Archita Bhattacharya Interview
Q. When someone asks “What kind of artist are you?”, what part of yourself do you find hardest to put into words?
As an artist, I often find it challenging to encapsulate the essence of my work in mere words. Each genre I embrace- Classical, Semi-classical, and Ghazal—carries its own unique heritage, emotion, and intricacies. The hardest part is conveying the deep connection I feel to each piece and the way they resonate with my personal experiences and cultural identity.
It’s not just about the notes I sing, but the stories, emotions, and traditions they represent. Music is a language of its own, and sometimes words seem inadequate to express the profound joy and vulnerability I experience as I perform.
Q.Your bio says music stimulates the mind. How has music trained your thinking, not just your voice?
Music has profoundly shaped my thinking in several ways beyond just vocal technique. Firstly, it trains my mind to recognize patterns, structures, and emotions, allowing me to approach compositions analytically and creatively. This analytical aspect helps me learn complex pieces more efficiently.
Moreover, music encourages discipline and perseverance; mastering intricate pieces requires dedication, which translates into other areas of my life. It also enhances my emotional intelligence, as interpreting music necessitates understanding feelings, both my own and those of the audience.
Finally, engaging with different musical genres cultivates flexibility in my thinking, enabling me to adapt and innovate in various contexts. This interplay between music and thought process enriches my artistic expression and contributes to my overall growth as an artist.
Q.You often perform in intimate, dialogue-driven spaces rather than loud spectacle-heavy stages. What does that setting allow you to express that bigger platforms sometimes don’t?
I have had the privilege of performing for audiences exceeding 50,000; showcasing my work in large auditoriums, as well as in more intimate settings. Performing for sizable audiences on grand stages and in intimate venues both bring their unique allure and enchantment.
But to answer your question-
Intimate, dialogue-driven spaces provide a unique opportunity for deeper connection and interaction with the audience. In these settings, the energy is more personal, allowing me to convey emotions and nuances that might get lost in larger venues.
The closeness fosters a sense of vulnerability where I can share stories and engage in a two-way dialogue, inviting the audience to not just listen but to feel and respond. This level of intimacy creates an atmosphere where every note and word resonates profoundly, making the experience more impactful for both me and the audience.
Ultimately, it's about building a shared moment that transcends performance and becomes a meaningful exchange.
Q.Many of your performances sit at the intersection of classical sensibility and contemporary expression. How do you decide when to preserve tradition and when to reinterpret it?
My approach to merging classical sensibility with contemporary expression is guided by intuition and context. When preserving tradition, I focus on capturing the authenticity and emotional depth that define the classical pieces. This involves studying the nuances and cultural significance that have been passed down through generations.
Conversely, when I choose to reinterpret, I consider the contemporary narrative and the audience's experience. I ask myself how the music can resonate with today's listeners while still honoring its roots. This might involve experimenting with arrangements, integrating modern elements, or infusing personal experiences into the performance.
Ultimately, it’s about finding a balance that respects tradition while inviting innovation, creating a dialogue between the past and present.
Q.As an independent artist today, visibility often demands constant output. How do you protect depth in a culture that rewards speed?
As an independent artist, I recognize the pressure to maintain high visibility through constant output. However, I believe that depth and authenticity are essential to my artistic journey. To protect this depth, I prioritize quality over quantity. I take the time to reflect on my experiences and emotions, allowing them to inform my creative process.
Also set boundaries around my creative time, ensuring that I don’t compromise my artistry for the sake of speed. This involves regularly stepping back to evaluate my work and allowing myself the space to experiment and grow, rather than just producing for output’s sake.
Ultimately, I strive to create a body of work that resonates deeply with both myself and my audience, valuing meaningful expression over mere visibility.
Q.You collaborate with musicians across generations and styles. What’s the most unexpected lesson you’ve learned from a collaboration?
Through my collaborations with musicians across various generations and styles, one of the most unexpected lessons I've learned is the power of listening. Each musician brings a unique perspective, which has taught me to be open-minded and adaptable. There have been instances where a simple suggestion or a different approach to a piece has sparked new ideas, leading to creative breakthroughs I never anticipated.
