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KNOTFEST, the destination festival brand curated by SLIPKNOT, is returning to Australia this year, and today we are thrilled to announce a horde of headline sideshows from some of the artists on the festival lineup.
In addition to their entirely sold out Adelaide headline sideshow, SLIPKNOT will also headline in Auckland on Tuesday 11 March, while A DAY TO REMEMBER are set to perform a one and only Australian headline show in Brisbane on Monday 3 March. BABYMETAL, SLAUGHTER TO PREVAIL, WITHIN TEMPTATION, ENTER SHIKARI, HATEBREED, MISS MAY I, VENDED and SUNAMI will also perform their own headline sideshows this year, with the hill-hiking, metal music-loving stand up comic LUKE SEVEREID also set to head down under all the way from Seattle as part of KNOTFEST, interviewing bands at the festival and also performing his own sideshows.
Knotfest Member pre-sale tickets on sale Friday 24 January @ 9am local time
Early bird pre-sale tickets on sale Friday 24 January @ 10am local time Register here -> https://knotfestau.com/ General tickets are on sale Tuesday 28 January @ 10am local time Without further adieu, we present to you Knotfest Australia 2025 sideshows…
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Words: Ken Magno
Royel Otis sold out ‘Coming Home’ show, packing out Sydney’s iconic venue to the brim and delivering a show that solidifies the Byron duo’s place as one of Australia’s best current acts. Catapulting from local heroes to global superstardom thanks to their ARIA topping debut album ‘Pratts & Pain’, as well as a sold-out world tour beside it, Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic were building up quite the reputation – and one that they easily proved they could live up to.
The night kicked off with drums kicking into the opening beat for their track ‘Heading for the Door’, one of the many great tracks off their recent debut album. The band exploded into view with the boy’s front and center, behind them a gigantic statue of a prawn towering over them (an audience member yelling out “Did they steal the Ballina prawn?”).
The night had numerous highlights, from anthemic tunes such as ‘Motels’ and ‘Kool-Aid’, to their viral hit cover of Sophie Ellis-Baxter’s 2001 hit single ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’, which quickly received much praise from the audience. Royel Otis’ discography perfectly blends together aspects of Australia’s iconic indie surf-rock sound with elements of synth-pop to create their vibrant sound, with Otis’ soft and dreamy vocals perfectly harmonized with Royel’s expressive guitars. The band closed out with their hit single ‘Oysters in My Pocket’ being coming back with an encore of their cover of the Cranberries ‘Linger’, a moment that seemed to freeze time itself as the audience quietened down to a hush before joining the duo for the chorus, the line “I’m in so deep, you know I’m such a fool for you” echoing through the Hordern and etching itself into the walls like a sonic memory, closing out the year perfectly.
2024 has been nothing but stellar for Royel Otis, and with three more appearances before the year closes out with an impressive festival run at Lost Paradise, Wildlands and Beyond the Valley, the future only looks bigger and brighter for the homegrown Aussie heroes.
Royel Otis
Global rock icons Green Day—Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt, and Tré Cool—have revealed details of the Australian dates for their massive 2024/25 stadium tour, The Saviors Tour, presented by Live Nation and Triple M.
Celebrating the 30th anniversary of Dookie and 20th anniversary of American Idiot, the band will perform both albums in full, alongside hits from their new album Saviors and fan favorites. Special guests AFI will join the tour for their first Australian shows since 2017.
The tour kicks off at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium on March 1, followed by Sydney’s Engie Stadium on March 3, and CBUS Super Stadium, Gold Coast, on March 5.
General Sale: Friday, Sept 20 (Gold Coast 12pm, Melbourne 1pm, Sydney 2pm) via greenday.com and livenation.com.au.
Green Day shared, “We can’t wait to unleash Saviors live and return to Australia. Let’s thrash!”
Saviors, their 14th studio album featuring singles “The American Dream Is Killing Me” and “Look Ma, No Brains!” is out now via Reprise/Warner Records.
Tickets
livenation.com.au
Photo: Bradley Calder
Words: Ken Magno
There are not many acts within the music world that can be described as timeless, let alone be awarded the accolade of being one of the most influential artists of 2024 in his own breakout year. Described as “your favourite artists favourite artist”, Mk.gee has grown from cult followings to having one of the fastest growing followings seen within the alternative music sphere.
