A musical initiative, branded as Folksoul, is aiming to stitch together disparate threads of marginalized women's artistry. The project, christened 'Sound of Women', stages a confluence of traditional folk melodies and contemporary electronic soundscapes. This initiative highlights tribal voices from Uttarakhand, blending them with elements of rap and electronic music. Performances have recently taken place in Bengaluru, featuring artistes like Hemanti Devi, Khasti Devi, and Pushpa Devi-Taiji, alongside contemporary musicians such as Shalini Mohan (bass), Charu Hariharan (percussion and vocals), and the project's curator, rapper Krantinaari (Ashwini Hiremath).
The performances showcase folk singers whose voices, described as possessing a "raw, earthy timbre," convey the "daily rigours of their lives." The presentation is structured to foster a dialogue between different musical styles and the artists themselves.
Project's Reach and Methodology
The 'Sound of Women' project has traversed northern India via a mobile studio bus, an effort spearheaded by Krantinaari. This mobile studio was instrumental in recording the vocals and instrumental performances of women artists in rural communities, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The core aim was to empower these women to become independent artistes, capturing their ancestral folk traditions and re-imagining them within modern genres. This collected material is intended for use in a sample pack for Folksoul, an initiative that invites global producers to create new music using these traditional folk sounds. Genres explored include hip hop, dubstep, and drum & bass.
Read More: Noah Kahan Fenway Concerts July 2026 Non-Transferable Tickets
Beyond audio recording, the project has sought to create performance platforms. Community showcases have been organized, utilizing unconventional spaces like abandoned historic sites and local venues, effectively transforming them into stages for cultural expression. The compilation features collaborations between producers and six distinct folk artist groups, including Ganga Devi, Hemanti Devi, Pushpa Devi, Bharatiya Sangetalay (a group of 13 vocalists), Pinki Didi & Band (5 members), and Neeta Gupta.
Read More: LACMA Geffen Galleries Open May 4 With New Art Space
Origins and Aims
The genesis of 'Sound of Women' appears to stem from observations by Charu Hariharan and Krantinaari, who noted women being denied access to musical instruments. This led to a fundamental question: "Why are women missing from the music scene?" The initiative has thus evolved into what is described as a "movement" aimed at preserving dying languages and endangered musical forms. It also aims to foster economic opportunities and equip women with the means to control their own narratives and build sustainable creative careers. The music for the project was recorded in collaboration with the Manzil Mystics Foundation, bringing professional equipment directly to the artists' homes and locales, with an emphasis on preserving the authenticity of their craft. The broader Folksoul compilation is slated for release, encompassing styles from Open Format and EBM to Jungle and House music, and is anticipated to include "insanely catchy" tracks and reinterpretations of South Asian musical heritage.
Read More: Travis Barker plane crash documentary coming to Hulu this summer
