I write songs, I sing jazz and soul and anything else I like. I love playing my piano and sometimes dust off my violin to write some string arrangements and I love improvisation and the art of vocal scatting - music makes make me feel like I'm flying free and I try to put everything I feel into a song or a little piano riff.
I am proud to be a British born Sri Lankan raised in North West London with the influence of South Indian Carnatic music and Bharatha Natyam (Indian classical dance), which definitely has inspired my music and creative outlook. I also had the benefit of funk and soul in my household and always have loved music from the 60's and 70's and killer basslines...
I used to be a lawyer in a 'previous life' but gave it up to be a full time musician, which had always been my dream since I was a child learning the piano, violin, Carnatic vocals and writing songs. I realised that I could never give up 'the music' and I only felt right once I was immersed in it, falling into jazz and soul and never quite crawling out! I had a great, intense time doing the Jazz Masters programme at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and was lucky enough to be taught by some great and inspiring teachers. I work with amazing musicians who have huge talent and warm hearts that keep things fresh and keep me always learning. I'm a Mum of 2 gorgeous girls, and have found such inspiration through the journey of parenthood. My kids have made me enjoy music in an open and vulnerable way that has definitely developed greater openness as an artist as well as helping me prioritise the projects that mean the most.
Over the years performing highlights have included playing with my band at Love Supreme, featuring at the Montreux Festival Jazz Vocals Competition led by Quincy Jones, performing at the EFG London Jazz festival, including my work being premiered at The Barbican. I've performed across many Uk jazz clubs, including the legendary Ronnie Scott's, Pizza Express Dean St Jazz club and the 606.
Songwriting and performing and my creative practice have always gone together, since I was a kid. Songwriting is as much a way of getting through the challenges of life as much as putting something out there that someone else may enjoy or identify with and it's a core part of my musical identity.
This year, 2019, I am putting together my original songs that I've been working on with a new band line-up and I have had a great crowdfunding campaign which means we can record an EP of my songs in the lovely EASTCOTE STUDIOS (home to many famous artists and bands, including Adele and The Specials who had a number 1 one album last year!).
So watch this space as this EP is going to be beautiful.
Anjali x
