Award-winning sarod player Avra Banerjee redefines fusion music, blending Indian classical with global sounds in his latest work.
Avra Banerjee, a trailblazing sarod player and composer, is redefining the landscape of fusion music. Hailing from India but now based in Perth, Australia, Avra has gained recognition for his ability to merge traditional Indian classical music with a variety of global genres. His work challenges musical boundaries and brings together a unique mix of sounds, reflecting his diverse influences and creative ambitions.
The Evolution of Avra’s Sound
With over many years of training in Indian classical music, Avra’s roots lie in the intricate study of ragas and talas. However, his journey took a transformative turn when he moved to Perth. Here, he embraced experimentation, combining his sarod with jazz, blues, and rock influences. This fusion of traditional and contemporary styles has become his hallmark.
From India to the World Stage
Throughout his career, Avra has also fostered two major initiatives, Ragamorphism in India and SwaraSynthesis in Australia. These projects bring together musicians from different cultural backgrounds to explore and evolve traditional forms of music, creating innovative new expressions of sound.
Balancing Two Worlds
In addition to his musical endeavors, Avra holds a senior leadership role in the IT sector. Balancing the demands of his corporate job with his music career is no small feat, yet he manages both seamlessly. Avra finds that his work in technology enhances his creativity in music, and vice versa. “Music and technology feed different sides of my personality,” Avra says. “The analytical skills from IT strengthen my compositions, and the creativity from music makes me a better leader.”
Recognition and Growing Influence
Avra’s efforts in blending diverse musical styles have earned him global recognition. In 2025, he won three awards at the InterContinental Music Awards, marking a major milestone in his career. His achievements continue to grow, and his involvement with the Recording Academy (GRAMMYs) further solidifies his place within the global music community. As a voting member of The Recording Academy, Avra participates in shaping the future of the music industry, collaborating with fellow artists, and contributing to important discussions in the music world.
Grammy 2025 Submission
His ambitious projects, Echoes Across Continents and Blues Odyssey, demonstrate his genre-fluid approach. Echoes Across Continents, created in collaboration with longtime friend and fellow composer Tamal Kanti Halder, has been submitted for consideration in the Best Contemporary Instrumental Album category. Meanwhile, Blues Odyssey is under consideration in multiple Grammy categories, including Best Instrumental Composition and Best Global Music Performance.
What’s Next for Avra?
Avra’s creative journey continues to expand beyond his solo compositions. Looking ahead, in partnership with Tamal Kanti Halder, he is planning their next Contemporary Instrumental album. Additionally, Avra is developing a large-scale global performance project that will unite musicians from diverse geographies and traditions. Through these initiatives, he continues to explore innovative ways of connecting people through music.
Avra believes that music is a living dialogue, an ongoing conversation that evolves with time and context. “It’s not just about preserving tradition; it’s about evolving it and making it relevant to every listener, everywhere,” he explains. His approach to music transcends genres and borders, creating an inclusive, ever-evolving sound that resonates with diverse audiences.
The Future of Fusion Music
Avra Banerjee’s story is one of innovation, exploration, and dedication to breaking cultural barriers through music. As his career continues to rise, his contributions to fusion music promise to shape the future of the genre, creating a more interconnected and dynamic musical world.
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