+3 Interview: Global Grooves, Ancient Voices

Posted in EdFestivals 2019, Plus 3 2019 – Features, Written Interviews by

“East meets West and tradition meets innovation.”

WHO: Suba Sankaran: co-artistic director, performer

WHAT: “Internationally-renowned, Canadian-based Autorickshaw is on the cultural cutting edge with their seamless and downright cool sounding blend of jazz, folk, pop and Indian classical music. Fresh off their tour of India promoting their fifth award-winning album Meter, Autorickshaw is thrilled to make their debut in Edinburgh. Autorickshaw features the sultry, sophisticated vocals of Suba Sankaran, the driving basslines and beatboxing of Dylan Bell and the intricate tabla grooves of Ed Hanley. They have toured North America, the US, the UK, Europe and Asia. ‘Utterly unique and musically pioneering’ (Daniel Ariaratnam, Record).”

WHERE: theSpace on North Bridge – Argyll Theatre (Venue 36) 

WHEN: 18:30 (45 min)

MORE: Click Here!

Is this your first time to Edinburgh?

Yes, this is our first time to Edinburgh as the band Autorickshaw. We’re really looking forward to drinking in all that Edinburgh has to offer via Fringe and otherwise. We’re planning on checking out the Castle, the Grassmarket, taking a walk along Hollyrood and Arthur’s Seat, the Royal Mile, Pleasance and so on. At Fringe, we hope to catch some other live music, comedy and whatever else comes our way! Two of the three of us were at Fringe last year, so we know to expect the unexpected and to be ready to party at every turn! The feast for our senses awaits…!

What’s the biggest thing to have happened to you since Festivals ’18?

Winner of the 2018 CFMA (Canadian Folk Music Award) for best World Music Group of the Year/Album (entitled “Meter”). Winner of the 2019 Outstanding Performance Award at JEN (Jazz Educators Network) held in Reno, Nevada.
Toured India for the 4th time (Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, Goa).

Tell us about your show.

This is a self-produced and written show by Autorickshaw. We are celebrating 15 years of musical service, and this new show, debuting in Edinburgh, is called Global Grooves, Ancient Voices. Autorickshaw is on the cultural cutting edge, seamlessly blending Indian classical music with pop, folk, funk, jazz and originals. Autorickshaw features the sultry, sophisticated vocals of Suba Sankaran, the driving basslines and beatboxing of Dylan Bell and the intricate tabla grooves of Ed Hanley. They have toured North America, the US, the UK, Europe and Asia.

East meets West and tradition meets innovation. Imagine a Sanskrit chant with live-looping, a song of female empowerment inspired by the highlands of India, and blistering Hindustani vocal percussion mingling with reggae and electronica, and you’ll get a glimpse of the subcontinental soundscape of Autorickshaw.

What should your audience see at the festivals after they’ve seen your show?

Two of the three members of Autorickshaw (Dylan Bell and Suba Sankaran) are part of an a cappella live-looping duo called FreePlay. Their show is A Cappella Around The World. This is innovative live-looping at its best. They toured a show here last year as well, to great acclaim. Others should check it out if they want to experience the intimacy of two voices, the smooth, effortless technique that allows for deep grooves, juicy harmonies and cool effects, and an a cappella musical trip around the world, all without leaving your seat!

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