ADitya PrAkash Ensemble

Known for his powerful and emotive voice, vocalist Aditya Prakash is one of the foremost young virtuosos of Carnatic music, the traditional classical style of South India. Growing up in his native Los Angeles, Aditya was rooted in South Indian arts and culture through his immigrant family, yet at school found himself in a distinct minority. He studied Carnatic voice with great dedication from childhood, but kept that passion apart from the public persona he had for his friends. Balancing two worlds in this way leads one to isolation, a feeling of being separate from both cultures. Yet it also drives the creative to find ways to bring these worlds together.

The power of his ancestral culture and his formidable talent took the lead when, at just 15 years of age, Aditya was summoned and personally selected by the great Ravi Shankar to tour; soon such respected stages as Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl appeared on his resumé -- but more importantly they enhanced his confidence and his sense of self. Returning to high school, he picked up the lead role in a class production of Beauty and The Beast -- surprising everyone, including himself!-- and set out on a path toward reconciling the disparate influences in his life. Looking forward to college, he sought the advice of the master, who suggested Aditya commit himself completely to music. Rather than hit the road in a van (as so many do), Aditya chose to study ethnomusicology and music at UCLA, where he gained a broad understanding of western music and met the key players and friends who would help move his vision forward. Aditya was now certain of his Carnatic voice, and ready to explore its potential for groundbreaking synergy in a jazz context.

Aditya Prakash Ensemble has released two explorative and powerful albums, and is now prepared to release Diaspora Kid, its title a reference to the artist's cross-cultural upbringing in Los Angeles. Prakash carefully selected 24 musicians -- from the LA jazz scene and fellow maestros from Indian classical tradition -- to come together and make his vision a reality. The result is stunning - yes one can hear the influence on both sides, but like all true groundbreaking projects, we can identify with it on its own, as an entirely new and wonderful experience. In this way the music mirrors Aditya's experience and the experience of so many who are physically, but not spiritually, separated from their cultures.

"Diaspora Kid in about finding my roots in my ever-changing environment, filled with a diverse array of inspirations. From rhythmic Carnatic grooves over a brass band (Greenwood), to an alternative rock Radiohead-inspired feel (Wave for an Ocean), to an aggressive Tigran Hamasyan-inspired modal jazz tune (The Warrior), to an Irish fiddle-inspired sound (Irish Song) to a hip hop rap vibe (Up in Flames), to a funky Indian folk feel (Ambiga), and finally the pure Carnatic (Roots – Ramakali) – this album is about moving through the melting pot of cultures I grew up with in Los Angeles through the lens of the Indian classical voice," says Prakash.

Diaspora Kid is set for worldwide release on March 20, 2020, with preorders starting on February 28.