From Carnatic Music To Garage Rock: British-Tamil Guitarist And Songwriter Kapil Seshasayee's Desi-Futurist Musical Journey

Born in Ramnad, Tamil Nadu, Kapil Seshasayee, a British-Tamil guitarist and songwriter, showcased his musical talents in India just two months after his family moved to the UK. His journey began with performances at New Delhi’s Piano Man and the Soundscapes of India showcase festival at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre. Growing up in Glasgow, Seshasayee was exposed to Carnatic music through his cousins, the Ragam Sisters, and learned the genre independently using YouTube tutorials.

Fusing Carnatic elements with garage rock, rhythm n’ blues, and British electronic soundscapes, he calls his music "desi-futurist."

Describing his music as a blend of south Asian roots and contemporary influences, Seshasayee aims to improve upon existing cultural elements to foster a better future. Inspired by artists like U. Srinivas, L. Subramaniam, and Kadri Gopalnath, as well as Tinariwen and Peter Gabriel’s Real World label artists, he incorporates diverse musical styles into his compositions.

Seshasayee’s albums, A Sacred Bore (2018) and Laal (2022), address issues of casteism, social injustice, nationalism, censorship, and queer representation through a unique amalgamation of influences. His recent tracks, such as "Educate Agitate Organise," "Where Is Your Sword?," "Scimitar," and "Acro-Silky," showcase his distinctive Carnatic-inspired sound.

With a focus on regular club performances and appearances at festivals like South By South West, Latitude Festival, and Celtic Connections, Seshasayee is eager to return to India and perform in Mumbai and Pune. As he looks towards 2027, he anticipates more opportunities to share his desi-futurist musical vision with a wider audience.