KQED's Forum Forum from the Archives: Fremont's Sid Sriram Fuses New Genres with Family Legacy of Traditional Indian Singing
Jul 1, 2025
Sid Sriram, an acclaimed musician from a traditional Indian singing family, shares his journey blending Carnatic music with jazz, R&B, and hip-hop. He discusses the impact of growing up in Fremont while navigating dual cultural identities. Sriram reveals the emotional depth of his songs and how they reflect his personal experiences. Live performances showcase his innovative sound and the healing power of music. He also touches on the responsibility of releasing his upcoming album, 'Siddharth,' and the unique connections his music fosters.
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Home is a Feeling, Not Location
- Sid explains home is not a physical place but a collection of memories and relationships you carry.
- His life moving between places deeply shaped this understanding of identity and home.
Fremont's Indian Community Impact
- Growing up in Fremont surrounded by a large Indian community helped Sid feel a sense of belonging despite cultural differences.
- His early exposure to Carnatic music at his mother's school deeply rooted him in Indian culture.
Exploring Raga to Improvise
- Learn Carnatic music by understanding the raga — a melodic universe with strict parameters but room for improvisation.
- Explore and improvise within these melodic galaxies to creatively blend Indian and Western music.