From song writing credits with the likes of Role Model, Omar Apollo, Fred Again, the Kid Laroi and even Drake, to being the co-producer of Dijon’s genre-bending and career defining debut album ‘Absolutely’, Mk.gee is no stranger to the musical world. His own debut release of ‘Two Star and the Dream Police’ was already named by many as the high contender for Album of the Year, while only being released in February.
Mk.gee’s distinct sound rung out across the halls of the Enmore as the night began with the sombre title track from his debut, ‘Dream Police’, a song which showcases his beautifully haunting story telling mixed with his signature call and response style guitar playing. The night was mostly dark and ambient, with low amounts of lighting used compared to a normal show at the Enmore, putting more of a focus on his skills as a musician than his actual image.
Tracks such as ‘A Little Bit More’, ‘I Want’ and ‘Breakthespell’ casting an image of a broken and tortured lover longing for something just out of his reach, with the sound being a perfect blend of Jeff Buckley style song writing mixed with Phil Collins-esque instrumentals. His use of unorthodox techniques to transform his guitar from the instrument most people would familiarise themselves with to a sonic tool that elevates how he speaks his message. Mk.gee’s instruments are an extension of his body, with his distorted vocals taking the backseat to the melodies he’s able to communicate through his use of sound manipulation with his guitar. This is best displayed in his hit single ‘Are You Looking Up?’, which became an instant indie hit upon release.
Though there were many points in the night that caught the audience off guard (most notably his iconic Eagle-like shriek that he would yell out between lines), nothing was as pleasant of a surprise as when he performed fan favourite track ‘DNM’ (co-written by his good friend Dijon) a grand total of 4 (maybe 5) times, bringing the crowd to their feet and having the whole venue starting up in a giant moshpit, something that was not on my concert bingo – though something only someone as talented as Mk.gee could accomplish.
The night ended with an encore that felt more like a musical replay of the whole night, starting with ‘Alesis’, which brought forward that upbeat ambience that he is known for, before hitting us with another run or two of ‘DNM’, wrapping up with a second play of his most recent release ‘ROCKMAN’, an anthemic release reminiscent of the Police’s style of music. Mk.gee’s journey to becoming one of the most notable artists of the decade (if not, of all time) is certainly ramping up without any signs of slowing down, and can only be summed up by his iconic line in ‘Are You Looking Up’ – “So if you wanna go, then baby, go wide”.
Drake is a Grammy Award-winning, platinum-selling recording artist and multi-faceted performer. Canadian born, the hip hop artist first emerged in the music industry in 2009 when he debuted his EP So Far Gone, named the hottest mixtape of the year by MTV and selling over 650,000 copies. Fast forward to 2018, Drake dropped the platinum double LP, Scorpion which included a staggering 25 tracks. Succeeding the album’s release, Drake hit the road headlining the U.S. tour Aubrey & the Three Migos, which featured surprise guests like Meek Mill, French Montana, and Travis Scott among many others. Over the last five years, Drake has focused on the development and creation of his music, leading to some of his most praised work. Topping the U.S. charts in August of 2019, Drake released Care Package, his first compilation album that consists of songs from 2010 to 2016 that weren’t initially available for commercial streaming. In September of 2021, Drake released his most highly anticipated album yet titled, Certified Lover Boy. CLB marked his sixth studio album and broke Apple Music’s one-day streaming record in just under 12 hours. Leading into Summer of 2022, Drake surprised fans with his seventh studio album,Honestly Nevermind which includes a notable feature from 21 Savage.
Drake and 21 Savage’s collaborative studio album titled, Her Loss quickly followed with its debut in November of 2022. The album reached number one on the Billboard’s 200 chart and all 16 songs debuted on Billboard’s Hot 100 list. Most recently, Drake released his eighth studio album, For All The Dogs via OVO Sound and Republic Records. In 2023 and 2024, he embarked on the two- leg It’s All A Blur tour with 21 Savage and J.Cole. Spanning over 80 sold-out dates across the U.S., the tour further solidified Drake’s status as one of the most dynamic and sought-after live performers in the world.
TICKETS
(Jan 16, 2025, 2 p.m. AEST) After a series of sold-out events in Ibiza since its 2019 launch, Orbit DJ Retreats is making its debut at Byron Bay’s iconic Beach Hotel from August 24-29, 2025. The Ibiza edition will follow from September 28-October 3, 2025. This immersive, career-boosting retreat gives artists of all levels the chance to hone their craft, gain world-class mentorship, access new networks, and propel their careers to new heights.
