After Sukhmani’s gorgeous debut with her single, Divination, she continues opening our doors of perception with her new single “Not Your Exotic”. A powerful song that carries a message of embracing diversity in humanity, as we do with all life forms, trees, and flowers. Honoring our differences, the richness of our roots, cultures, bodies and the color of our skin.
“Girl, recognize me as my own
Honour the way I’m kissed by the sun
Tell me your stories, and take mine on
No - There is no other”~ Sukhmani
Where did the inspiration to create this song come from?
Sukhmani: Learning to exist between cultures has been a process for me and I think for a long time I was uncomfortable in my own skin. I think for a while I was running away from myself, but there always comes a time where you have to stop running. This track came from a place of wanting to embrace and represent myself in a very brave, full, real way. And it’s just as much about asking others to do the same as it is about myself which is where the word ‘exotic’ comes in.
I have been called “exotic” in my life more times than I can count, and although I understand that the intention can be complementary and I sometimes used to take it that way, I wanted to point out that the word applied to another human being is incorrect, because by calling someone exotic you are measuring them against a standard that is white. I wanted to offer an alternative to otherizing, and instead call for us to appreciate and celebrate ourselves as well as each other, honouring diversity whilst acknowledging our inherent oneness.
What would you like your listeners to experience when listening to “Not Your Exotic”?
Sukhmani: I hope that listeners feel the joy that was present at every moment of creating this song! It’s a real party, and everyone’s invited! A common cultural practice I grew up with was welcoming guests to the home on auspicious occasions by spilling mustard oil at either side of the door. I wanted to invite all listeners into the song with this sentiment, as guests and family, always willing to meet each other openly, and celebrate together as one. My hopes are that listeners can see the song as the invitation for togetherness and inclusivity that it is, and that we can learn to reflect deeply on our own perceptions.
With the release of Divination, and now with Not Your Exotic, you are sharing very deep insights of your life’s journey. Is there a story being told with the selection of songs for your upcoming EP?
Sukhmani: They’re definitely deep insights into things I’ve experienced, but what made me brave enough to share these experiences in the form of songs was the conversations I was having with others about their similar experiences. I love the conversations we have when we really open ourselves up and become vulnerable; we realise we are all going through something, and that we have so much in common. I decided I wanted to write from that place, but also generally live from that place! I think this particular selection of songs all have that vulnerability and openness in common, and that they make sense when you listen to them chronologically. You could see it as the processing of something – it starts in one place, and it ends up somewhere else.
You have prepared a wonderful video to share with this song! Can you tell us about the creative process and how did your family feel about being such an important part of your album debut?
Watching the video for ‘Not Your Exotic’ brings me SO much joy! I had a vision of throwing open the doors and inviting everyone into this song, and what better way to do that than having a party! What you see in the video is an actual party that was happening during the week of my cousin’s wedding. This particular party is called a Ladies Sangeet. “Sangeet” means ‘music’, and the whole party is centered around the women of the family who perform traditional folk songs about getting married, and then comical songs about different members of the family. The women who are performing usually sit on the floor, everyone sings, and a couple of people play a dholki (barrel shaped drum) and a rorah/chamcha (spoon.) It’s a beautiful, super fun occasion that involves everyone who comes, so it felt like the perfect event to film at. My family is second to none at throwing a party, so I was beyond happy that they were excited to be a part of the video.
You’ve worked with many wonderful artists since you started your music career. What’s the best advice another musician ever gave you?
Sukhmani: I was probably about 18 years old and was preparing for an important Tabla concert where I was going to be performing as part of a student showcase before my teacher and his teacher would take to the stage. I had practiced for hours and felt super prepared for the performance, but during the show there was a section where I COMPLETELY bombed; like, I didn’t just mess up what I was playing, I went humongously off time and drew a total blank on what I was meant to be doing.
Both my teachers along with a whole host of musicians and friends were in the audience, and though I recovered in the moment, and the rest of the performance went well, I couldn’t get over the mistake I had made.
After the show I found it difficult to approach my teachers, but when I finally had the courage to go up to them, they preempted my apology, greeted me with so much kindness, and told me: “Without mistakes there is no music.” Not only did it shift my perspective then and there, but it’s something I’ve taken with me ever since.
None of this is about being flawless or perfect, and there is actually so much beauty and freedom in letting go of that expectation.
Listen to Not Your Exotic now.