Synth meets Raga: Jain's Debut Unveils Dreamy Soundscapes

Composer and vocalist Arushi Jain has released her debut album, 'Under the Lilac Sky.' This collection of six tracks merges Hindustani classical music with new age synth elements, aiming to capture the essence of evening hours.

The music draws inspiration from Jain's background, combining classical Indian traditions from New Delhi with synth experimentation learned at Stanford. The album is largely based on Hindustani classical ragas, specifically des, khamaj, kafi, and durga, which are traditionally associated with evening and evoke calm or contemplation.

Jain's approach is experimental, deconstructing and recontextualizing traditional melodies with modern synth textures. This results in an impressionistic sound, featuring brooding drones and vibrant synth lines, all anchored by her distinctive vocals. Tracks like "Richer Than Blood" and "Look How Far We Have Come" showcase this blend, with "My People Have Deep Roots" offering a more atmospheric and melancholic tone.

The album concludes with "Cultivating Self Love" and the title track, "Under the Lilac Sky." These pieces evoke the energetic pulse of urban Indian nights, with playful synth lines and arpeggios. The overall effect is a journey from introspection to a sense of bliss.