Orbit DJ Retreats has a track record of producing tangible results for its student DJ/Producers, with alumni securing record deals on labels like Gorgon City’s REALM, Yousef’s Circus Recordings, and Damian Lazarus’ Rebellion. Graduates to name a few, have gone on to perform at renowned festivals and venues across the globe such as Hideout Croatia, Friendship Miami, Your Paradise Fiji, Ministry of Sound London, Pikes Ibiza, Academy LA, and Ivy Sydney.
The Byron Bay edition promises an unparalleled learning experience, offering hands-on workshops lead by globally-renowned artists Soul Clap (Charles Levine), Yolanda Be Cool (Sweat It Out), Doorly, Paris (This Never Happened), GAWP (Toolroom/Dirtybird), Mo’ Funk (Pioneer DJ), and a very special surprise guest. Previous mentors have included industry icons like Gorgon City, Todd Terry, Shadow Child, Junior Sanchez, Sam Divine, Nightmares on Wax, and Eli & Fur.
The program features DJ and production workshops covering Ableton, Logic Pro, and audience growth strategies, while students master Pioneer DJ equipment with expert guidance. Students receive personalised feedback and insights from leading industry executives and professionals across booking, touring, PR, social media, promotion, marketing, and mindfulness. Wellness sessions, including yoga, meditation, and breathwork, enhance mental clarity and support long-term success. The experience concludes with professional press shots in Byron Bay’s scenic surroundings to accelerate career growth.
Orbit DJ Retreats co-founder Doorly shares:
“The response to Orbit has been incredible. Seeing our alumni land dream gigs and sign with industry-leading labels is exactly why we created this platform. The Byron Bay retreat will deliver the same level of career acceleration, set against one of the most beautiful backdrops in the world. We’re buzzing to bring this program to Australia.”
Co-founder Dom Furber, also the founder of Paxx Group, adds:
“Australia’s unique musical landscape fosters boundary-pushing sounds. Its distance from global hubs fuels rich, original creativity that blends local influences and resonates globally. We’re excited to expand Orbit to Australia and nurture the next generation of local talent. By combining practical skills with a focus on wellness and longevity, we aim to equip artists with the tools they need to thrive and sustain successful careers in the music industry.”
Students attending the Byron Bay retreat will have the opportunity to perform at The Beach Hotel for their graduation, with select students earning performance slots at Elsewhere Gold Coast. Similarly, Ibiza students will perform at two iconic venues, with announcements coming soon. The Ibiza edition for October 2025 is already 50% sold out, highlighting the growing demand and reputation Orbit DJ Retreats has built globally.
Orbit DJ Retreats takes a holistic approach to fostering peak performance and career growth, emphasising the balance between skill development, technical training, mental wellness, and strategic mentorship. It focuses on developing students’ core attributes and providing universal experience to help them build long, successful careers in the music industry.
Following the success of their recent Australia-wide, sold-out fifty-date ‘Up All Night’ 25th Anniversary album tour, The Waifs continue to forge a proudly independent path with no sign of slowing down. The band are thrilled to add additional regional shows to their 2025 touring plans as well as a slew of appearances at the nationally touring SummerSalt series.
The original independent avant-garde folk heroes turned multiplatinum-selling, multiple ARIA Award-winning, international touring outfit, have released eight LPs, self-titled The Waifs (1996), Shelter Me (1998) and Sink or Swim (2000), Up All Night (2003), Sun Dirt Water (2007), Temptation (2011), Beautiful You (2015) and Ironbark (2017), and two live albums A Brief History (2004) and Live from the Union of Soul (2009).
From bustling cities to regional and coastal towns, the Waifs continue to share their folk-infused, feel-good sounds with adoring, multi-generation audiences thanks to their enchanting live shows and affable natures.
