Transcending Boundaries: The Virtuosic Fusion of Project MishraM

In a basement studio at Berklee College of Music, Pranav Swaroop, a classically trained Indian violinist, is immersed in a musical journey that transcends borders and genres. Surrounded by his bandmates, Swaroop's decades of training in Carnatic music come to life as they weave together a tapestry of jazz, progressive metal, and electronic dance music, all centered around the rich traditions of South Indian classical music.

Blending Cultures, Crafting a Global Sound

A Melting Pot of Musical Influences

Pranav Swaroop's musical journey began in Bangalore, where he was exposed to the captivating sounds of Carnatic vocalists from a young age. As he grew older, his passion for music led him to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering, a testament to his ability to balance his scientific and artistic pursuits. In 2016, Swaroop and his friends formed Project MishraM, a seven-person global fusion band with members scattered across the world, from Boston to Bangalore.

Transcending Genres, Embracing Diversity

The band's music is a testament to their collective musical journey, blending traditional Carnatic vocals, virtuosic guitar shredding, and electronic syncopations into a dizzying, layered crescendo. This musical recipe incorporates a diverse array of influences, reflecting the band's global reach and the individual experiences of its members. As Swaroop explains, "When I was in India, you only got exposed to a few types of music styles, so you thought that was the entire universe. But then I moved to Boston and connected with people at Berklee, and it opened up my musical perspective."

Conquering the Global Stage

Project MishraM's rise to prominence has been marked by their participation in Indian reality competitions and tours across the country. In 2019, the band made its debut at the prestigious Tech-Fest in the UK, and in 2022, they returned to the now-defunct progressive metal festival. This summer, the band made their US festival debut at Louder Than Life, a heavy metal event in Louisville, Kentucky, where they shared the stage with legendary acts like Slayer, Kahn, Anthrax, and Judas Priest.

Empowering BIPOC Artists and Preserving Cultural Traditions

Swaroop's commitment to his craft extends beyond his work with Project MishraM. As a solo violinist, he has performed at venues around the world, from the Rainforest World Music Festival in Malaysia to the Embassy of India in Iceland, where he has also taught masterclasses in Carnatic music. Closer to home, Swaroop has graced the stages of Berklee, the MIT Media Lab, and Brighton Music Hall, while also lending his talents to Indian dance performances and cultural events in the Boston area.In 2023, Swaroop took on a new role as an advisory board member of the Boston Cultural Council, where he advocates for resources and opportunities for BIPOC artists and those practicing Indian classical arts. He recognizes the importance of preserving and promoting these cultural traditions, noting that many Indian cultural events in Massachusetts take place outside of Boston, in towns where Indian populations have congregated.

Inspiring and Uplifting Audiences

At the heart of Swaroop's musical journey is a deep-rooted belief in the power of art to inspire and uplift. With Project MishraM, he aims to transport listeners to a different state of mind, where they can forget their surroundings and immerse themselves in a transformative musical experience."If people just forget where they are, and they completely have this new sort of experience, and that makes them feel happy," Swaroop says, "I think that's the ultimate takeaway."