Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

With Shuruaat, the Berklee Indian Ensemble Begin a New Chapter

21/07/2022

With Shuruaat, the Berklee Indian Ensemble Begin a New Chapter Berklees in-house Indo-jazz superstars celebrate their first decade and step into the future with their debut album.

By

John Mirisola

July 21, 2022

The Berklee Indian Ensemble

Image by Mike Ritter

Depending on how you look at it, the road to the Berklee Indian Ensembles first album, Shuruaat (Hindi for beginning), was either impossible, or it was inevitable.

Shuruaat album cover

Design by Nikhil Kaul

On the one hand, there were countless hurdles. Take, for instance, the business challenges of a small academic institute working out an international music publishing deal with Sony Music India, or developing fair revenue-sharing contracts with some hundred collaborators. Then theres the sheer unprecedented trajectory of this homegrown college ensemble evolving organically over 10 years into a YouTube phenomenon, now ready to enter yet another new stage as a professional 11-piece collective.

But on the other hand, theres the music itself, with all its inevitable charisma. Watching any one of those performances that have attracted so many millions of viewers, seeing how skillfully the ensemble flows through styles, collaborators, languages, and moods, balancing immense talent with serious fun, its no great mystery how the group, led by Berklee India Exchange Artistic Director Annette Philip B.M. '09, found the conviction to persevere through those seemingly impossible challenges and arrive at this new beginning.

The main thing that has always pushed us are two questions: what if? and why not? Philip explains. We were constantly told by industry professionals, especially who work in India: This is going to be an uphill task. When we got to the 10-year anniversary [of the ensemble], however, I just felt like, you know what, just because it might be hard is not a good enough reason to not do this, or not even not try.

From a Blank Canvas to a YouTube Phenomenon Those two questions-what if? and why not?-have been with the group from the beginning, when Philip was given a blank canvas to create a new ensemble or academic offering at Berklee. She knew the answer immediately: There were these little pockets of Indian music that were being explored more on a theory side or a composition side, but no performing collective that was exploring Indian music in all of its varied forms. So she founded the Berklee Indian Ensemble as a vocal group in 2011, and over its first few years, the ensemble blossomed into a full band that students returned to term after term.

Part of the groups appeal has always been its inclusive spirit. Its a porous collective, Philip says, a space where no matter what your cultural or musical background is, you are able to bring your perspective and your voice into the music, and thats got to flavor the overall sound.... Right from the beginning, the goal was: yes, it is Indian music, but it is a global Indian sound that we are going to create together.

That was a sound that audiences around the globe-and across the internet-responded to. The groups second-ever YouTube video, 2014s interpretation of A. R. Rahmans Jiya Jale, went viral overnight, and within a week had racked up more than a million views. As of today, the song is approaching 53 million views, and is the most popular video on Berklees YouTube channel. And as the millions of views on subsequent videos have proven, that early success was far from a fluke.

Watch the Berklee Indian Ensembles viral hit Jiya Jale:

A New Beginning Ten years on, much has changed for the ensemble. In 2021, the group, which had organically developed a core lineup of 11 musicians-some of whom had been playing with the ensemble since its inception-transitioned from an academic offering to Berklees first professional touring outfit. The ensemble will now focus on raising the schools global profile through its own performances, workshops, and outreach. Meanwhile, students will have access to the ensembles spiritual successor, the South Asian Ensemble, which they can participate in without needing to square the demands of a full-time touring band with the rigors of a Berklee education.

Shuruaat, which collects 10 of the groups most memorable YouTube performances into a cohesive musical journey, is a monument to what the ensemble managed to accomplish through its first decade. Featuring four original compositions alongside covers and collaborations with legends including tabla master Zakir Hussain '19H, singers Shankar Mahadevan and Vijay Prakash, and Bollywood icon Shreya Ghoshal, it really is a full spectrum of what the ensemble has created as a team, as a family, over the last 10, 11 years, says Philip. It includes 98 musicians from 39 countries. And this 98 is only a glimpse-a small glimpse-into the almost 500 people whove been part of the ensemble over the years.