Australian Regional Tour 2025
Sat 8 Mar SummerSalt Country Club Prospect Vale TAS
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
Wed 12 Mar Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre Wagga Wagga NSW
Thu13 Mar Albury Entertainment Centre Albury NSW
Fri 14 Mar The B – Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre Queanbeyan NSW
Sat 15 Mar SummerSalt Mackay Park Batemans Bay NSW
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
Tue 18 Mar Burrinja Cultural Centre Upwey VIC
Wed19 Mar Theatre Royal Castlemaine VIC
Thu 20 Mar Swan Hill Town Hall Swan Hill VIC
Sat 22 Mar SummerSalt Mornington Racecourse Mornington VIC
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
Sat 29 Mar SummerSalt Old Mount Gambier Gaol Mt. Gambier SA
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
Sun 30 Mar SummerSalt Kent Reserve Victor Harbour SA
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
Thu 3 Apr The Art House Wyong NSW
Fri 4 Apr The Hoey Moey Coffs Harbour NSW
Sat 5 Apr Summersalt Westport Park Port Macquarie NSW
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
Sun 6 Apr Summersalt Cronulla NSW
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
Sat 12 Apr Summersalt Barnard Park Busselton WA
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
Sat 3 May Summersalt Harrup Park Mackay QLD
https://summersaltmusic.com.au
TO FEATURE NINA LAS VEGAS, SAMMYTHESINNER AND LUKE MILLION
Tickets: https://www.untitledgroup.com.au/tours/rudim3ntal
Thursday 13 February – Metro City, Perth*
Friday 14 February – Hindley Street Music Hall, Adelaide^
Saturday 15 February – Forum Theatre, Melbourne**
Tuesday 18 February – Fortitude Music Hall, Brisbane**
Wednesday 19 February – Enmore Theatre, Sydney**
**with support from Nina Las Vegas
^with support from Luke Million
*with support from sammythesinner
Hailing from East London, Rudimental – composed of Piers Aggett, Kesi Dryden, and Leon “Locksmith” Rolle – have firmly cemented themselves as one of dance music’s most successful acts over the past decade. Following their previous performances across Sydney and Melbourne in January 2024, the trio will unveil RUDIM3NTAL – an exciting new show for their upcoming headline tour. Captivating and euphoric, RUDIM3NTAL sees the group behind the decks to encapsulate the remarkable energy from their early drum n bass DJ sets, creating an incredible atmosphere for fans.
Rudimental, speaking on their excitement to go back to their DJ roots have said “we’re bringing something fresh to the stage – a DJ set that hits harder, with visuals that match the energy of our tracks and give you a taste of where we’re heading. Think bass meets soul, mixed up the Rudimental way. This is all about the music we’ve been crafting and the vibe of what’s to come on the new album. Can’t wait for you to feel it.”
Most recently, Rudimental released their single The Feeling, featuring 1991, PNAU, and AR/CO, which has received widespread acclaim. Bringing a fresh energy, The Feeling seamlessly combines elements from each artist, delivering a captivating drum and bass/pop hybrid. Since its very recent release on October 25, the single has already surpassed 4 million streams worldwide and earned spots on several prominent playlists across Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon, including New Music Friday (Australia and New Zealand), The Best New Music, and Future Dance Hits.
With an impressive career that includes over 5 billion streams, four celebrated albums, and more than 3 million albums sold worldwide, Rudimental continues to dominate the charts and streaming platforms. The band’s previous offerings ‘Dancing Is Healing’ garnered over 100M worldwide streams and peaked in the Top 5 of the UK Singles Chart, while ‘Alibi’ landed in the Top 10. Recent collaborations include ‘Ram Pam’ with Flowdan & Mystic Marley and ‘Bring Me Joy’ with Karen Harding, with the latter surpassing 15 million worldwide streams. The trio also performed at festival mainstages, clubs and parties in the UK and Europe this Summer.
Rudimental’s Australian tour is presented by Untitled Group and NOVA Nation. Untitled Group is Australia’s largest independently-owned music and events company, renowned as the masterminds behind much-loved festivals including Beyond The Valley, Pitch Music & Arts, Wildlands, Ability Fest and more.
The extensive tour will begin in Perth on February 13 and will see the trio perform across Adelaide, Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney, promising unforgettable experiences for those who manage to purchase tickets.
For more info on Rudimental, visit:
INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TIKTOK | YOUTUBE | X | WEBSITE
For more information on Untitled Group, visit:
Ibiza vibes for your home! The new “Déepalma Ibiza Winter Moods, Vol. 6” compilation is here. Three mixes, countless artists, endless vibes. Download or stream the digital version from your favorite platform here.
