Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Anant Pradhan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Anant, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?
As an Indian growing up in Boston, professionally, and socially — walking into a room where I am the only one that looks like me is a situation I know well. Often times it’s accompanied by self doubt. However, if the aim is to grow & learn, you simply cannot allow differences in looks to define or limit you.
Over the years I’ve had my share of insecurity in jobs/bands where I either don’t look the part, don’t speak the language, or am not of the culture. With practice I’ve learned to consciously turn that switch off, and focus on authenticity in my work & forming connections. It was daunting at first… I went to dozens of concerts, events, and workshops alone, out of place, and sometimes not speaking the language. But years past — it’s incredible to think how much I’ve learned, the friendships, and lasting connections I’ve made as a result.
Professionally, I play a lot of Jamaican & Caribbean music. And as someone who didn’t grow up in the culture — I felt I needed to be better than average just to participate. To excel, I needed to be twice as good. I knew I had a lot to learn & I might be subject to harsher criticism. To put it lightly, I’ve endured some comments & exclusion… but rather than get preoccupied with those people or my looks, I focused my attention on the craft. Immersed myself in records from the very beginning… studied the lineage, and really absorbed the vocabulary & feel. Especially, the obscure! I was obsessed with playing this music, and playing it as authentically as possible before trying to build upon it my own way.
This is my generally approach to music… Only once I have a firm grasp on the language, do I really begin to insert my personality. Forget looks. Being Indian, or just simply being an individual… I have a distinctive viewpoint with my own influences & ‘isms’. this is where being different has been an asset, and has helped set me apart. Comfortable with all foundation I’ve built, I now get to embrace my own background & style… In the end, hopefully we are creating honest music that is uniquely “us”.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a musician — saxophonist primarily. I arrange, compose, produce, and consider myself to be a pretty diverse musician as an avid listener and record collector of all types of music.
One of my passions is Jamaican music. Playing & studying it for about fifteen years now, but over the last 5/6 years I’ve been cultivating my own band & approach to the style. Trying to pick up where some of my heroes left off, and keep this under-celebrated music alive! I don’t think there are many people in the world doing what we do.
I have the good fortune to be learning & playing alongside some of the remaining pioneers of the genre. I’m extremely lucky to call these people my partners & friends. I have to shout one out. The legendary, Larry McDonald. Together, I think we’re on to something really special. I’m in awe when I think of the level of players I’m able to work with… not to mention some incredible musicians I see in our audiences!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1 – I can’t overstate the importance of listening. Expose yourself to as much music/art of all kinds as possible. Inspiration & lessons can be found just about anywhere… some of the most valued in places others aren’t looking. Practice is obviously important part of building your foundation & not to be neglected… but these days I’m listening to music easily five/six hours a day, if not more. I’m getting much more out of critical listening than practicing things that never make it into my playing.
2 – Humility & being a genuinely nice person. It goes a long way. Working well with others & being someone that people want to be around is a hugely important part of this business. I know a lot of very talented people who don’t get the calls for that reason.
3 – Cooking. Generally a useful skill to have… So many get togethers with friends & peers, rehearsals, recording sessions, and gigs fueled by home cooking. One of my other passions in life. Brings people together & makes them happy.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Expanding my reach & making the band work financially has been a challenge. I took on a big undertaking when I chose to have a band of eight people. We’re a tight unit, family almost… and our size is very much part of our sound. Ordinarily, playing outside of NYC would be the short answer to expanding our base…but it’s an issue trying to take this band on the road & actually make any money.
The music & the release of performing is a borderline spiritual thing for us, so I’ve never wanted to compromise on the quality by slimming down for the sake of money. Especially in the first few years, in order to pay my musicians… I didn’t pay myself.
We are caught in a bit of cycle playing to smaller audiences here in NYC. It keeps us busy & financially sustains me just enough to keep afloat, but on a very slow climb to growth. With some guidance in booking/management — in the coming years I hope to play more festivals & travel with the group. Until then, I am focusing my energy on making more records & extending our reach at home.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ananananant
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ds_tELyQ0f4
- Other: For booking: [email protected]
Image Credits
Photos by Kristin Laughter, Ciro Medina, Javier Roa, and more.