We want our students and our alumni to know that they have rights, and they have to be treated correctly, no matter who their collaborator is.

- Annette Philip, Artistic Director, Berklee India Exchange

The album also marks a milestone in ethical music business practices. We have set up Berklees first-and probably one of the worlds first-equitable, just revenue sharing systems, Philip explains. Weve talked to many music supervisors, music rights activists, etc..., to find a really fair way for everyone who is part of the album-not just the performers, but also the producers, arrangers, and any engineers who are not already paid as a work-for-hire-to share in the albums continued success through a prorated revenue share. For life. Its a radical model that Philip says she hopes sets a precedent for the rest of the music industry. We want our students and our alumni to know that they have rights, and they have to be treated correctly, no matter who their collaborator is.

Ultimately, these thoughtfu
LINK: https://www.berklee.edu/berklee-now/news/on-shuruaat-the-berklee-india...
See more stories from berklee

More from Berklee

28/03/2024

Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at The Huntington

Boston Conservatory to Present Center Stage Production of A Midsummer Night'...

27/03/2024

15 Latin Artists Who Became Musical Idols

15 Latin Artists Who Became Musical Idols Listen to iconic Latin musicians across genres in this playlist and read about how they've influenced Berklee st...

22/03/2024

Berklee, A3 Communication, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Launch Berklee on the Road Program

Berklee, A3 Communication, and the Gnaoua and World Music Festival Launch Berkle...

19/03/2024

What Is Dembow? Tracing the Roots of a Global Phenomenon

What Is Dembow? Tracing the Roots of a Global Phenomenon The story of the dembow beat, which can be found in reggaeton, hip-hop, pop, and far beyond, speaks t...

19/03/2024

Berklee's Roger H. Brown Jr. Building Honored by Boston Society for Architecture

Berklee's Roger H. Brown Jr. Building Honored by Boston Society for Architec...

19/03/2024

Applications Open for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics

Applications Open for 2024 Berklee at Umbria Jazz Clinics The 39th edition of the program will be held from July 9-21. By Callista Chan March 21, 2024 Ima...

14/03/2024

Berklee Career Jam Concert Showcases Student Artists for Music and Entertainment Industry

Berklee Career Jam Concert Showcases Student Artists for Music and Entertainment...

14/03/2024

BPMI to Host 22nd Annual Showcase at Brighton Music Hall on April 17

BPMI to Host 22nd Annual Showcase at Brighton Music Hall on April 17 The Berklee Popular Music Institute will showcase performances from six rising stars who ...

08/03/2024

Berklee Presents the Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature

Berklee Presents the Michael Jackson Ensemble: Human Nature The Signature Series concert honors the King of Pop, surveying the entirety of his iconic career. ...

07/03/2024

Bruce Hornsby Is Still Seeing What He Can Get Away With

Bruce Hornsby Is Still Seeing What He Can Get Away With Since The Way It Is, the visionary songwriter has made his mark on so many genres. His latest, Deep Se...

06/03/2024

Student Spotlight: Mehrpouya Daneshvar

Student Spotlight: Mehrpouya Daneshvar The clarinetist from Iran talks about discovering a love for Iranian classical music and how coming to Berklee has allo...

02/03/2024

Applications Open for Berklee in Puerto Rico 2024

Applications Open for Berklee in Puerto Rico 2024 Registration is open now through April 11. By Colette Greenstein March 1, 2024 Students perform at Berklee...

01/03/2024

Student Spotlight: Shivaraj Natraj

Student Spotlight: Shivaraj Natraj The vocalist, konnakol beatboxer, and percussionist reflects on his musical journey from Oman to India and beyond, and how ...

