Leaving Records presents Under the Lilac Sky, the debut LP by Arushi Jain, an India-born, modular synthesist, vocalist, technologist, and engineer. At six songs spanning 48 minutes of ambient synth ragas intended to be heard during the sunset hours, Under the Lilac Sky invites the listener to transport themselves through intentional listening. Jain states, \u201cYou know that moment when the sun is bidding farewell to the sky, and the colors turn into beautiful hues of purple and pink and everything in between? That is the moment that this album will shine the most. The deeper you listen, the more shades you\u2019ll see.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jain\u2019s work focuses on reinterpreting traditional Indian classical music through the lens of electronic instrumentation. She re-contextualizes ancient sounds in a modern framework, carrying the torch of electronic luminaries such as Suzanne Ciani and Terry Riley while pursuing personal explorations of her musical heritage and upbringing. Under the Lilac Sky is a cinematic statement of intent, an album that reverently nods to Jain\u2019s musical history while presenting a bold sonic point of view. Jain states, \u201cThis album is the coming together of two distinct cultures of Hindustani classical and modular synthesizers representing the two parts of me that\u00a0evolved into one whole in between my time around the world\u201d<\/p>\n
Voice is emphasized as an essential element of the album, not just for the lyrics or the melodies but also as a source of texture. It is most recognizable when Jain sings aalaaps or sargam of the different ragas the songs are composed in, however her voice is deeply embedded in other, sometimes quieter layers of the record. Jain, who spent her childhood studying indian classical as a vocalist says, \u201cAt any given point, there is at least one layer in the record that carries my voice. The human voice is powerful and unique to every individual. My voice is unique to me, so I decided it should be present at all times even if it\u2019s unrecognizable.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another core theme of Under the Lilac Sky is the time of day, and the role it plays in influencing how one interacts with the music. \u201cIntrinsic to Indian classical music is the concept of Time and Seasonality. For each raga, there is a specific time of the day when it is meant to be heard for it to shine in it\u2019s authenticity. It harkens to the question of when the environment around you is most in tune with your own sound and breath, and how it supports you in realizing your vision of the moment. This album is meant to be an ode to those timely rituals, and is best heard while you take a moment to do what you love.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jain\u2019s exploratory musical ethos finds a like-minded home within Leaving Records\u2019 \u201cAll Genre\u201d philosophy. Jain is acutely aware of her role as a composer and modular synthesist reinterpreting a historical art form. \u201cFor Indian classical music, this is atypical. The music I compose is inspired by a centuries old tradition, yet aestheticized in a novel way, using the tools and technical innovations of analog synth movements. My art is crafted using machines that I\u2019ve slowly fallen in love with and made my own.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tracklist:<\/p>\n
A1. Richier Than Blood
\nA2. Look How Far We Have Come
\nB1. The Sun Swirls Within You
\nB2. My People Have Deep Roots
\nC1. Cultivating Self Love
\nD1. Under The Lilac Sky<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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