Behind The Lens: Vineetha Menon

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What’s been your favorite moment of your career thus far?  

One of the most memorable moments in my career was performing the album live for the first time a few weeks ago in Encinitas, California. It was incredibly special to reconnect with many band members, and the outpouring of support from the audience was heartwarming. The album embodies a sacred love story, and the experience of guiding the audience through this narrative alongside the music was nothing short of magical. It was wonderful to witness the emotional impact it had on people.

How do you or your band typically travel around?  

As I'm beginning to plan the album tour, our initial performances will likely be in Southern California. As we expand to more distant locations, the logistics may become a bit more complex, but for now, the planning is quite straightforward.

What’s the backstory behind your latest release?  

I went to visit my mother and sister in India about 18 months ago. One day we started to sing some of the songs we grew up with. My sister then urged me to record an album. Initially I just laughed it off thinking it was a ridiculous idea but on the long flight home I started to think about it. Suddenly things just started to fall into place and the right musicians and resources were drawn almost like magic.

This album features cherished songs from my childhood, passed down from my beloved parents and my Gurus. My main goal with this album is to preserve these invaluable compositions for future generations. I am so delighted that I have been able to record these songs for posterity.

How long did it take before you made your first dollar off music?  

Surprisingly, it took only about two weeks!

When did you feel noticed by the music industry?  

A few weeks after the launch of my album RASA, I started receiving messages from musicians and producers on social media, expressing their appreciation for the album. That was incredibly encouraging for me.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done on stage?  

Haha, my music is primarily devotional and soothing, so craziness isn’t really my style. But who knows what the future might hold?

What foods or drinks are you bringing to the cookout?  

I’ll definitely be bringing my homemade sourdough, which I spent months perfecting! I learned from an excellent book called Tartine Bread by Chad Robertson, which serves as a great technical guide to sourdough. As for drinks, I wouldn’t forget the British tea!

How do you balance music and your personal time?  

Music is an integral part of my life, and I find that incorporating it into my daily routine helps me stay grounded. For instance, I practice my vocals while waiting for the kettle to boil or when I’m doing chores like emptying the dishwasher. This not only makes those mundane tasks more enjoyable but also helps improve my musical skills.

Who’s on your dream collab list?  

I feel incredibly fortunate, as one of my dreams has already been fulfilled! I've admired Rushil Ranjan from the Orchestral Qawwali Project since I first heard his music. His ability to blend western classical influences with eastern devotional music is stunning. I was thrilled when he agreed to collaborate on some of my songs, inspired by the ethos of my project. His contributions to Aganitha Tara and Vanamali Vasudeva have made my dream come true!

What are you working on now and where can people connect with you?  

Currently, I'm focused on bringing "Rasa" to life as a musical. The album tells a beautiful love story, and I envision a blend of sacred music and dance to create a truly spiritual experience. Additionally, I’m collaborating with dance/ electronic music artist Ten Walls, which is shaping up to be something very exciting!