In a unique fusion of art and activism, LA-based musician Aditya Prakash has turned the complex politics of immigration into a powerful musical narrative. His solo gig-theatre project, ROOM-i-Nation, blends the rich traditions of Carnatic music with themes of identity, belonging, and the immigrant experience, creating a resonant commentary on contemporary issues.
From Personal Pain to Political Commentary
Aditya Prakash, a 37-year-old artist born to immigrant parents in the US, found inspiration in his personal history and global events. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he created the album Isolashun (2023), which features the poignant track XenoF.O.B. This song draws from the emotional depth of Wajid Ali Shah's Babul mora naihar chhuto hi jaaye, juxtaposing it with former US President Lyndon B. Johnson's 1965 immigration speech. While Johnson's words once symbolized openness, Aditya perceived them as hollow in the context of modern political realities, such as the Trump presidency and the Capitol Hill Attack of January 2021.
"I just found the whole thing to be so hypocritical," says Aditya, reflecting on the disconnect between political rhetoric and action. "The way immigration was talked about was not reflected in the actions of this country." This realization sparked a deeper exploration of his father's experiences, who passed away in 2014, and the pain of leaving one's culture behind to fit into a new society.
Research and Artistic Response
Aditya's journey led him to research Asian immigration history, uncovering the harsh realities of places like Angel Island, a detention center for Asians until 1940. He contrasts this with Ellis Island, which welcomed white European immigrants, highlighting ongoing injustices in US immigration policies. His album includes tracks like Insirgents, a clever play on words that critiques the framing of immigrants as threats to national security.
He also observed parallels in Indian politics, noting a rise in xenophobia and the push for monolithic identities in diverse societies. "To see one monolithic identity pushed from both countries — I found a similarity," Aditya remarks, emphasizing the global nature of these issues.
ROOM-i-Nation: A Theatrical Fusion
Collaborating with his sister, dancer Mythali Prakash, Aditya expanded his album into ROOM-i-Nation, a gig-theatre project that premiered in Mumbai at the NCPA and was featured in the Mahindra Kabira Festival in December. This innovative work combines Carnatic music with narratives of Asian immigration, exploring themes of identity and belonging through a multidisciplinary lens.
Roots in Music and Culture
Growing up in a household immersed in music and dance—his mother, Viji Prakash, is a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer and teacher—Aditya was deeply influenced by cultural exchange. He began learning Carnatic classical music early from mentors like Debur Srivathsa, Palai Ramachandran, and Rose Muralikrishnan, regularly visiting Chennai to hone his skills.
However, his upbringing in LA also involved navigating dual identities. "I was teased for being Indian. So there was always the sense of wanting to fit in culturally on both sides," he shares, highlighting the tension between his privileged access to Carnatic music and his marginalized status as a minority in the US.
Confronting Privilege and Finding Voice
Reading works by Carnatic vocalist TM Krishna prompted Aditya to reflect on his own complicity in ignoring social issues. "I felt very complicit in my apathy for not engaging with these topics earlier," he admits, acknowledging the upper-caste privilege tied to his musical education. This introspection fueled his desire to break free from traditional notions of purity in Carnatic aesthetics and find a more authentic expression.
In recent years, Aditya has studied under Krishna and violinist RK Shriramkumar, deepening his connection to Carnatic music's integrity. "They moved me back to this original sound I grew up with," he says, noting how this guidance helped him overcome a period of directionlessness influenced by various styles.
Expanding Artistic Horizons
Aditya's creative endeavors extend beyond his own work; he produced Singapore-based Carnatic vocalist Sushma Soma's album Home (2022), which addresses environmental and sustainability themes. Through projects like ROOM-i-Nation, Aditya Prakash continues to challenge boundaries, using music as a tool for social commentary and personal exploration, bridging cultures and sparking conversations on immigration and identity.