TELETECH AUSTRALIA 005 — MARCH 2025
NICO MORENO
PAWLOWSKI
SOMEWHEN*
SIKOTI
*Somewhen performing in Sydney & Melbourne only
GOLD COAST – BURLEIGH TOWN HOTEL – FRI.14.MAR
PERTH/BOORLOO – METRO CITY – SAT.15.MAR
MELBOURNE/NAARM – PICA – FRI.21.MAR
SYDNEY/EORA – SYDNEY SHOWGROUND – SAT.22.MAR
For presale access sign up now via Teletechevents.au
NICO MORENO
Nico Moreno is a French hard techno powerhouse known for his relentless energy, industrial soundscapes, and hypnotic, pounding rhythms. Blending raw intensity with a dark, melodic undertone, his productions—like the breakout hit Your Bad Company—have become staples of the underground scene, earning global acclaim and support from techno heavyweights. Renowned for his electrifying live performances, Moreno brings uncompromising power to every stage, solidifying his reputation as a leading force in modern hard techno.
PAWLOWSKI
PAWLOWSKI is a rising force in the hard techno scene, known for his uncompromising sound and driving, industrial-infused beats. Hailing from Belgium, his productions blend raw energy with dark, hypnotic textures, creating tracks that dominate underground dance floors. With a signature style that balances relentless power and intricate precision, PAWLOWSKI has quickly gained recognition for his cutting-edge releases and high-octane DJ sets, cementing his place as a standout talent in modern hard techno.
SOMEWHEN
SOMEWHEN is a Berlin-based hard techno artist whose sound seamlessly blends raw industrial energy with emotive, experimental undertones. A key figure in the Berlin underground, he has earned acclaim for his innovative productions on labels like Ostgut Ton, pushing the boundaries of contemporary techno. Known for his dynamic DJ sets, SOMEWHEN creates an immersive journey, balancing powerful rhythms with a sense of introspection, making him a standout voice in the global techno landscape.
SIKOTI
SIKOTI is a hard techno artist known for delivering uncompromising, high-energy tracks that fuse industrial grit with relentless rhythms. Emerging from the underground scene, his raw and dynamic sound has quickly gained traction among fans of cutting-edge techno. Renowned for his intense DJ sets, SIKOTI brings an unrelenting power to every performance, solidifying his reputation as a rising talent in the modern hard techno movement.
PRE-SALE: WED 22 JAN – 9:00 AM LOCAL TIME
GENERAL ON-SALE: THURS 23 JAN – 9:00 AM LOCAL TIME
For more info on NICO MORENO, visit:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY
For more info on PAWLOWSKI, visit:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SOUNDCLOUD | SPOTIFY
For more info on SOMEWHEN, visit:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | SOUNDCLOUD
For more info on SIKOTI. visit:
INSTAGRAM | SOUNDCLOUD | TIKTOK
For more info on Teletech, visit:
INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | FACEBOOK | WEBSITE (AU) | WEBSITE (UK)
He’s one of world’s hottest rising stars and a 2025 Grammy nominee for Best New Artist. Get ready fans: Benson Boone kicks off his highly anticipated live return down under this week, with six massive, sold-out arena shows in Australia and New Zealand!
From his acclaimed debut album Fireworks & Rollerblades, Benson’s ‘Beautiful Things’ was the most-streamed song globally in 2024, with over three billion streams and counting. Eight times Platinum in Australia and four times Platinum in New Zealand, it also won Best Alternative Video at MTV’s VMAs.
In 2024, Benson performed 95 concerts across 20 countries, including opening for Taylor Swift on her ERAS Tour at London’s Wembley Stadium. And now it’s our turn!
In a tour update today, joining Benson on the road in Australia is Gold Coast-based artist bella amor! The indie, pop and pop-punk fan is the striking Gen Z voice Australian music has been waiting for. With her innate storytelling and warm onstage vibe, bella’s already supported the likes of Lime Cordiale, conquered Bigsound, collaborated with Matt Corby, and recently covered a Benson classic… watch it online here.
Finally, for NZ fans: a limited amount of final production release tickets for Benson’s Auckland show are on sale now… head to frontiertouring.com/
Don’t miss the one and only Benson Boone, live on stage this month!
BENSON BOONE (USA)
with special guest bella amor (AU shows)
AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND
JANUARY 2025
Presented by Frontier Touring
ALL SHOWS LICENSED ALL AGES
Thursday 16 January
SOLD OUT!
