Camping out under the stars wondering about life in the Universe.

Gautam Karnik's Album

Life Out There

Finding those calm and turbulent moments inbetween space time.

The Volcanic Inbetween

Solfeggio frequencies and Binaural Beats to emulate light traveling across the Universe carrying the message of music.

On Galactic Beams of Light

The tumultuous currents and eddies in the process of nebular genesis.

Nebulous Expanses

Fragmented realities as we journey and dive into the abyss.

Down The WoRmHoLe

Title: Sami Ninne 
Ragam: Shakara Bharanam
Composer: Vennai Kuppaiyer
Talam: Adi

Meaning:

Meaning:

O lord (“saami”)! Because of her desire for you (“ninne kori”) she is
extremely (“chala”) agitated (“marulu konnadi”).
O son of the lord (“kumara”)! Without (“jeyaka”) antagonising anymore
(“taamasam”) please show mercy (“daya judara”) on her.
She, who has eyes like the beautiful lotus that are born in the water
(“neerajakshi”) is longing for you (“nee pai”).

Sami Ninne

Raga: Begada
Talam: Rupakam
Composer: Muthuswami Dikshitar
Photo: ©iStockphoto.com / Murali Nath

Meaning:

I became(“bhavami”)  the devotee (“bhaktho”) of Vallabha Nayaka, the bestower (“daayaka”) of the desired boons (“vaanchitaartha”), seated on the mount (“vaahana”) of his choice, the mouse (“mooshika”).

His feet (“pada”) are as soft (“pallava”)  as the tender shoots(“Mrudu tarasya”). He sports a noose (“pasha”), a goad (“ankusha”) and other (“aadi”) weapons in his hands (“tarasya”). He is adorned with garlands (“haara”) of Jaati (jasmine), champaka flowers and also with gem studded (“mani”) necklace (“maalasya”). He is the cause (“kaarana”) for bringing about the marriage (“vivaaha”) of Valli with Subramanya. He is worshipped (“pooji”) by Guruguha and adored (“sannuta”) by Kaali, Sarasvati (“kalaamalini”) and the lotus (“kamala”) eyed (“aakshi”) Lakshmi.

Vallabha Nayakasya

Title: Chala Mela
Ragam: Nattai Kuranji
Talam: Adi
Composer: Mulai Veedu Rangaswamy Nattuvanar

Meaning:

O beautiful Rangayya, why are you spiteful?
Always, I believed your feet to be my destination.
Hearing the elephant cry out, You went fast, killed the
crocodile, got the title 'protector of the elephant', extolled by
celestial beings as protector of the fallen, please hear my prayer.
Is it heavy (difficult) for you to protect me?
If you stay put thinking that this is ok, I am not one to leave you.
O lotus eyed, killer of demons, I know nothing else except your thoughts.
I prayed to you thinking you are the Maintainer of the universe. 
Is it proper for you to stay without properly hearing me?
O father of Cupid! Why are you (refusing) to give me the boon?
Is it possible for me to praise you, who, with great compassion, 
gave clothes to Draupadi in the congregation (of Kauravas)? 
Please do not disclose my mistakes in the dream during your reign of Rangapuri.
Please protect me.

Chala Mela

Title: Gajavadana Mam Pahi
Raga: Hamsadwani
Talam: Rupakam
Composer: M.D. Ramanattar

Gajavadana Mam Pahi

Rest in peace Vangelis! A brilliant, brilliant composer who influenced many.

Vangelis - Blade Runner

Title: Chalamela Jesevura
Ragam: Durbar
Talam: Adi
Composer: Thiruvotriyur Thyagaiyyer

Meaning: 

Lord Venugopala, why do you wreak a grudge on me? Please shower your Grace upon this one who has ardently believed in you.

 - translation courtesy of http://www.shivkumar.org/

Chalamela Jesevura

Title: Sri Rama Padama
Raga: Amrita Vahini
Talam: Adi
Composer: Tyagaraja

Meaning:

O Holy feet of Sri Rama - worshipped by Brahm, sages Sanaka, Sanandana, Narada, Indra and others - sung about by this Tyagaraja!

Your grace is indeed enough;
Be firmly implanted in my mind.
You protected Ahalya who, lying as a wayside stone, was ever shedding tears unable to withstand the distress;
Deign to beatify me too in the same manner.

