Harish Sivaramakrishnan opens up about Agam’s latest album
Agam, a reputable Carnatic progressive rock band hailing from the city, has spent nearly two decades blending genres and creating music that resonates with audiences. Led by the talented Harish Sivaramakrishnan, the band is gearing up for the release of their new album, “Arrival of the Ethereal,” with the debut track, “The Silence That Remains,” set to launch today. This album will consist of a total of eight tracks, four of which will be released this year, with the remaining tracks slated for next year.
Known for popular songs like “Veyyon Silli,” “Paarvanavidhuve,” and Job Kurian’s “Padayatra,” Sivaramakrishnan has already made a mark on music enthusiasts. Despite their foundation in Carnatic classical music, Agam’s latest album aims to blend various global music styles while still maintaining their signature blend of progressive metal and Carnatic music. Over the past five years, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, the band members dived into exploring diverse music genres, ranging from orchestra to western classical. This period of exploration has significantly influenced their sound, infusing it with a more varied and eclectic vibe.
Describing the upcoming album as the band’s third studio release, Sivaramakrishnan emphasized the ambitious nature of their latest project. The band went to great lengths to produce the orchestral sections, even recording with a 100-piece orchestra in Czechoslovakia. Collaborating with artists from five continents, nearly 300 musicians have contributed to the production of the album. “The Silence That Remains,” touches on profound themes such as life, death, and salvation, built upon the foundation of an existing Carnatic composition called “Mokshamugalada.” Sivaramakrishnan highlighted the dense arrangement of the song, staying true to the essence of Agam’s musical style.
Excited about integrating funk and bass-oriented music styles from the West into their music, Sivaramakrishnan shared that this new album allowed them to explore and incorporate these elements further. Despite the complexity of their sound, Sivaramakrishnan described the creative process for this album as simple and organic, emphasizing that music cannot be premeditated but rather evolves naturally through ideas and development.
In addition to his musical pursuits, Sivaramakrishnan boasts a career spanning more than two decades in design, currently holding a leadership position at fintech company CRED after his tenure at Google as a design head. Despite his demanding work schedule, Sivaramakrishnan remains dedicated to his musical endeavors, with Agam preparing for an upcoming tour that kicks off in Bengaluru on June 14 and 15. This intimate tour aims to connect with fans, sharing their musical journey and showcasing new tracks. Sivaramakrishnan expressed his excitement about performing in Bengaluru, where it all began, acknowledging the city’s discerning and music-savvy audience as one of the best they have encountered.