01Profile
A Sarathy Korwar Photo
Sarathy Korwar
Musician — London
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Sarathy Ashok Korwar from Pune, India.
Describe your style in three words?
Sarathy Ashok Korwar.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Charles Lloyd Quintet at the Barbican. It was the most seamless, organic, interactive gig I have ever seen. I didn’t want it to end. I always try to play like that band.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Doors, Don Cherry. I love them both and owe them a lot for their music. To be seen alongside them would mean I am as good as them. Which would be kinda amazing.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
UK jazz, '70s psychedelic electronic music, free improvisation.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
My maternal grandfather. He died when I was very young (4 years old) but I have very fond memories of him. He also played a lot of music and I’d love to show him what I’ve been up to.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
Total Refreshment Centre. Between 2016-18, I could go there any Thursday-Sunday and know that I’d have a great time. There was a real buzz about the place and the bands/music that played there were some of my favourites.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Emperor Akbar, who’s patronage and interest in music helped visionaries like Tansen. Hindustani Classical music owes both these men a lot.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'That Thing You Do' by The Wonders. Watching the movie ‘That Thing You Do’ was when I really wanted to start playing the drums. Love the drumming and vibe of this tune!
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Riders on the Storm' by The Doors. I was massively into The Doors and owned every record of theirs. Riders on the Storm was one of the first tunes I heard and listening to Rhodes solo was always exciting.
One record you would keep forever?
'Organic Music Society' by Don Cherry. I love everything about this record. The spirit it captures, its looseness and authenticity.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright' by Bob Dylan. These lyrics calm my anxious brain. I feel calm even just writing this.
A song you wished you had written?
'Dorian Reeds' by Terry Riley. I love the idea behind this tune, such a minimal setup and yet captures such beauty.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Fantastic Man' by William Onyeabor. Any William Onyeabor songs would work, turn up to 11. Great road music too IMO.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Summertime Sadness' by Lana Del Ray. I found myself listening to this song a lot. It captures a nostalgia that is hard to explain.
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Urvashi Urvashi' by A. R. Rahman. Banger! That bass line is irresistible.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Glory Box' by Portishead. After a long, tiring night, when my back and knees start hurting, this is the perfect send-off.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
'Ila Mata' by Bab L’ Bluz. Love their sound. A mixture of Gnawa, funk and trance-inducing music.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
Sarathy Ashok Korwar from Pune, India.
Describe your style in three words?
Sarathy Ashok Korwar.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Charles Lloyd Quintet at the Barbican. It was the most seamless, organic, interactive gig I have ever seen. I didn’t want it to end. I always try to play like that band.
If you could be on the line up with any two bands in history?
The Doors, Don Cherry. I love them both and owe them a lot for their music. To be seen alongside them would mean I am as good as them. Which would be kinda amazing.
Which Subcultures have influenced you?
UK jazz, '70s psychedelic electronic music, free improvisation.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
My maternal grandfather. He died when I was very young (4 years old) but I have very fond memories of him. He also played a lot of music and I’d love to show him what I’ve been up to.
Of all the venues you’ve been to, which is your favourite?
Total Refreshment Centre. Between 2016-18, I could go there any Thursday-Sunday and know that I’d have a great time. There was a real buzz about the place and the bands/music that played there were some of my favourites.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Emperor Akbar, who’s patronage and interest in music helped visionaries like Tansen. Hindustani Classical music owes both these men a lot.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
'That Thing You Do' by The Wonders. Watching the movie ‘That Thing You Do’ was when I really wanted to start playing the drums. Love the drumming and vibe of this tune!
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Riders on the Storm' by The Doors. I was massively into The Doors and owned every record of theirs. Riders on the Storm was one of the first tunes I heard and listening to Rhodes solo was always exciting.
One record you would keep forever?
'Organic Music Society' by Don Cherry. I love everything about this record. The spirit it captures, its looseness and authenticity.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
'Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright' by Bob Dylan. These lyrics calm my anxious brain. I feel calm even just writing this.
A song you wished you had written?
'Dorian Reeds' by Terry Riley. I love the idea behind this tune, such a minimal setup and yet captures such beauty.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Fantastic Man' by William Onyeabor. Any William Onyeabor songs would work, turn up to 11. Great road music too IMO.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Summertime Sadness' by Lana Del Ray. I found myself listening to this song a lot. It captures a nostalgia that is hard to explain.
The song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Urvashi Urvashi' by A. R. Rahman. Banger! That bass line is irresistible.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
'Glory Box' by Portishead. After a long, tiring night, when my back and knees start hurting, this is the perfect send-off.
Any new bands you are into at the moment?
'Ila Mata' by Bab L’ Bluz. Love their sound. A mixture of Gnawa, funk and trance-inducing music.