01/03/2024

Berklee to Present American Master Award to Arturo Sandoval

Berklee to Present American Master Award to Arturo Sandoval Berklee will recognize the Cuban-American legend's legacy and impact on jazz and Latin music. ...

28/02/2024

Announcing the 2024 Issue of STAGES Magazine: Future Proof

Announcing the 2024 Issue of STAGES Magazine: Future Proof This issue takes a deep dive into how a Boston Conservatory education lays the foundation for futu...

28/02/2024

40 Years Later, Thriller's Grammy Sweep Still Resonates

40 Years Later, Thriller's Grammy Sweep Still Resonates Professors Lil John Roberts and Mimi Jones, part of the team leading the upcoming Michael Jackson ...

27/02/2024

The Rubin Brothers Bring Circus Spectacle to American Idol

The Rubin Brothers Bring Circus Spectacle to American Idol Berklee alum Colescott Rubin and his brother, current student A.J., rode unicycles and sang about lov...

24/02/2024

Berklee International Hip-Hop Symposium Spotlights Local Artists, Entrepreneurs

Berklee International Hip-Hop Symposium Spotlights Local Artists, Entrepreneurs SAMMUS, DJ Troy Frost, and DJ WhySham are among featured guest speakers for th...

22/02/2024

Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Vibraphone Master, Composer, and Educator Joel Ross

Berklee's Signature Series Celebrates Vibraphone Master, Composer, and Educa...

17/02/2024

Boston Conservatory Dance Students Perform in New Music Video by Pop Artist Piao

Boston Conservatory Dance Students Perform in New Music Video by Pop Artist Piao The video for Neopet features choreography by commercial dance major Sofia ...

17/02/2024

Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Five Organizations

Berklee Awards Fenway Neighborhood Improvement Grant to Five Organizations A total of $25,000 will be distributed amongst the Boston-based nonprofits. By Co...

14/02/2024

Cecil Adderley Named President-Elect of the National Association for Music Education

Cecil Adderley Named President-Elect of the National Association for Music Educa...

14/02/2024

Cecil Adderley Named President of the National Association for Music Education

Cecil Adderley Named President of the National Association for Music Education The chair of Berklee's Music Education Department will serve as NAfME's...

14/02/2024

Berklee's Signature Series Presents Great American Songbook: Night and Day-A Celebration of Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga

Berklee's Signature Series Presents Great American Songbook: Night and Day-A...

09/02/2024

Sounds of Black History at Symphony Hall

Sounds of Black History at Symphony Hall Boston Conservatory Orchestra will showcase works by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Margaret Bonds, Valerie Coleman, and ot...

09/02/2024

Berklee Valencia Alumni Recognized at the Grammy Awards

Berklee Valencia Alumni Recognized at the Grammy Awards Carla Patullo, Gracie Laboy, and MT Aditya Srinivasan took home awards on musics biggest night. Febr...

09/02/2024

Lee Berk Tribute Concert Honors Legacy of Music Education Pioneer and Former Berklee President

Lee Berk Tribute Concert Honors Legacy of Music Education Pioneer and Former Ber...

07/02/2024

Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit Aims to Empower Aspiring Artists

Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit Aims to Empower Aspiring Artists The third annual event will focus on essential music business principles that enable creatives...

06/02/2024

Boston Conservatory at Berklee's New Music Festival Highlights Original Student Works

Boston Conservatory at Berklee's New Music Festival Highlights Original Stud...

05/02/2024

Berklee Alumni and Faculty Win at the 2024 Grammy Awards

Berklee Alumni and Faculty Win at the 2024 Grammy Awards Laufey, Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Miguel Zen n, and Carla Patullo were among the winners of musi...

02/02/2024

Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins Prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award

Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins Prestigious Ditson Conductor's Award The Boston Conservatory faculty member joins a group of legendary conductors who have received th...

