THE MAHAMAYA EXPERIENCE: Of Pure Bliss and Musical Trancendence
A glimpse of culture and the musical works of Mahamaya.
The Mahamaya Experience, Mahamaya for short, accords a set of experimental musical works created by sitar player and composer Ranjit “Mahamaya” Makkuni. Ranjit is also a leading multimedia designer and researcher who is now bringing the expertise from a diversity of visual composition to Mahamaya’s musical works.
The band’s creations highlight a full rhythmical gymnastic experience fusing classical style to infectious raga, kirtana and balinese mullet beats and percussions spanning from opera, funk, pop rock to classical Asian music genres. The music is so diverse that it also touches upon Asian models of ‘psychedelic’ movements popularized in the 1960s by various visual and musical artists.
“The term Mahamaya usually refers to the concept of illusionary, impermanent nature of worldly attachments, and this idea forms a core symbolism of the Goddess traditions in India and other Buddhist representations in Asia,” band founder Ranjit Makkuni says in an interview.
With a distinct showcase of genuine musical ability that do not even demand grandiose lyrics to be perceived and be felt, every composition will take you back to a deeper understanding of the role of spirituality in a world wrecked by the increasing rational determinism of individuals. The band will take you coursing through a transcendental river amidst the chaos of complex human activities and inequities. Moreover, it will get you celebrating multiple facets of culture in the most pleasurable way possible.
Relevant, innovative and timely. The Mahamaya Experience’s music depicts what the world needs at this certain point in time: the oscillating, alternative pause as you continuously drift towards a possibility of myriad decisions in your life — without you losing sight of reality and with you entering euphoric panoramas at the same time.
Here’s a breakdown of the whole musical experience that is Panorama, the album.
SAXY SITAR
Saxy Sitar is a serene but striking opener to Panorama. The combination of sitar, bass and saxophone set in a quick rhythm tempo promises a strong start to an ethereal listening experience.
TRIHATAKARANA
Continuing the pleasing vibe of the whole record, enters Trihatakarana. The song traverses the philosophy of a man in harmony with the environment and nature. This fast-paced song of the classical and raga scale genre explores elaborate instrumental improvisations inspired by the desire to achieve harmony as expounded in Balinese agricultural society.
I am bliss
If the feeling of pure “bliss” is to be transcribed into music, this is surely it. The song is based on the concept of Sat Chit Ananda, a teaching expounded in ancient Sanskrit scriptures, which tells humanity that the nature of the world is bliss and I am bliss stayed true to the said concept: giving off pure euphoria as you listen to the powerful progressions of the track. While it is one of the most pop and mainstream-appealing tracks in the album, the song also offers a deeper connection to the listeners implying a choice to change negative perceptions of life into pure elation.
Come back my Love
Come back my Love is a soft and longing track made from a combination of a Sitar and four guitars. It is based on night Raga scale Chandrakauns which is usually played at midnight. Ideally from the word “ chandra” which means “moon”, this track off Panorama trancends a soothing vibe made with raga scale and tempo variations making the song even more distinctive on its own.
I’ll stay invested in Love
This powerful vocal track can be deemed as the main course of the whole offering. It amplifies the strength of the band musicality-wise. It successfully narrates. a good character development of a stock broker who has experienced emotional turmoil wherein despite all the greediness and the struggle of the 2008 financial crash, they can still invest on the most valuable capital which is love.
Why do we need Dark Energy/ Coal cats
A straightforward, catchy track depicting climate change, a topic that is maybe unusual for musical projects but is equally relevant in modern times. With vocal runs that are as mesmerizing as the global star Zayn Malik, Why Do We Need Dark Energy/Coal Cats is a sure treat to promote awareness without sounding too preachy and is rather delightful for listeners to consume.
Butterfly Sitar Jam- 1 Intro sitar Solo
This track takes you to a transcendental world in which choosing peace over prejudice is vital.
Butterfly Sitar Jam — 2 Psychedelic Jam
Trance-like and magical, the Psychedelic Jam is a more upbeat take on the world that is being explored on the Sitar Solo version. The riffs hits you with such force that makes the whole experience even more engaging.
Bells of Bhairavi, Uma’s Bells
A fail-safe classical sitar and tabla track that will give every listener goosebumps. Bells of Bhairavi (Uma’s Bells) with all its musical nuances portrays the early morning sights and sounds by the river with Shiva pining for his beloved, Uma, evoking authentic feelings of purity and compassion.
Bliss is Inside
Bliss is Inside is a fitting denouement to Panorama as it perfectly delivers the message that true happiness lies within one’s deep self. By focusing on and tapping into one’s inner reality, the song has paved the way to creating psychological and spiritual security to every individual who is experiencing the same. It is a good reminder that despite all the unrest and uncertainties, bliss can be achievable and it is there inside of you, if only you would search deeper.
