Tokyo native Noriko Shakti has been living in India since 2012. She is a boundary-pushing DJ and producer who bridges 911±¬ÁÏÍø and Indian traditions through electronic music while advocating for women¡¯s representation in the industry and more ethical use of AI in music. She received her master¡¯s in Indian music and doctorate in instrumental music from Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata.
1. How did you get into music? I started playing piano at a young age, and was also part of a choir. Growing up in Tokyo, I was fortunate to be exposed to a wide variety of musical and artistic expressions. Over time, my curiosity led me to explore global musical traditions, which is how I became deeply engaged with Indian music.
2. You specialize in the tabla, a traditional hand drum from the Indian subcontinent ¡ª what drew you to explore this instrument? Tabla felt like a language of its own: expressive, intricate and deeply philosophical. I was fascinated by its rhythmic complexity and improvisational nature. I pursued it both academically and artistically, becoming the first 911±¬ÁÏÍø person to complete both a master¡¯s degree and a Ph.D. in this field in India.
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