Anoushka Shankar, the acclaimed sitar virtuoso, producer, and composer, has officially announced the release of her new mini-album, Chapter I: Forever, For Now, along with an exciting three-week North American tour. Set to take place from October 3 to October 22, 2023, the tour will showcase Shankar’s musical prowess and innovative compositions.
Chapter I: Forever, For Now will be released by LEITER, the label run by Nils Frahm and Felix Grimm, and will be available on vinyl and through all digital platforms starting from October 6, 2023. This marks Shankar’s first release since her standalone single, “In Her Name,” which honored the 10th anniversary of the 2012 gang rape in Delhi of Jyoti Singh Pandey. Additionally, her live album, Between Us…, recorded with Jules Buckley and the Metropole Orkest, was nominated for a GRAMMY Award for “Best Global Album” in 2023.
The mini-album, consisting of four tracks, was recorded at LEITER’s studio in Berlin’s renowned Funkhaus complex. Shankar plans to write and release a trilogy of mini-albums as an evolving story between her tours. Chapter I features guest appearances by Nils Frahm, Gal Maestro, and Magda Giannikou, with Arooj Aftab as the producer. Aftab, known for her genre-fluid style, previously collaborated with Shankar on “Udhero Na.”
The dominant mood of Forever, For Now is set by the enchanting stillness of the opening track, “Daydreaming” (featuring Nils Frahm), which is a fresh take on a traditional Karnatik lullaby. Each song on the mini-album carries a specific atmosphere, capturing a unique moment and emotion. Shankar’s intention is to embrace the essence of each moment fully, creating a timeless experience for the listeners.
The collaboration between Shankar and Aftab resulted in a minimal ambience that allows the music to breathe and flow freely. The mini-album showcases the stunning musical dialogue between Shankar’s sitar and the guest musicians, creating a rich and captivating sonic tapestry.
Anoushka Shankar’s North American tour will provide an opportunity for fans to experience her exceptional talent live. The tour will include performances in various cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. Each concert promises to be a mesmerizing journey through the enchanting sounds and innovative compositions of this talented musician.
With Chapter I: Forever, For Now, Anoushka Shankar continues to push the boundaries of her artistry, creating a musical experience that transcends time and genre. Her ability to seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary elements, along with her captivating live performances, cements her position as a groundbreaking and influential figure in the world of music.
For more information on Anoushka Shankar and her upcoming tour, please visit her official website. The mini-album, Chapter I: Forever, For Now, will be available on vinyl and through digital platforms starting from October 6, 2023.
