For Perth-based composer and sarod player Avra Banerjee, music is more than artistic expression-it is a way of connecting cultures, traditions and audiences.
That vision is reflected in his latest original release, Unche Pahado, a contemporary Hindi folk-inspired pop song celebrating the beauty and spirit of India’s mountain landscapes.
Banerjee plans to submit the song for consideration in the newly introduced Best Asian Pop Music Performance category at the 2027 GRAMMY Awards. While submission does not guarantee a nomination, it marks an important step in his journey to bring Indian sounds, languages and cultural influences to wider global audiences.
With more than 15 years of formal training in Indian classical music, Banerjee has developed a distinctive style combining traditional Indian music with jazz, blues, rock, pop and global rhythms.
At the centre of much of his work is the sarod, a stringed instrument known for its deep and expressive sound. Rather than limiting it to a traditional setting, Banerjee places the sarod within contemporary arrangements, allowing Indian ragas to interact with Western harmonies and modern instrumentation.
His compositions span Indian classical music, world fusion, instrumental music, pop, ghazal and Sufi influences. His vocal works also include languages such as Hindi, Urdu, Bengali and English.
Creating music without borders
Banerjee’s work is guided by the belief that different musical traditions can come together without losing their individual identity.
Over the years, he has collaborated with musicians from Australia, India, Europe and the United States, creating music that moves beyond geographical, cultural and linguistic boundaries.
This philosophy led him to establish Ragamorphism in India and SwaraSynthesis in Australia.
Through these ensembles, Banerjee writes, arranges and performs compositions that bring artists from different musical backgrounds together. The result is not simply a mixture of genres, but a conversation between Indian classical music, Western harmonies and contemporary global influences.
Unche Pahado: inspired by India’s mountains
Banerjee’s latest release, Unche Pahado, adds a contemporary new chapter to his artistic journey.
Described by the artist as a Hindi folk-inspired pop song, the track draws inspiration from India’s mountain landscapes and celebrates their beauty, strength and spirit.
The song combines culturally rooted themes with a modern pop sound, reflecting Banerjee’s commitment to creating music that honours Indian heritage while remaining accessible to audiences around the world.
His planned GRAMMY consideration submission also comes at an important time for Asian-language artists, with the new category providing a dedicated international platform for contemporary Asian pop performances.
For Banerjee, the release is not only about recognition. It is also an opportunity to introduce a Hindi-language composition inspired by India to listeners across different cultures.
SwaraSynthesis and multicultural Australia
Based in Western Australia, SwaraSynthesis reflects the diversity of contemporary Australia.
The ensemble combines Indian classical instruments and vocals with Western and global styles. Sarod, tabla and violin may be presented alongside keyboards, drums, jazz harmonies, blues influences, rock arrangements and dance.
SwaraSynthesis appeared at Perth’s 2026 Fringe World Festival with One World, Many Sounds, a production bringing together Indian classical music, jazz, blues, rock, Latin and Middle Eastern rhythms.
The production is also scheduled to be presented at The Blue Room Theatre in Northbridge on 11 and 12 September 2026.
Led by Banerjee as music director and sarod player, the program brings together singers, instrumentalists, percussionists and dancers from diverse artistic backgrounds.
Recognition and continuing innovation
Banerjee’s cross-cultural work has also received international recognition. In 2024, he was named a winner in the Best of Asia – Asian Pop category at the InterContinental Music Awards.
His artistic journey demonstrates how innovation can help preserve tradition by introducing it to new audiences.
Whether performing the sarod, composing multilingual songs or creating releases such as Unche Pahado, Banerjee continues to show that artists do not have to choose between cultural heritage and contemporary identity.
Through his music, he creates a space where both can exist together-and where different traditions can listen, respond and create something new.