Festival Hall | Melbourne, VIC
Friday 17 January
SOLD OUT!
Festival Hall | Melbourne, VIC
Sunday 19 January
SOLD OUT!
Hordern Pavilion | Sydney, NSW
Monday 20 January
SOLD OUT!
Hordern Pavilion | Sydney, NSW
Wednesday 22 January
SOLD OUT!
Riverstage | Brisbane, QLD
Friday 24 January
FINAL TICKETS
Spark Arena | Auckland, NZ
ticketmaster.co.nz
FOLLOW BENSON BOONE:
Website | Facebook | Twitter/X | Instagram | Spotify | Apple Music | YouTube | TikTok
frontiertouring.com/
Photography: Louie Mosscrop

Photography: Josh Ma
Words: Ken Magno
Fresh off an impressive back to back festival run, Tinashe hits Sydney’s iconic Enmore Theatre with her ‘Match My Freak’ Tour; a set that was equal parts sexy and electrifying, her full talents as a performer, song writer and vocalist on full display. Coming in hot off the success of her two most recent albums and an impressive world tour, as well as the viral hot-girl-summer anthem Nasty, the hype for the Kentucky born / California Raised star was unmatched.
The set started out like something out of a WWE match, with Tinashe making an entrance to an EDM remix of her hit song Nasty complete with strobes and visuals that had some wondering if they were at the right concert (in the best way possible). The lights dimmed once more as her entourage of backup dancers made their entrance with the RNB / pop queen herself following shortly behind, starting the night off with hits ‘Getting No Sleep’ and ‘When I Get You Alone’ from her most recent release ‘Quantum Baby’ fading into her viral track ‘Needs’ from her 2023 release ‘BB/ANG3L’, perfectly setting the tone for the rest of the night.
Alongside an impressive discography, playing songs like ‘2 On’ and ‘All Hands On Deck’ from her debut release ‘Aquarius’ as well as her most iconic and popular collaborations like ‘The Worst In Me’ (with Kaytranada) and the 2015 club anthem ‘All My Friends’ (with Snakeships & Chance the Rapper), her full talents came into display through her choreography and her powerful stage presence. Her irresistible movements mixed with her backup dancers conveying a story within each song created an already theatrical experience to what would’ve been just another show, but between each beat and perfectly synced movement Tinashe still found a way to make the set more personal with every member in the crowd – her engagement with the sea of adoring fans was like nothing else, expressing her gratitude for each member of the crowd and creating a connection that felt rare within the music world.
Tinashe’s show could only be described as a perfect storm of different genres flowing together in a way that no other artist could replicate. There wasn’t a single person not taken over by her infectious energy; from the barricade of screaming fans to the couples swaying and spinning at the back of the venue, her aura could be felt through every beat that shook the walls of the Enmore. The night was a feast for the eyes and ears, a show that was both intimate and explosive down to every tiny detail, and Tinashe absolutely ate and left no crumbs.

“The Depths” explores the theme of introspection and uncovering quiet truths. Can you share the personal journey or inspiration behind this album?
“The Depths” was born from my own journey of seeking peace and meaning in life’s quieter spaces. Having lived across continents—Africa, the U.S., India, and now Europe—I’ve learned that external movement often mirrors an internal quest. In a world filled with noise, I wanted to create a space where listeners can pause, reflect, and reconnect with their own truths. This album feels like an invitation to dive deep into one’s self, embracing both the beauty and challenges of introspection.
Your music blends classical and world influences, reflecting your multicultural identity. How do your cultural roots shape your compositions, particularly on “The Depths”?
My multicultural identity is at the heart of my music. Growing up in the U.S. with roots in India, being born in Africa, and now living in Spain, I’ve absorbed a rich tapestry of sounds and traditions. Indian classical music taught me to appreciate depth, patience, and improvisation. Western classical influences brought structure and harmony. Living in Spain introduced me to the passion of Flamenco and the understated elegance of European minimalism. On The Depths, these worlds come together naturally. It’s less about representing any single tradition and more about honoring how these influences have shaped who I am and how I hear music.
You’ve described “The Depths” as both a sanctuary and a guide. What role do you think instrumental music plays in healing and offering clarity in today’s fast-paced world?