 - translation courtesy of http://www.shivkumar.org/

Sri Rama Padama

Title: Jalandhara Supitaste
Raga: Valachi
Talam: Roopakam
Composer: Harikesavanallur Muthaiah Bhagwathar

Meaning:

The one who resides in Jalandhara, a place. 
The one is adorned by the flowers of Japa (chanting).

The one who is as radiant as the radiance coming from 100,000 early morning suns, the young divine lady, take care of me.

The one who cures worldy diseases.
The one who takes care of devotees.
The one who is an embodiment of new energy (Shakti), the ruler of Harikesha. 

- translation courtesy of http://www.shivkumar.org/

Jalandhara Supitaste

Title: Shiva Shiva Shiva
Raga: Panthuvarali
Talam: Adi
Composer: Tyagaraja

Meaning:

Mortals! Why do you not rid yourselves of the trails and tribulations of life by chanting the name of Shiva repeatedly?

Root out Kama (lust) and other vile infections on the mind, eschew the desire for other's wealth, rid yourself of ignorance and worship Shiva with Bilva leaves.
Associate with good people, regard them and not give any room to shyness. 
Worship Shiva in the lotus of your heart with abandon and chant the holy name of Shiva. Chanting the Vedas, extol the Lord.

Avoid all fruitless talk and in the company of devotees, indulge in chanting the name and singing his glory.
Knowing that Shiva is the Lord whom this Tyagaraja bows down to chant, the name of Shiva eternally!

- translation courtesy of http://www.shivkumar.org/

Shiva Shiva Shiva

Title: Sudhamayi Sudhanidhi
Raga: Amritha Varshini
Talam: Roopakam
Composer: Harikesavanallur Muthaiah Bhagwathar

Meaning:

She who is pervaded with nectar, the treasure house of nectar,
She who has a bow of sugarcane and flowers.

She who is worshipped by the king of fate,
She who is pure like water, the essence of Vedas
And the victorious mother.

She who has lotus like eyes, she who bewitches the world,
She who wears great tunes and gems,
She who likes the song of Harikesa,
And she who showers the nectar of joy.

- translation courtesy of http://translationsofsomesongsofcarnticmusic.blogspot.com/2012/03/sudhamayi.html

Another translation:

O lotus eyed, nectar-filled goddess Vijayambike, 
you are the essence of the Vedas, 
and are worshipped by Brahma and Indra. 
You wield the sugar cane as your bow and flowers as arrows. 
You mesmerize the Universe.
You are adorned with a garland of Ragas. 
Protect me, O beloved of lord Shiva.

Sudhamayi Sudhanidhi

Title: Ada Modi
Ragam: Charukesi
Talam: Adi
Composer: Tyagaraja

O Ramaya! You seem to feel too proud, too uppish, even to talk to me.
I have sought you as my sole support and shelter and stuck to you steadfastly and devotedly but you seem to feel ... 
Do you remember that when the learned Anjaneya (Hanuman), an offshoot of Shiva Himself,
... at his very first meeting with you desired to be informed of your antecedents, 
... you did not respond directly, but commanded Lakshmana to speak to him? 
When such was the lot of Anjaneya himself, who can expect you to talk to this frail Tyagaraja?

Ada Modi

Avani is a mix of belly dancing, Indian stylings, rock and classical music for solo violin.  There are three types of songs on this album, 1) solo violin, 2) violin and percussion, 3) fully orchestrated pieces.   The musicians featured in this project are: Robert Fenske, Steve McGonigle, Jeremy Doody, Darrek Anderson, Cathy Derkach, Beth Schuld.  This truly was a fun project to work on.

Padmavati

Street Dance

Violin mix with fantastic beats and samples from Kajmir Royale.

And You Are (w/ Kajmir Royale)

Violin mix with backing beats and orchestration from Kajmir Royale and Hevy Beats.

http://kajmirbeats.com/

Emerge

Mash up of different styles of violin with hip hop beats from @kajmirbeats and samples from GarageBand with mastering by @Thoribass.

Alignment

This song is mostly a reflection of all the things we see on the news.   Think of the orchestra as the lead up to approaching the abyss, the solo violin as peering into the abyss, and the high pitch and distorted violins as the abyss looking back.  The more we see the negativity on the news and media, the more we let it influence our own daily lives.

