Each week, we’re asking different writers, artists and others to share some of their current favorites. This week we feature picks from singer and songwriter Sid Sriram.
Sid Sriram is an urban/indie singer, songwriter and producer from California’s Bay Area. A Berklee School of Music graduate, he has also trained in classical Indian music from a young age, allowing him to seamlessly blend styles. Since his YouTube debut his channel has racked up over 5 million views. His music has been featured in Billboard, MTV, Complex Magazine, 2DopeBoyz, The Smoking Section, The Source, HypeTrak, Earmilk, and Fader. Sid has collaborated with the legendary A.R. Rahman, and Himanshu Suri (Heems) of Das Racist. He is a finalist for “Best New Artist” in the 2013 SoulTracks awards, and last week Pepsi Pulse selected his “Superstar” as video of the day. Find Sid Sriram on Twitter and on Facebook, and download his current EP West Coast Nightfall Part 1: Before Dusk at sidsriram.com.
1. Sigur Rós, Valtari
This album by the Icelandish band came out about 2 and a half years ago, but I’ve been revisiting it a lot recently. Their music and this album especially is almost liberating. The ambient tones, epic build ups and beautifully placed vocals do an amazing job of transporting me deep into thought. It actually gives me the same feeling I get while singing Carnatic Music.
2. Salamat Ali Khan and Nazakat Ali Khan
So, I grew up learning Carnatic music and have been giving concerts professionally for a while now, alongside my original R&B based music. I’ve made it a point to dive more deeply into Hindustani music, studying different musicians from different eras and different Gharanas. Recently, I’ve been listening to a lot of Salamat Ali Khan and Nazakat Ali Khan. The emotiveness with which they are able to sing is immaculate.3. Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour: An Introduction
I finished re-reading J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye a couple months ago. I was walking around in Williamsburg a few weeks ago and came across this book someone was selling on the street. I just started it two days ago, but I’m very excited to get into it!