01/02/2024

Dancing with the Stars: Berklee Edition Puts the Fun in Fundraiser

Dancing with the Stars: Berklee Edition Puts the Fun in Fundraiser The annual dance competition exceeded fundraising goals, fully endowing a new Dance Divisio...

01/02/2024

Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor's Award

Vimbayi Kaziboni Wins 2024 Alice M. Ditson Fund Conductor's Award The Boston Conservatory faculty member joins a group of legendary conductors who have re...

31/01/2024

Berklee Receives $1.8 Million Donation to Fund Innovative Student Success Initiative

Berklee Receives $1.8 Million Donation to Fund Innovative Student Success Initia...

27/01/2024

Pop Culture Icon Cyndi Lauper Gives Keynote at Berklee NYC Career Expo

Pop Culture Icon Cyndi Lauper Gives Keynote at Berklee NYC Career Expo The entertainment legend was joined by performing arts industry leaders from Broadway t...

27/01/2024

Berklee and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture Expand Partnership

Berklee and the Dominican Republic's Ministry of Culture Expand Partnership The two organizations signed a student credit transfer agreement in January 20...

26/01/2024

Berklee Welcomes Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto for Signature Series Concert

Berklee Welcomes Dani and Debora Gurgel Quarteto for Signature Series Concert The virtuosic foursome will visit the college for a weeklong residency, culminat...

24/01/2024

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts 15th Anniversary Concert

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts 15th Anniversary Concert The Signature Series event will commemorate the life and artistry of the late Wayne Shorter. ...

20/01/2024

Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Announces Inclusive Teaching and Learning Capsule

Berklee Institute for Accessible Arts Education Announces Inclusive Teaching and...

19/01/2024

Carla Patullo Howls and Heals on Grammy-Nominated Ambient Album

Carla Patullo Howls and Heals on Grammy-Nominated Ambient Album On So She Howls, the film composer, songwriter, and alum guides listeners through a cycle of h...

17/01/2024

Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight

Berklee Alumni Win Emmy Awards for Weird: The Al Yankovic Story and Kung Fu Pand...

12/01/2024

Alums Make Big-Screen Debut in Musical Adaptation of Mean Girls

Alums Make Big-Screen Debut in Musical Adaptation of Mean Girls Francesca Castro and Matilde Heckler bring Band Freak energy to the cinematic version of Tina ...

11/01/2024

Boston Conservatory Orchestra Celebrates Black History Month

Boston Conservatory Orchestra Celebrates Black History Month This powerful performance, featuring Anita Hill reciting the words of Martin Luther King Jr., wil...

05/01/2024

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebastin Yatra Scholarship

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebasti n Yatra Scholarship A four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachel...

22/12/2023

The Best Music of 2023 Was Made with Berklee Artists

The Best Music of 2023 Was Made with Berklee Artists Behind the mic, at the boards, or in the band, Berklee artists made some of the year's best music in ...

21/12/2023

Berklees Top News and Stories of 2023

Berklees Top News and Stories of 2023 From AI in the classroom to music licensing 101, 50 years of hip-hop to the next great American jam band, take a look at...

19/12/2023

Student Spotlight: Yamur Soydemir

Student Spotlight: Ya mur Soydemir The Berklee graduate student discusses her greatest inspirations, her love of ultimate frisbee, and the process of reworkin...

16/12/2023

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebastin Yarta Scholarship

Latin Grammy Cultural Foundation Announces 2024 Sebasti n Yarta Scholarship A four-year scholarship providing up to $200,000 in financial aid towards a bachel...

15/12/2023

Berklee Professor Releases Heartfelt Hanukkah Song

Berklee Professor Releases Heartfelt Hanukkah Song Mike Sempert recently released Hold On to the Light, a catchy track with a sincere message about what it me...

14/12/2023

Olivia Soler Espinosa Brings Cuba's National Instrument to Berklee

Olivia Soler Espinosa Brings Cuba's National Instrument to Berklee The college's first woman tres player discusses the instrument's distinctive so...