This is a classical-techno crossover interpretation of traditional South Indian (Carnatic) composition Sri Vignarajam Bhaje, which has a 5-count rhythm. Performed by Shashwathi Jagadish (singer of Carnatic music) – and Rutger Muller (electroacoustic composer). Audio mix by Rutger Muller.

From their shared passion for entrancing spirituality and playful experiment, Shashwathi and Rutger came up with this futuristic interpretation – in which the rhythmic flow of raga-vocals float upon intricately layered transformations of Tanpura-drones.

The two musicians were brought together by @thisiscultureshock, a project initiated in Utrecht with multicultural venue De Voorkamer. Culture Shock gives musicians from different cultural backgrounds a unique opportunity to co-create a performance. Shashwathi and Rutger sent ideas and sketches back and forth, and got inspired by challenges such as composing techno in a 5/4 rhythm, and creating unique atmospheres to improvise in.

The whole set (will be published later) consists of:

1. Sri Vignarajam Bhaje
Raga: Gambhira Nattai
Composer: Oothukadu Venkata Subba Iyer

2. Elli jaaritho manavu
Raga: Kalyana Vasantha
Composer: N.S.Lakshmi Narayana Bhatta

3. Thillana
Raga: Mohana Kalyani
Composer: Lalgudi Jayaraman

Shashwathi Jagadish & Rutger Muller -  Sri Vignarajam Bhaje (Live at Culture Shock)

I'm an electroacoustic composer interested in mystic, spiritual and ritual sound. I approach music through the intricacies of timbre, acoustics and spatiality, and I extract compositions or "soundspaces" from elements of ancient/classical music, (dark) ambient, (dub) techno, free improvisation and architectural ideas. By shaping a semi-abstract sound, I want to transcend the drama of emotion, reach beyond it, towards the patterns and noises of consciousness (the micro cosmos), outer space (the macro cosmos) and nature.

"...a fascinating contemporary classical-techno-ambient hybrid, miles away from even a lot of the post-classical music you hear these days. This is driving, jazz-inflected experimental electronic music deeply rooted in classical instrumentation and form." - Create Digital Music(2015)

"Beautiful, elegant, mysterious..." -Murcof (2015)

"We were blown away..."
- Rewire Festival organisation about the live show (2014)

"Fascinating!"
- Hubble Space Telescope (ESA) about the Cynquery video (2015)

Other projects:
@hypnoticschool
@diskettedeluxe
@auxpulse