It takes verve to strum a 10.5 kg instrument when you're all of 25 years. Mumbai girl Anushka Lewis, like her instrument, is a rare musician who has been booking ears with singles like Blue Nails, Bright Orange Tea Cups and the mash-cover of Shaa'ir + Func's Freeze You/My Root. Tomorrow, you get to catch this talented artiste who will perform along with other acts like Something Relevant, TankBund and Unohu at The Scene
“A harp can be as dangerous as a sword, in the right hands.” If George RR Martin in A Storm Of Swords is to be believed, listening to Anushka Lewis, known in the circles, as Nush can be very lethal. Exposed to music since a young age, Lewis was always clear that music occupied the centrestage in her life. Yet, it was only through a chance encounter that she was introduced to the instrument that is often likened to pearls.
ADVERTISEMENT
Anushka Lewis attributes her career to her family who aided her in buying the 800-pound instrument from London. Pics courtesy/ Prashin Jagger
“Well, the harp is a rare and unusual instrument, and isn’t a common instrument to see nowadays. When I first saw the harp, up close and personal, which was in Chennai’s KM Conservatory School, I was intrigued by its mechanics and sound. I started classes with the harp teacher at the music school even though it wasn’t a part of my regular music subject,” shares the talented 25-year-old. When one tunes into on SoundCloud, one discovers what precisely ‘bedroom’ singles can imply. Surreal and dark, Lewis hushes such adjectives; “Oh, I made my peace the day I started learning the harp. If anyone meets me in person they wouldn’t expect someone like me to write such material. I am the curly hair, giggly, freckle-faced thing that talks a lot and I never saw this side of me till the harp came along. It is the other side of my soul that no one really sees. Personally, I find it introspective and very interesting.”
Comfortable in the arena of acoustics, the sprightly musician, remarks, “I love experimenting with the sound and playing with other musicians. Acoustic music is a sound I’m most comfortable with…there’s something about the warmth. Not to say, I dislike non-acoustic genres. I’m a big fan of Electronic and experimental stuff; it’s a space I would love to go to with the harp.” Piqued by the idea of hearing something unique, we ask about her upcoming Extended Play (EP): “I have reconstructed all my singles with the help of Rahul Hariharan and Ishaan Krishna who have composed drum and bass lines, respectively. The sound has become heavier and a bit larger. The EP will carry this sound with maybe the addition of a piano line that I will compose.”
Looking forward to her gig tomorrow, Lewis shares an electrifying energy as she occupies the stage after a year: “It’s with a new line up and new sound, so I’m excited. Also, I will be performing on keys (piano) for the first time. From being a soloist to playing as a duo and now finally a band; I’m so ready for this.”
On September 24, 8.30 pm to 12.30 am
At BlueFrog, Mathuradas Mills, Lower Parel. CALL 61586158
To Listen to nush lewis soundcloud. com/nushlewis
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