Additionally, I've discovered that the emotional connection conveyed through music transcends age and style; it’s a universal language that can bridge seemingly vast differences. This has deepened my appreciation for the diverse ways in which we all express ourselves and has encouraged me to embrace the richness that comes from these varied influences.
Q.Your journey reflects patience and continuity rather than overnight virality. What does success look like to you at this stage of your musical life?
Success, for me, is measured by the meaningful connections I build with my audience and the growth I experience as an artist. It’s not solely about the number of views or followers, but rather the impact my music has on others and how it resonates with their lives.
At this stage, success means continuously honing my craft, exploring new creative avenues, and staying true to my artistic vision. It’s about finding fulfillment in the journey, nurturing relationships within the music community, and creating art that reflects my authentic self.
Ultimately, success is a blend of personal evolution and the deep satisfaction that comes from sharing my passion with others.
Q.Live performance exposes vulnerability in real time. How do you stay emotionally present on stage without letting nerves overpower the music?
Staying emotionally present during live performances is a balance of preparation and mindfulness. I try to focus on the music itself and the emotions it evokes, rather than on the idea of performing in front of an audience. This shift in focus allows me to immerse myself in the moment and share that connection with the audience.
Additionally, I practice breathing techniques and grounding exercises before going on stage to manage nerves. I remind myself that vulnerability can be a strength; it allows for authentic expression, which resonates deeply with listeners.
Embracing this aspect of performance helps me stay connected to the music and the audience, turning potential anxiety into a powerful, shared experience.
Q.Music often carries memory and emotion. Is there a song or raga that feels like home to you?
There are few of them actually. But one song that feels like home is 'Ambwa Taley Dola Rakh De'- my mother's favorite song- is a traditional bidaai or farewell song, which is sung when the bride leaves her parents' home for her marital home, as it resonates deeply with my personal experiences and evokes cherished memories.
The melodies and nuances of this piece transport me back to moments that are significant in my life, making it a powerful reminder of my roots and emotions. Whether it's the rhythm that stirs my soul or the lyrics that tell a story, this music encapsulates a sense of comfort and belonging that I always carry with me.
Each time I listen to it or perform it, I am reminded of the profound connection music has with our memories and emotions, creating a sanctuary that feels like home.
Q.In an algorithm-driven world, do you ever feel pressured to change your artistic identity or has music kept you grounded?
In an algorithm-driven world, there’s certainly a temptation to alter my artistic identity to fit trends or gain visibility. However, music has been my anchor, reminding me of the importance of authenticity and staying true to my voice. While I acknowledge the realities of the industry and the role algorithms play, I believe that genuine expression resonates more deeply with audiences than mere conformity to trends.
I aim to create art that reflects my experiences and values, not just what is popular at the moment. This commitment to authenticity keeps me grounded, allowing me to navigate the pressures of the modern music landscape while remaining faithful to my creative journey
Q. Your life right now has a soundtrack, would it be a calm alaap, a powerful crescendo, or a quiet refrain?
If my life right now had a soundtrack, I would describe it as a powerful crescendo. While there are moments of calm and reflection, I feel as though I'm building towards something significant.
Each experience adds layers and intensity to my journey, creating an energy that propels me forward. This crescendo symbolizes not only the challenges I face but also the growth and excitement that comes with pursuing my passions. It’s a dynamic phase that encourages me to embrace both the highs and lows, leading to a beautiful symphony of experiences.
Bio:
Archita Bhattacharya is an accomplished Indian Classical, Semi-Classical, and Ghazal vocalist with a soft, golden voice. Trained from the age of three under maestros including Pandit A. T. Kanan and Vidushi Shipra Bose, she is a National Scholarship holder, AIR first-prize winner, and graded AIR artist. Her accolades include Sangeet Bhushan, Indian Achievers Club’s 33 Women Achievers of India (2024), Best Composer at LENSFAME, and being the Voice of HDFC Bank.
She has recorded with Shankar Mahadevan, composed and sung for award-selected films, performed at premier platforms like NMACC, Taj Mahotsav, and Subah Banaras, represented India internationally, and shared the stage with legendary musicians.
Interviewed by: Nidhi
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