Arashkha on fusing Indian spirituality with electronic music in Shakti Volume 3

Arashkha. Pic/By Special Arrangement

Kali and her fierce energy are at the heart of Shakti Volume 3, the EP created by French-Iranian composer and visual artiste Arash Khalatbari - better known as Arashkha - and Kolkata-based vocalist Sukanya Chattopadhyay. Building on influences from India, Réunion Island, Bangladesh, and Lithuania, the EP explores feminine energy, transformation, destruction, and rebirth through an immersive audio-visual experience.

"I personally feel a close connection to Kali, and so does Sukanya. Her destructive aspect, which drives us to fight against illusions, and the concept of regeneration are fundamental for understanding the world, especially in our time," Arashkha told mid-day.

Shakti Volume 3 comprises three tracks. What binds them is the theme of feminine power and its different aspects. Arashkha elaborated, "The theme and meaning of Shakti are a philosophical and spiritual subject that I incorporate into my daily life."

According to him, music exists almost everywhere, if we're willing to listen. That thought is particularly evident in his latest EP that blends sacred Indian musical traditions with electronic soundscapes, giving rise to a fresh sound. He shared, "In a city or near a temple, the sounds of machines, engines, cars, and tuk-tuks coexist alongside sacred chanting. I consider all sounds to be interesting material for creation."