Susheela Raman

"Susheela Raman is that rarity: a true innovator" (The Guardian)
Susheela Raman is a real treasure; one of the most bewitching singers you are likely to encounter. One of the Indian Diaspora’s foremost singers and recording artists, Susheela’s beautiful voice, visionary musical landscape and charismatic stage presence have enchanted millions of listeners in Europe, India and beyond. Born in London to Tamil parents, Susheela has constantly pushed cultural barriers to find new and ancient connection points between India, England and beyond. As a composer, arranger and interpreter she has forged her own unique, inclusive sound and has already gained immense critical and popular acclaim for her records. Susheela is also known and loved for her very intense and compelling live performances. These days Suheela divides her time between India and the UK: Her live shows feature a combination of Susheela’s formidable new London-based band or her growing band of Indian musical partners from Rajasthan, Tamilnadu and Bengal. Expect a hugely vital, raw and ambitious re-imagining of the Indo-Brit sound.



In 2011 Susheela Raman will deliver “VEL”; her fifth album and most accomplished and inspiring recording to date. Dates this year include the Sydney Opera House as well events in Singapore, New York, Mumbai and Paris. An established performer in Europe, her reputation in India is spreading very fast. Saregama, India's biggest label, will release her album there in time for a tour in partnership with music magazine Rolling Stone.
She has made four previous albums and their sales exceed half a million copies: “Salt Rain” (2001), “Love Trap” (2003), And “Music for Crocodiles” (2005) and ‘33 1/3’ (2007). The dreamily seductive ”Salt Rain” went gold in France and was shortlisted for the UK Mercury Prize. The sublime and intense “Love Trap” features many Indian devotional songs and, amongst other great musicians, the legendary Tony Allen on drums alongside urban tabla genius, Aref Durvesh. “Music for Crocodiles” is another musical feast, featuring musicians from South India and was partly recorded in Chennai (Madras). 2007 saw the release of “33 1/3” a collection of characteristically soulful, distinctive and exciting re-interpretations of songs by (amongst others) Velvet Underground, Dylan, and Captain Beefheart. In 2009 Xiii BIS released “Collage” a retrospective selection of some of her best tracks from the 2001-2007 period, including the wonderful unreleased version of “Waiting in Vain” with Karsh Kale.
Susheela has also been the subject of several T.V. specials and documentaries, including an hour long feature “Indian Journey” for ARTE.



myspace.com/susheelamanew



susheelaraman.com



http://www.facebook.com/pages/Susheela-Raman-Official/91167512026?ref=ts