Middle Eastern Archives

Shreya Pujari & Krishna Beuraa’s ‘Najaa’ Bursts with Pan-Global Soul

Posted on 27 December 2024

‘Najaa’ by Shreya Pujari, featuring Krishna Beuraa, doesn’t rest on conventional borders. Shreya, an accomplished jazz and R&B vocalist from San Francisco with a history of coalescing international traditions, pulls influence from her Indian upbringing and fascination with global folk forms to create a performance that feels like a cradle for countless cultures.

Her study of linguistics and her world-spanning education—encompassing Western Europe, Southeast Asia, Canada, and more—has armed her with a rare versatility and tone. From recurring performances with folk bands and choirs, international tours, and sharing the stage with the likes of Jordan Sparks and Sergio Martinez, she’s always championed borderless expression.

In ‘Najaa’, Eastern strings, orchestral sweeps, and overdriven guitar riffs meld into a sonic melting pot. Shreya’s lush, arcane vocal textures seduce the senses before Krishna’s rallying cry edges in.

Shreya’s skill in weaving Eastern and Western ideas clearly resonates within the single and her trajectory from Indian chart collaborations to her current studies at Berklee and her recent immersion in Mediterranean and Flamenco styles in Valencia. ‘Najaa’ symbolises that relentless curiosity and ambition, proving that borders can crumble under the right melodies.

Najaa will be available to stream on all major platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music, from December 27^th.

Review by Amelia Vandergast

Joseph Batrouney gently deconstructed the monocultural mould with his jazz fusion score, At Hand

Posted on 16 December 2023

For his latest seminal piece, Joseph Batrouney collaborated with Niran Dasika, Flora Carbo, and Jacques Emery to orchestrate a beguiling instrumental serenade, which sees jazzy smoke signals billow through the progressions in the sublime score, At Hand.

At Hand stands as a beacon of his unique musical vision, seamlessly blending influences from Middle Eastern, jazz, and flamenco traditions. Batrouney, with his profound understanding of musical fusionism, presents a track that is as organic and fluid as a meandering river, gently challenging and deconstructing the monocultural mould. The track moves with a natural grace, each note and rhythm flowing into the next, creating a harmonious and captivating auditory experience.

Batrouney’s musical skills, honed under the tutelage of luminaries like Tony Moreno, Nate Smith, and Israel ‘Piraña’ Suarez, and through his studies at prestigious institutions like Monash University and New York University, shine brilliantly in this release. His ability to infuse his music with a rich tapestry of rhythmic textures and motions is evident in every beat.

The artist’s noteworthy performances, including appearances alongside the Melbourne Chamber Orchestra and tours with Arte Kanela Flamenco, have undoubtedly contributed to his deep understanding of rhythm and melody. This understanding is palpable in At Hand, where every chord and rhythm seems to tell a story, inviting listeners into Joseph’s world of rhythmic exploration and cultural fusion.

At Hand was officially released on the 20^th of November ahead of the EP of the same name, which subsequently reached the airwaves on December 8^th. Stream the EP on Spotify.

Review by Amelia Vandergast