Aayushi
Aayushi is a folk singer, songwriter, and guitarist based in Birmingham, UK. She describes her music as “poems disguised as songs." One of her major sources of inspiration is the sea, which she believes is a powerful symbol. If she could make up her own genre, she would categorize her boundary-breaking music as “dream folk."
"Fusion music is individual to everyone...which is what makes it so beautiful."
Beginning Music Journey
“First of all, probably my dad... When I was younger, [I] had lots of memories of him getting really excited about good music... And I think that's part of why I enjoy creating music now.”
Sources of Inspiration
“Seeing artists in the way they approach their own life experiences.”
Indian Heritage
“Occasionally coming across a song that would really speak to me...the excitement of going home, trying to play it on my guitar or keyboard.”
Lyricism
“What I'll end up with often is just a bunch of images in my head...a scene is somehow playing in my head, I'm trying to sort of bring it to life.”
Indian & Western Music Styles
“There's an interesting crossover between contemporary folk music and South Asian folk music.”
Indian-Western Fusion
“Music transcends language.”
Aayushi's Genre
“Dream folk”
What is fusion?
"Fusion music is music where people aren't afraid to experiment...without expectations of culture"
Advice
“Follow what you're drawn to. Don't worry about what people tell you they want to hear...there's an expectation that I'm South Asian and I'm going to be representing South Asian music. You should be able to sing whatever music you want to sing and explore whatever genres you want to without being pigeon-holed."