Fusion is an oft overused adjective in music. The ability to blend diverse western and Indian rhythms, harmonies and forms can be a challenge even for the most talented musicians. With Always Here, Sanjay Swamy aka Storms brings a fascinating combination of western blends and rhythms to highlight the traditional style of thumri.

The album earned two bronzes at the Global Music Awards 2022 on December 15 — producer and world music. Swamy says, “The prize does not really matter as much as the effort to highlight the style of thumri. Rather than going all over the place, it was to focus on that aspect of Hindustani classical music.”