Life & Work with Ankit Patel of Atlanta

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ankit Patel

Hi Ankit, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My journey as a musician has been both exciting and deeply fulfilling. I began my musical path at a young age, drawn to the rich, melodious sound of the Shehnai. This traditional Indian instrument resonated with me deeply and inspired me to explore its potential further.

As I perfected my skills, I realized that there was a beautiful synergy between traditional and modern music. This realization led me to form my band, JashnATL, where I play both the Shehnai and keyboard.

Also, my passion for preserving and celebrating my cultural roots led to the creation of the Shehnai Guy project. Through this initiative, I play the Shehnai at Indian weddings and prominent events across the United States and abroad. I aim to create a vibrant blend of traditional Indian music and contemporary styles, which brings a fresh perspective to the audience.

However, I felt there was a need for a more dedicated platform for musicians like myself to showcase our talent. Usually, when we perform at weddings, we are tucked away in a corner, playing the music and providing a nice ambiance and vibe for the celebration, but not really being the focal point. This lack of visibility and recognition for our craft is disheartening and not very rewarding as a musician. And because of that, along with a couple of other talented musicians, I decided to start the Surya Ensemble.

Essentially, Surya Ensemble is a collective of creative world musicians who host live music concerts in Atlanta, GA. Our group includes a wide range of instruments and talents. So, it’s myself on Shehnai, we have a violin, Persian drum, viola, guitar, as well as a cultural dancer. Our performances are soulful, they focus on musical storytelling and the unique sounds of our diverse instruments. Our concerts offer an experience where you are being transported through a captivating blend of tradition and modern flair.

The idea behind Surya Ensemble is to provide a space where world musicians can come together and perform. And people will come to listen, watch, and appreciate this type of art and this type of culture in a contemporary and intimate setting. So, the focus is firmly on the music, and us, the musicians. The main reason for the launch of Surya Ensemble was to bring high-quality content out there, to the Atlanta music scene and beyond.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the primary challenges I faced throughout my music journey is the inherent difficulty of playing the Shehnai. It’s an instrument with bendy tones, which makes it incredibly hard to stay on pitch. Mastering its intricacies requires a lot of dedication and practice.

Another significant challenge is the lack of familiarity and interest in the Shehnai among modern audiences. It’s an ancient instrument, and in today’s fast-paced world, many people are unaware of its existence and unique qualities. My mission has been to educate and demonstrate that the Shehnai is not just a relic of the past but a vibrant, creative, and emotionally expressive instrument. I feel as if I’m bringing this instrument back to life, showcasing its versatility and beauty to the world.

Despite these challenges, I’ve been fortunate in many ways. I believe I am one of the few, if not the only, Shehnai players in America, and this uniqueness has opened many doors for me. The Shehnai is a cherished part of Indian weddings, and people genuinely appreciate having a live Shehnai player at their celebrations. This demand has allowed me to travel across the United States, performing at weddings and parties.

While my journey has been mostly smooth, it’s not without its struggles. Convincing people of the Shehnai’s relevance and appeal in today’s music scene requires continuous effort and passion. However, seeing the audience’s positive reactions and appreciation makes it all worthwhile.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the future, especially with the Surya Ensemble. We aim to continue illuminating Atlanta’s cultural landscape with our world music shows, which are scheduled monthly throughout the year. So, if you’re looking for a great night out and want to experience something unique and captivating, I invite you to join us and be part of this extraordinary musical journey. For more information and tickets to Surya’s upcoming concerts, you can visit our website at www.suryaensemble.com.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
Over the past several years, my life has been quite busy and fulfilling. I earned a college degree, started a digital marketing agency business, got married, started a family, and pursued my passion for music alongside my professional endeavors.

Musically, I specialize in playing the Shehnai, the ancient Indian oboe known as the King of Flutes. The Shehnai is a wooden, double-reed instrument, traditionally played in Hindu temples and at wedding ceremonies throughout India. There are very few Shehnai players in the world today, which is where my brand, Shehnai Guy, stands out.

What sets me apart is my approach to blending the Shehnai’s authentic tonal qualities with modern beat production. I create modern fusion covers. My collection includes both contemporary and old songs, featuring instrumental versions of epic Bollywood melodies. This fusion of tradition and modernity is revolutionary.

One of my proudest achievements is reviving interest in the Shehnai through these innovative covers. By bringing a fresh perspective to this ancient instrument, I am helping people appreciate its beauty and versatility. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive reactions from audiences who may not have been familiar with the Shehnai before.

I’m a producer and composer, but in addition to my solo work, I am also the founder and manager of the Surya Ensemble, which is a group of creative world musicians.

Overall, my journey has been about blending tradition with modernity, creating a unique musical experience that captivates and educates. Whether through the Shehnai Guy or Surya Ensemble projects, I strive to highlight the richness of our cultural heritage while incorporating contemporary influences. This dedication to preserving and innovating traditional music is what I am most proud of and what sets me apart in the music world.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, I was a very curious and enthusiastic child. I had a keen interest in exploring different ventures, especially in music, arts, and culture. My journey into music began at a young age. I initially started as a keyboard player when I was around 7 or 8 years old. My parents bought me a small keyboard, and I quickly picked it up and learned to play simple songs. I enjoyed it so much that I kept playing and improving, even though I never took any formal lessons. Instead, I sought guidance from friends and relatives who could play at a decent level.

It wasn’t until I moved to America that I had the opportunity to play at our local Hindu gatherings. This provided me with an outlet to perform, and by the time I was 12, I was actively participating in these events. As I got better and more involved, my interest in music grew deeper, and I fully devoted myself to it, primarily focusing on the keyboard. About 10 or 15 years later, I began playing music professionally.

I’ve always had a love for the Shehnai. Its authenticity, rawness, and soul captivated me, and my affinity for classical music led me to this instrument. I believe that formal training is essential for mastering any classical instrument, and for the Shehnai, having a teacher, a Guruji, is crucial. I have been learning to play the Shehnai from my Guruji in Mumbai for the past 11 years. Since 2015, I have been intensely focusing on the Shehnai, and I’ve been performing professionally for the past six years.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.suryaensemble.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suryaensemble
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/suryaensemble
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/suryaensemble
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@suryaensemble
• Yelp: https://www.instagram.com/shehnaiguy/
• Soundcloud: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@suryaensemble
• Other: Get your tickets @ https://suryaensemble.eventbrite.com