Meet Anupam Shobhakar | Guitarist, Composer, Producer.

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anupam Shobhakar and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anupam, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I am a New York City-based artist with a rich background in the Senia Maihar Gharana, trained extensively under Shree Suresh Vyas, a senior disciple of Smt. Annapurna Devi, and Ustad Aashish Khan. Raised in a home where both Eastern and Western music held equal importance, I’ve always pursued non-Indian music alongside my classical roots. Early in my career, I released a jazz fusion album featuring global artists. After moving to NYC, I immersed myself in the vibrant music scene, expanding my musical vocabulary by working with diverse musicians. Since then, I’ve composed for string quartets, jazz ensembles, and even formed a progressive instrumental metal duo. My most recent project is a global crossover album featuring some of the world’s top multidisciplinary musicians.

Following years of global performances on the Sarod, I embarked on a new creative path, developing an Indian Classical repertoire for the fretless guitar. Drawing from traditional instruments and incorporating the vocal nuances of the Sarangi, I have expanded the fretless guitar’s role in Hindustani Classical Music. Over the past year, my performances on this unique instrument have been received with great enthusiasm.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Born into a family where music holds deep significance, I was encouraged from a young age to pursue it professionally. My passion was sparked after witnessing performances by legendary artists like John McLaughlin and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, which inspired me to push myself even further. Under the guidance of exceptional teachers, I committed to continuous practice, striving to improve as a musician, and began performing at an early age.
Since I started playing music at a very young age, it has always felt fun, relaxed, and like entering a wonderland of imagination. As music naturally became my profession, it brought its own unique set of challenges, especially with the ever-evolving landscape. The best way for me to overcome these challenges is by maintaining discipline and focus through daily practice and learning. This, in turn, fuels my inspiration to write new music and collaborate with incredible musicians from around the world. I perform concerts globally, and nothing motivates me more than the deeply appreciative energy of an attentive audience. Besides music, I prioritize healthy eating, living well, and exercising to keep my mind, body, and spirit in peak condition for the demands of a professional musician’s life.
Listen, learn, absorb, travel, and remain open-minded, always treating others with respect. Take the time to truly understand your instrument and continually refine your skills. Stay attuned to the constantly shifting music industry, adapt to its changes, and never stop evolving as an artist.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I would take my friends to the wonderful state of Rajasthan, India. I recently visited Rajasthan with my good friend and renowned composer/guitarist Joel Harrison, and we were mesmerized by its breathtaking landscapes—deserts, lakes, and mountains—as well as the rich folk music traditions the region has to offer. It was truly a mystical experience. Aside from that, I would definitely take them around my home city, NYC, hoping they can soak in the vibrant, diverse musical energy this iconic city offers, along with its hip bars and amazing street food.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
A huge shoutout to my parents for providing a nurturing learning environment and fostering self-belief and confidence, which have been essential to my journey. To my wife, for being the most caring, loving, and inspiring person I’ve ever met.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/anupam_shobhakar_official/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/anupamshovakar/?_rdr

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@anupamshobhakar?si=SgmjPj3OOM4_U1IQ

Image Credits
@nij_photography ( Nasir Javed )
@Lorileaphoto ( Lori Lea Photography)
@that_russian_guy_production