Today we’d like to introduce you to Anupam Shobhakar. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Anupam Shobhakar is a guitarist, composer, and sarodist. He embarked on the study of one of the most challenging instruments in Indian Classical Music, the Sarod, under the guidance of Shree Suresh Vyas (a student of Annapurna Devi) and Ustad Aashish Khan (son of the late maestro Ali Akbar Khan and grandson of the legendary Baba Allauddin Khan).
Anupam earned the prestigious title of ‘Sur Mani,’ or jewel of melody, from the esteemed Sur Singar Samsad organization in Bombay, India. Additionally, he delved into traditional and modern harmonic techniques and counterpoint under the tutelage of the acclaimed Argentine pianist Santiago Leibson in New York City.
From an early age, Anupam has globally released multiple critically acclaimed albums, including the renowned ‘Multiplicity’ with fellow guitarist Joel Harrison. This album, featuring New York’s finest jazz musicians, was described by the New York Times as “a meeting of equals.”
Continuing his passion for the guitar, Anupam composed and led the Progressive Metal Act, Book Of Harmony, as the lead guitarist. Their self-titled album, released under Sony Affiliates and managed by the legendary multiple Grammy engineer Mark Berry (known for his work with Billy Idol and Madonna), received widespread acclaim.
An active participant in global music festivals, Anupam has performed with musicians such as Ustad Aashish Khan, Pt Anindo Chatterjee, Selva Ganesh, and Pt Samir Chaterjee, among others. As a guitarist and composer, he collaborates with musicians worldwide, working with acclaimed jazz and rock musicians. Anupam consistently explores new musical ideas, prioritizing virtuosity, compositional integrity, and rhythmic dexterity in his craft.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Music is my unwavering source of inspiration, propelling me to create despite life’s challenges. Whenever I pick up the guitar, especially the one I designed, I am immediately transported into a world of creative ideas and possibilities. Challenges abound in a world where professional artists navigate the ever-changing business landscapes of the music industry.
However, I consistently return to the discipline of my practice and studies, connecting with the source—my love of music and its telescopic view into the mysteries of the universe. Music is not merely a backdrop but a catalyst for my creative spirit. It fuels my passion for art, providing a soundtrack for every triumph and tribulation. The transformative power of music remains a constant in my life, guiding me through the dynamic journey of artistic expression.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. What can you tell our readers who might not be as familiar with your work?
Anupam designed his unique take on the double-neck guitar, adding a fretless neck, which allows him to explore the deep microtonal possibilities and dive into the depths of classical Indian music. Indian music has a centuries-old tradition of ragas and talas, which are the scales, melodies, and complex rhythm cycles unique to Indian music. Having spent time studying this revered art form with considerable depth and bringing it back to the guitar enabled Anupam to have a unique niche in Eastern and Western music.
For Anupam, each artistic endeavor holds the weight of tradition and the pull of modernity, creating a dynamic equilibrium that defines my identity. The bridge I traverse is built on understanding and a genuine curiosity to explore the richness of Eastern and Western musical culture and express that in my works. Anupam is also the composer and lead guitarist for the Brooklyn-based band Iron Axxis, an instrumental/progressive metal outfit. The band’s music features seven and 8-string ‘fretted and fretless’ double-neck guitars.
Iron Axxis is set to release their new album, “2286,” on 3/29. Anupam has been featured in prestigious publications such as Guitar World Magazine and V13. Anupam will also release his next solo album in the summer of 2024.
Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
Leaving the familiar contours of my homeland behind, I stepped into the uncharted territories of an exciting new culture and a new way of life. The risk catalyzed personal evolution, expanding my worldview and fostering adaptability in the face of change. Hailing from Bombay, my musical journey began with a deep appreciation for American jazz, rock, and metal during my formative years. I immersed myself in the vibrant world of this genre, not only as a listener but also as a performer, taking the stage in my early teens.
However, as my musical odyssey continued, I experienced a transformative shift towards Indian classical music and the Sarod. Upon relocating to the United States, I reunited with my enduring passion for the guitar. This marked a pivotal moment where I dared to take a risk by veering away from the classical Indian musical landscape that had captivated me earlier. It was a courageous departure, as I had already established myself as a renowned proponent of this revered art form.
As a composer, I have always believed in taking risks and pushing my boundaries to the limit. I found the space to develop and explore my insatiable quest for musical expression. Whether it’s working/collaborating with master jazz musicians, contemporary classical musicians, or passionate rock and metal artists. Each note played on the double-neck guitar became a celebration of the risks taken, a musical testimony to the ever-evolving nature of my identity and expression.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @anupam_shobhakar_official
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@anupamshobhakar
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1uyiIo1qekeDau1mNIaFQJ
Image Credits
Heather Nigro @anotherguywithcamera and Michelle LoBianco
