Invasian Festival - Ambika Jois sings Indioul

With a career that saw her as the youngest violinist at Laurie Anderson’s Meltdown Festival in 1997 to being the featured singer of the catchy BBC Asian Network’s TV ident in 2008, this 21 year-old singer-songwriter has delivered an extraordinary variety of music over this 11-year period.

This Fringe, however, she is on a new mission. Performing original songs in a new and unique style she calls “Indioul”, not only does she cleverly amalgamate several music genres, she also movingly brings together the social influences she’s seen or experienced from growing up in both Bangalore and London.

With the British Asian music industry evolving significantly around Bhangra and R’n’B, she is determined to show that there’s another side to it. At the heart of Indioul is an exquisite blend of soul and Indian vibes with the essence of both untainted.

Through the combination of music and lyrics, her songs reach deep to provoke her listeners to reflect on the meaning of life. Her lyrics cover themes on gratefulness, forgiveness, love, opportunity and mystery. Inspired by Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, Ambika’s performances are powerful and soulful. Her Indian roots become apparent through quirky Indian glides, which she calls “Indioul moments”.

With music produced by Chandru, top Bollywood composer, violinist and string arranger, her songs swell with lush Bollywood string arrangements, gentle yet powerful piano and a host of other instruments.

Ambika has recorded her EP titled “Indioul” featuring 5 of her original songs and this will be available for sale at the Fringe and via her website, iTunes and other online music retailers in August 2008.

Supporting her performance at this Fringe will be Chandru on violin and 13-year old Flexyfingers on piano.