Shanker Tucker

There was a phase in my life during the 90s when all I watched was Channel [V] and MTV on Indian television. This was the time when they had the best mix of English music and they stuck to only English. I came to know of all the popular artists and also learnt what kind of music I enjoy. I was bit of a snob back then, thinking western music was the only kind that moved me. But time heals everyone and I have ventured into all kinds of genres from classical to country. Music has that universal appeal and surpasses borders and languages and puts you in a state of trance.

These days whenever I'm driving I turn on the radio to my favorite station and get updated on the latest songs and also get excited when a song from the 90s is being played. Thats my daily access to western music but I feel a bit cutoff from what is popular in India now.

I found Shanker Tucker through a friend's recommendation on Facebook and have been hooked ever since. He has a Youtube channel called The ShrutiBox. The guy makes the best fusion music, music I never knew existed, music that appeals to my Indian sensibilities and western taste, music that is amazingly balanced, music that is made with so much passion that makes me yearn to learn a musical instrument, to be in that moment. When I'm feeling lonely, anxious, bored I know his music will do the trick of calming my nerves. I am hoping for the best for The ShrutiBox and expecting many more gems from their company.



I wanted to link a few songs that I especially like and bring me to tears in spite of listening to them endlessly.

It feels like the singers are in a meditative state of mind and yes music can have that effect on you. I later came to know that his videos are routinely featured on MTV Roots program in India and felt like the experience had completed a full circle!!