Casa Captivating
Exclusive Interviews
As part of our Beyond Bollywood Connections Programs, Aki Kumar will be performing his unique genre of music blending Bollywood and Blues. Aki Kumar is a San Jose-based musician that has successfully blended elements of Indian music into his performances, making for a multicultural mash-up that sounds like no one else. A native of Mumbai, India, Aki Kumar moved to the U.S. to work as a software engineer but instead fell in love with the sound of blues music. Read our interview with him below to learn more about his culturally diverse genre of music and what he loves about being a performer!
Can you tell us more about Bollywood Blues and this creative fusion of such rich cultures?
“Bollywood Blues” is a cultural mashup like no other; one that brings together my musical influences from India and my ongoing exploration of the American Blues Genre. Born and raised in Bombay, India, I was fortunate to have been exposed to a variety of different forms of music, Western and Indian, as a kid. Retro Bollywood songs, in particular, left a lasting impact on me. Since moving to the US, I have been a devout student of the Blues genre. “Bollywood Blues” represents my artistic and musical journey, combining retro Bollywood and original Hindi songs with Blues rhythms and arrangements.
What projects are you currently working on?
Happy to say I’m back to performing concerts with my band this summer, which takes up much of my time and artistic energy. I’m also writing new material for my next album, one that I hope to record (in part) in the garage studio I set up during the lockdown. I’m also working passionately on my drumming skills these days – a new musical pursuit for me.
What is your favorite part of performing in front of a live audience?
My favorite part of the live performance experience is the energy “feedback” we receive from the audience. I love engaging with audiences and love incorporating their energy into my performance and presentation. As far as “Bollywood Blues” goes, I often find myself singing Hindi songs to an American audience that does not speak the language. When I am able to get such an audience singing and dancing along to my music, it is a truly fulfilling experience because it proves that music has no boundaries.
What advice do you have for young musicians trying to find their voice?
I’d encourage them to stay true to themselves, be persistent and never lose touch with the child-like euphoria and joy that music making brings to our lives.
What excites you about performing at Casa Romantica?
I have heard nothing but amazing things about this beautiful venue from locals who have visited it in the past. I hope to run into some SoCal blues lovers and fans who I haven’t seen for a couple of years. Looking forward to delivering a great show at Casa Romantica soon.
Aki Kumar will perform at the Casa on October 21 @ 7 PM as part of our Beyond Bollywood Connections Program.
