Shruti Ramani is an innovative vocalist, composer, and educator based in Vancouver, Canada, with roots in Mumbai, India. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Hindustani music from Agra Gharana under the mentorship of Dr. Ritu Johri and another in Jazz Studies with a voice specialization from Capilano University. Shruti leads Raagaverse, an Indo-Jazz fusion ensemble featuring Juno-nominated bassist Jodi Proznick, pianist and composer Noah Franche-Nolan, and drummer Nicholas Bracewell. The group, which has performed at notable festivals like the Vancouver International Jazz Festival and JazzYYC Canadian Festival, is set to release their debut album in spring 2024, funded by a Canada Council for the Arts grant.
As a versatile vocalist, Shruti’s style blends Hindustani and Jazz traditions, allowing her to contribute to diverse musical projects across genres such as pop, Carnatic, and European classical music. She has been part of prestigious ensembles, including A. R. Rahman’s vocal group NAFS and the Juno-nominated Ostara Project. As a composer, Shruti integrates Hindustani melodies with intricate Jazz harmonies, writing for various ensemble configurations, including orchestras and big bands.
In addition to her performing and composing career, Shruti is a dedicated educator. She teaches Jazz vocals and Hindustani music at the VSO School of Music and conducts workshops on topics ranging from Hindustani-Jazz fusion to vocal technique. She also participates in panels on 2SLGBTQ+ and gender representation in Jazz and is an instructor for the VSO School of Music’s Sisters in Jazz Day, focusing on uplifting women and gender-diverse individuals in music.
Name:
Shruti Ramani
Genre:
Indian Classical & Jazz Music
# of Albums:
1 (Featured on other albums)
Latest Album:
Jaya by Raagaverse
Latest Single:
Naina by Raagaverse
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
Ghulam Ali Khan, Norah Jones
Favourite musician now:
Allison Au, Anoushka Shankar
Guilty pleasure song:
Love at First Sight by Kylie Minogue (It has some silly choreography in the music video that cracks me up but I absolutely love it!)
Live show ritual:
I usually think about my parents and my Guru before getting on stage. A crisp eyeliner application is critical too so that’s what you’ll find me doing in the green room.
Favourite local musician:
Noah Franche-Nolan is by far the best pianist/composer I’ve worked with in Canada.
EP or LP?
LP, I love a long and riveting story.
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl- all my decent ideas occur to me at night
Road or studio?
Road – love playing/reimagining the same tunes with a fresh perspective, to different audiences.
Any shows or albums coming up?
My next shows can be found on my website. And Raagaverse’s album, Jaya released a few weeks ago. I would love for you all to experience this album which is named after my mom!
Where can we follow you?
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Sun Bo Kong (I’m vegetarian)
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
Bute and Davie. There is a beautiful mural of the jazz legends I’m inspired by.
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
Whytecliff Park would be my top park! I love the fact that the park overlooks the sea and also has a beach. I also am connected to it because I went there with my family and it was a very special day. We spotted some beautiful seals playing near the shore!
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Chan Center is one of my favourite venues as it presents beautiful and diverse artists from across the world.
What is your favourite music store in your city?
I love all the Vinyl stores in the city but my favourite one would be Highlife Records.