Mash up of different styles of violin with hip hop beats and samples from @kajmirbeats with mastering by @Thoribass.



Looking into the Abyss

Imagine a mystical dragon flying above you and dancing around in the sky.

Mix of various violin stylings with beats from @kajmirbeats and samples from GarageBand with mastering by @Thoribass.

Dragon Flight

A nice little piece speaking to the playfulness of children.  Beats and samples provided by @kajmirbeats with mastering by @Thoribass

Happy

Title: Veenabheri
Composer: Muthuswami Dikshitar
Ragam: Abheri
Talam: Adi

Meaning:  Oh Mother! Who is delighted with the music of instruments like veeNaa, bhEri, and vENu. Please protect me.

Who is praised by celestials like GhONeevadanaa - vaaraahi, etc. for her worshipful conduct. She transcends three guNas - satva, rajas, and tamas and is revered by Brahma and Guruguha. Her eyes are like those of the dove and She absolves sins. She is the sister of the lord of Lakshmi and has a slender waist.

Veenabheri

Title: Guruleka
Ragam: Gowri Manohari
Talam: Khanda Chapu(5 beats)
Composer: Tyagaraja

Violin: Gautam Karnik
Doromb/Parmupill: Kaupo Kaur(Gehaka - @pp-kaubi)
Mridangam: digital beat machine

Meaning: (from sangeetham.com)

No one, however virtuous he may be, without the grace of a Guru will know!

No one, however virtuous he may be, without the grace of a Guru will know how to cut through the forest of mental ills (the tApatraya)!

It is the good Guru, who is Tyagaraja's friend who out of compassion imparts the knowledge of the Supreme, which is the medicine that cures one of the sorrows caused by the cycles of birth and death and the associated bodily suffering and attachments.

Guruleka w/ Gehaka

Title: Akhilandeshwari
Ragam: Dvijaavanti
Taalam: Aadi 
Composer: Muttuswaamy Dikshitar 
 Language: Sanskrit

Violin: Gautam Karnik
Estonian Parmupill and Vietnamese Dan Moi: Kaupo Kaur a.k.a. Gehaka (@pp-kaubi)

Meaning: (from http://www.karnatik.com/)

 Oh Akhilandeshwari! The one who is adept in the traditions of the Agamas (Vedas), please protect me.

Her inherent nature pervades all the worlds, is pure, sublime. 

She is the dark-complexioned one and is the repository of all arts.
She is worshipped by Lambodara (Ganesha) and Guruguha (Murugan). 
She possesses shining long tresses and always sports a graceful smile. 
She is the supreme one worshipped by Saraswati. 
She is the bestower of boons and the daughter of Himavan (King of Mountains), the honourable one. 
She is Sharada, venerated by Indra and Vishnu. 
She is extolled through Raga Jujavanti (Dvijaavanti) and takes delight in music of the instruments like jhalli, maddala, and jarjhara. 
She is the conferrer of supreme knowledge.

Akhilandeshwari w/ Gehaka

Remix of What You See by DJ Soonie, @user-359537370
https://www.mixcloud.com/soonie-remixer/

Photo c/o Adrianna Calvo (free download). 
https://www.pexels.com/@adriannaca

What You See (Soonie Remix)

Reflections on a recent trip to Athens and Santorini, Winds of Time, with inspiration from a prior trip to Kenya.

Mastering by @Thoribass, Tomáš Stanko.

Winds Of Time (re-mastered)

Diving and sailing in the oceans of space and time.

Space Is An Ocean

Violin has been a lifelong passion of mine.   I've traversed many different genres of music and collaborated with many wonderful people.  The bulk of my influences come from South Indian, Western classical, ethnic, American Tribal Style, folk and rock genres.  

Hope you enjoy the music!  Big thanks to all of those artists I have collaborated with @senzo-c-mavayeya @unearth-noise, @countingcloudsmusic, @c-factory, @kajmirbeats, @Thoribass, @natasiadivina, @emoleblanc, @clifford-borg, @henrieta-lasut, @samone-music, @trixie-delight, @myrhyummy, @miper, @lyricalpriest, @pp-kaubi+ many, many more.

gautamkarnik

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