Since the release of her debut track, Divination, Sukhmani has invited her listeners on a profound journey through self discovery, empowerment, self expression and the multi-layered world of feelings we experience in everyday life. Her music is an invitation to embrace every facet of our unique selves. Her raw and honest lyrics pull back the curtain on her own quest to do the same.
Each of the tracks on this album has a unique feeling and style that reflects Sukhmani’s richness of musical and cultural influences and her own personal journey through internal conversations of self-discovery, self-worth, identity and her place in the world.
“Not Your Exotic”, is an anthem to diversity and the journey of embracing our authentic selves. The release of this song was a beautiful celebration of Sukhmani’s roots, reflected in the imagery and wonderful music video that accompanied this song.
Her third single release, Everybody’s Best Friend shows a whole new side of Sukhmani, a pop song that tells a story that could easily be our own. The bittersweet feeling of being in a room full of people and feeling lonely, a longing for connection while knowing our own heart, feelings and desires.
We invite you to learn more about the story behind ‘Here‘ and Sukhmani’s musical journey.
Spirit Voyage: How did you begin your path with music?
Sukhmani: Music has always had a strong presence in my life! Though most of my family aren’t trained musicians, they have a deep reverence and love for many different kinds of music. Members of my family would sing and practice tabla and harmonium at home, and there was always some kind of music playing through the speakers whether it was Sikh traditional music, Hindi songs, music from the 60’s and 70’s, or popular music on BBC radio 1! In hindsight, I think I was very lucky to be listening to a huge variety of music from such a young age.
Personally, my first musical love was the Tabla, which I started learning around age 11. My brother was learning before I started and I simply fell in love with the sound. I would sneak into the room after he had finished practicing and try to copy what he was doing! I was so lucky to live in an area where there was an incredible south asian arts organization that had the funding to hold exceptional classes in Indian classical music that ultimately had a huge role in the path my life ended up taking. I definitely wouldn’t be who I am today without those classes.
Spirit Voyage: When did you start singing and writing songs?
Sukhmani: I took singing classes around the same time I began learning tabla, but it didn’t stick for me in the same way. I think part of what I enjoyed about tabla was not having to use my voice all that much – I was pretty shy! However, I took a Music Performance BTEC in my late teens where one of the assignments was to write and perform a song, so I didn’t really have a choice if I wanted to pass the course! Learning to write and gaining the confidence to sing at that time definitely ignited something within, but it wasn’t until much later in life that I started exploring the singer/songwriter avenue much more.
Spirit Voyage: Can you share with us how you became a singer after being a musician for most of your life?
Sukhmani: Before COVID, I had been supporting many artists on tour as a tabla player and percussionist. After COVID, all our tours and performances were cancelled, and musicians in general had to make adjustments in a big way! I transitioned to teaching online and sharing some songs I had written with my friends who were recording their own music, in the hopes they might want to sing my songs. After a TON of encouragement from the people around me and the friends I had sent songs to, I reached out to Spirit Voyage about recording my own songs and they took me on!
As someone who is shy at heart and who has taken comfort in supporting others as a percussionist, it felt a little alien to be stepping into the world of singing/songwriting, but as the project has come together, I feel so excited and liberated by the prospect of being able to express myself in a new way!
Spirit Voyage: How would you describe your unique music style? Where do you think it comes from?
Sukhmani: I would describe my music as dreamy, eclectic, catchy, and transportative. One of the most beautiful things about creating music is that what we create is just as unique as we are! There’s only one of each of us. We feel things and express them in the way that makes sense to us, and though we share commonalities, no two people will ever write the same song about it!
Spirit Voyage: Why do you make music?
Sukhmani: Simply put, I make music because it’s what I love doing the most! I love the freedom of making music, and that each thing you make is a reflection of who and where you are at that moment, like a diary of sound. I also love it as a safe place to express yourself and connect with others. Music has always been a therapeutic outlet for me and has encouraged me to be a more courageous, creative, and whole version of myself.
Sukhmani’s first album ‘Here‘, is a powerful voice of the nature of our humanity. A passionate call to self-discovery, acceptance and worth. A balm to a heart that needs to be understood, seen, and loved.