Divakar Shukla
By Divakar Shukla
I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Abby V (Abhishek Venkat) and here is an excerpt from that interview (edited for clarity). The full interview can be heard at saathee.com/divakar.
Abby has extensive training in Indian and Western classical music and is a master of fusion of classical music with pop, and R & B. He sings in English, Hindi, Tamil, and other Indian Languages. He is an award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, composer and has performed and collaborate with artists all over the world. His love of ragas was featured in his 2020 video “73 Ragas with Abby V”. It went viral and has garnered nearly a million views and counting on YouTube.
Divakar: For those that maybe learning about you for the first time, can you describe your music?
Abby V: I grew up in Toronto listening to pop music, World music, R&B, Indian Classical, Folk… I learned Western Classical music as a child then both forms of Indian Classical music – Carnatic and Hindustani. I trained intently in all three and then incorporated that in different styles of music including pop and Bollywood. In my live performances, I do fusion of all of them to celebrate all types of music.
D: Lots of your videos and performances on social media are solos or duets, but in concert you have a band.
A: Yeah, I always perform with my band. In US, I have my US / Canada based band that plays with me. They are phenomenal artists and performing with a band means more liveliness and interaction and nothing is really planned as opposed to performing with a track. I also see what the audience is vibing with and do more of those numbers.
D: Let’s talk a little bit about your background, your first album was First of All in 2019. I like the name; it indicates that there are lots more to come.
A: Yeah, you nailed it! That album had a few different types of music from Indian Classical to Hip Hop in different languages.
D: Speaking of different languages, are you planning an all-English album geared at the non-Indian community?
A: As of now, nothing in the works. But some of my biggest influences are people like Usher, Justin Timberlake, Bobby Brown lots of other R&B artists.
D: I really enjoy your Ted Talks about ragas.
A: Thanks, the concept of ragas is scales and different notes and the combination of those and what they emote. I did the 73 Ragas video to show that ragas are Indian Classical music and not just for old people. You can take a western pop song and notate into sargam and you can match it with a raga in Indian classical music. You can take a song and say this sorta sounds like this raga. That’s what I do with my music and live shows. Kinda combine the different types of music. It’s amazing how the different worlds come together.
D: It’s been well documented that your dad and mom helped you and influenced you with their love of Indian Classical music. Now that you are in the forefront of this “fusion” movement, how do you think you can help perpetuate this cycle in the next generation?
A: I think it’s a very important question. We as artists have to take on that responsibility. I think making it relatable and palatable. I took a bunch of classes and did drills over and over and it gets tedious and boring. Once you get passed that, you begin to relate on a different level. I incorporate the tools of social media and make my music as accessible, relatable and approachable as possible. That’s a responsibility I take very seriously to pass this wonderful art form to the younger generation.
D: What do you think your parents imagined for your future and how do you think they reconcile that with what you are actually doing in the entertainment industry?
A: It’s interesting that you asked that. My family always thought I would be in the performing arts but they encouraged me to get an education, to have something to fall back on. And I did that, I got a degree in management and I think that now helps in my career.
D: You are in Mumbai as we conduct this interview. How much traveling do you do?
A: I spent 6 months in US / Canada and the rest in India or on tour. I did 40 shows in US last year. I have an album coming out soon. Should be ready by October or November of this year. You may hear some of the new music at Hum Sub Diwali.
D: Looking forward to seeing you on October 14th, in Cary for Hum Sub Diwali.
A: Thank you Mr. Divakar. I am really excited about the show. As we celebrate Diwali, my band and I will be performing all different types of music from South Asia, not just Bollywood but Hindi, Telegu, Malayalam… Including classical and even a wedding medley as the theme this year is Shagun for Hum Sub Diwali. Also a very special feature in this show that has not happened too often, my dad will perform (a few numbers) with me.
Hear the Full interview with Divakar: https://saathee.com/divakar/
Canadian pop star Abby V will be performing in Cary, NC at the Koka Booth Amphitheater as part of the Hum Sub Diwali on October 14, 2023. This year’s theme is Shagun (An Auspicious Start). Gates open at 10 am for this free event that will feature dance performances, food, shopping and more. The evening prime time entertainment begins at 6:30pm with opening act Shradha Ganesh followed by Abby V and Band. More details at humsub.org.
Divakar Shukla is the Publisher of Saathee Magazine. Contact: saatheemag@hotmail.com.