Instrumental music has a unique power to heal because it transcends language and speaks directly to the soul. In today’s hyper-connected and overstimulated world, we often neglect moments of stillness. The Depths offers that stillness—a sanctuary where listeners can step away from the chaos and find clarity. Without words, the music allows each person to project their own emotions and experiences onto it. It becomes both a personal retreat and a guide, helping them navigate their inner worlds.
Your previous albums, “Secret Garden” and “The Long Road,” were met with critical acclaim. How has your creative process evolved from those works to “The Depths”?
Each album represents a distinct chapter in my life. Secret Garden was about uncovering hidden beauty through music, a journey of quiet discovery. The Long Road became an outward expression of love, grief, and connection—raw emotions translated into sound. With The Depths, my creative process has matured and become more intentional. I’ve learned to trust the music, allowing it to flow intuitively rather than overthinking. I leaned deeper into minimalism, letting each note breathe and finding power in the spaces between them. It’s a deeper exploration of simplicity and emotional clarity.
“The Depths” flows seamlessly from one piece to the next, creating a meditative experience. How do you approach crafting such cohesion within an album?
Cohesion comes from listening to the music as a whole, rather than as individual pieces. I approach each composition as part of a broader emotional arc, ensuring that one piece naturally leads into the next. Working closely with my producer, we carefully sequenced the tracks to balance their energy and transitions. For The Depths, I envisioned the album as a single narrative—an immersive journey that unfolds gradually, inviting the listener to explore deeper emotional and introspective layers with each piece.
The album is arranged in three distinct phases, each representing a stage in the transformative journey:
The Opening Tracks: Pieces like Dreams of Zagyva and Stars set the tone through a classical lens, telling stories that evoke memory and introspection.
The Middle Section: This phase blends instrumental pieces with piano solos, delving deeper into personal emotions and meditative states.
The Final Phase: Beginning with Diamond Gaze, the music ascends into spirituality, capturing the essence of offering, transformation, and eternal truths.
Each phase takes the listener on a transformative experience—from quiet reflection to deeper introspection, and ultimately, to a sense of spiritual awakening.
Many listeners connect with your music on an emotional level. How do you translate vulnerability and personal experiences into your compositions?
For me, composing music is an act of vulnerability in itself. I approach the piano with honesty, letting it reflect what I feel in the moment—be it joy, longing, or uncertainty. I believe that authenticity in expressing my emotions allows the music to resonate deeply with others. Rather than telling a specific story, I aim to craft an emotional language that invites listeners to bring their own experiences and interpretations to the music.
Your music has been featured on SiriusXM’s Spa channel and resonates across 86 countries. What does it mean to you to have your work touch such a global audience?
It’s incredibly humbling. Growing up across cultures, I’ve always felt like a citizen of the world, and it’s beautiful to see that reflected in how my music resonates globally. Knowing that a composition created in my quiet moments can bring peace to someone on the other side of the world feels like a shared human connection—one that transcends borders, languages, and backgrounds.
With “The Depths” releasing in January 2025, what are your hopes for how this album will be received and the impact it will have on listeners?
My hope is that The Depths offers listeners a sense of peace and perspective—especially in moments when they need it most. I want it to feel like a trusted companion, whether someone is reflecting, healing, or simply seeking stillness. If it helps even one person reconnect with themselves or find clarity, then it has fulfilled its purpose.
Your work is reminiscent of the golden era of New Age piano. Which artists or movements have inspired your approach to composing and performing?
I’m deeply inspired by artists like George Winston, Yiruma, and Yanni, who masterfully blend simplicity with profound emotional depth. The New Age movement, with its focus on music as a source of healing, introspection, and mindfulness, has significantly influenced my approach. At the same time, my exposure to Indian classical ragas has taught me the power of improvisation and the importance of emotional nuance. Minimalism and world music traditions have also enriched my compositions, allowing me to explore diverse textures and moods. Together, these influences have shaped a style that is deeply personal yet universally resonant.
Looking ahead, do you see yourself exploring new themes or genres in your music, or continuing to deepen the introspective and emotional journey you’ve begun with “The Depths”?
I believe there’s always more to explore. While I’m drawn to introspection and emotional storytelling, I’m curious about blending new sounds and themes into future work. I’d love to collaborate with musicians from different traditions, bringing in instruments and influences that push my creative boundaries. But no matter the genre, my focus will always be on creating music that feels authentic, meaningful, and deeply human.










