Kapil Seshasayee performs first India shows at two Delhi venues

Kapil Seshasayee opened his Piano Man set in New Delhi with *The Ballad of Bant Singh*, a song about the Punjabi protest singer that draws on bhangra-folk elements.

The British-Tamil guitarist and songwriter later appeared at the Soundscapes of India showcase at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre. He played *Lewd Cabal*, *The Pink Mirror*, *Educate Agitate Organise* and *Whose Bright Idea Was This?* Drummer Edwin Maclachlan accompanied him on both Delhi dates.

Born in Ramnad, Tamil Nadu, Seshasayee moved to the UK as a baby and grew up in Glasgow. He taught himself Carnatic music through online videos after struggling to find a teacher, adapting its forms to a guitar he had first learned in western styles. He cites mandolin player U. Srinivas, violinist L. Subramaniam, saxophonist Kadri Gopalnath and vocalist T. M. Krishna among his influences.

Seshasayee describes his blend of Carnatic traditions, garage rock, rhythm and blues, and British electronic soundscapes as “desi-futurist”. His 2018 album *A Sacred Bore* examined caste in India and the Indian diaspora. *Laal*, released in 2022, addressed nationalism, censorship, queer representation and cultural power through post-grunge, hyperpop, synth-pop and electronica.

Seshasayee said he hopes to return to India for more shows.