lot of space for me to explore and find my own sound,” she adds. Their collaboration became a harmonious blend of artistic ideas, and the result was the beautiful track A Rock Somewhere.

For Varijashree, this collaboration also highlighted the importance of mutual respect and creative freedom, which allowed her to contribute to the song in a meaningful way. She reflects, “Jacob and I met when he was touring India, and we exchanged a lot of music. It was a wonderful experience working together.”

The Impact of the Grammy Nomination on Her Music Career

Varijashree believes that a Grammy nomination will provide her music with more visibility, allowing her to reach an even larger audience. “Some people who have no idea who I am might turn around and check some things, and that is a win,” she says. For independent artists, recognition is often hard to come by, but the Grammy nod is a step towards greater visibility in the global music scene.

She adds that the real victory for artists lies in the ability to share their music with an open-minded audience, willing to experience their work without any preconceived notions. The nomination, Varijashree believes, will undoubtedly amplify the reach and noticeability of her music, providing her with a platform she may not have had otherwise.

The Struggles of Independent Musicians in India

While the recognition of niche music is growing globally, Varijashree sheds light on the challenges that independent musicians face in India. “Independent music and independent musicians have always had this issue of not enough space or promotion about their music,” she explains. In India, the music industry is still heavily dominated by the film industry, where soundtracks often overshadow independent work. “Most of the time, independent music gets less exposure because the mainstream is more accessible and easier to listen to,” Varijashree says.

However, the Western music industry offers a different environment. “In the West, music is an industry in itself, that’s why an award like the Grammy exists,” Varijashree points out. Unlike India, where music is often linked to films, in the West, the music industry is separate, with dedicated platforms for different genres and artists. This distinction has made it easier for niche music to gain recognition and support.

Changing the Narrative: How the Grammy Nomination Can Help

Varijashree hopes that her Grammy nomination will help steer more attention to independent Indian artists who struggle to make a mark in the industry. “An award like this tells people, ‘Hey, there is this thing that is noteworthy. Check it out,’” she says. Her nomination serves as a powerful reminder of the value of music beyond the mainstream, encouraging listeners to explore more diverse and intricate sounds.

Conclusion

Varijashree Venugopal discussed that the Grammy nomination is a personal achievement and a win for independent artists in India. As an artist, she has always believed in the power of music to transcend boundaries, and this recognition proves that her work is resonating with audiences worldwide. The collaboration with Jacob Collier on A Rock Somewhere marks a milestone in her career. As she continues to push the boundaries of her craft, Varijashree hopes to inspire other independent musicians to chase their dreams despite the challenges.

With her Grammy nod, Varijashree Venugopal is now on a global platform, ready to share her unique sound. As an artist who believes in the power of music to create change, this nomination is only the beginning of what promises to be an extraordinary journey.