about nada laya
‘Nada’ is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘the origin of sound’. The Sanskrit word ‘Laya’ refers to a state of mental harmony and can mean ‘fusion’ and ‘solution’. Like many Sanskrit words they can acquire different meanings in various contexts, but the name “Nada Laya” has been used to brand an innovative collective of musicians with a desire to use music as a tool for change.
Nada Laya formed in Kerala, South India in January 2009. The core members of the ensemble have been performing together for more than ten years and with the addition of several international artists have signed a record deal with Triveni Records.
Their first self titled release is a collection of traditional carnatic songs while their second release ‘Aranmula’ is a full album of original material featuring new works by British composer Lucy Hudson and Australian composer Leah Barclay.
The ensemble consists of Santhosh Kumar and Manju Subhash on vocals, Sreeraj on violin, Lucy Hudson on Flute, and percussionists Subhash Kumar, Sreenath T.S., Tony Hole and Leah Barclay. While these members form the core of the ensemble, Nada Laya will regularly perform with acclaimed guest musicians. This collective is committed to bringing a wider awareness to carnatic music and facilitating innovative intercultural collaborations in India and abroad.
Nada Laya has performed throughout South India and has a national and international tour planned for 2010 to coincide with the release of their next album.
