Lucy Nolan: Creating a classical new combination of Carnatic vocals and harp

This month sees the launch of live jazz improvisation project Sonic Threads, which sees internationally acclaimed Carnatic vocalist, Supriya Nagarajan, teaming up with award winning harpist Lucy Nolan.

The new show innovatively merging vocals, harp, and electronic sounds, draws influences from jazz, Carnatic and western classical music.

Eastern Eye caught up with Nolan, who has performed at prestigious venues, including with leading orchestras, to discuss Sonic Threads and the challenges of combining contrasting musical styles.

What first connected you to the harp?

I first saw the harp on Teletubbies about 25 years ago when I was around four/five years old and loved it. After that, I was intrigued by the instrument and begged my parents to book me lessons. A few years later I had my first taster lesson and started playing a folk harp, and later moving on to the pedal harp. This led to me graduating from Oxford University in 2013 with a BA in Music, and studying for a Masters in Performance.

How did the collaboration between you and Supriya happen?

Supriya and I have worked together on various projects for about 10 years now. We first performed together as a duo at Tusk Music Festival and after this, we realised that there was huge potential to combine our two different worlds sonically, whilst responding to each other’s sound. For Sonic Threads, we both took big inspiration from Alice Coltrane’s

work and share a passion for making interesting music that doesn’t sit within one genre or style.

Tell us about the concert?

Sonic Threads is a heavily improvised show which merges vocals, electronics, and sounds. We use Indian influence to decide the notes we use, and make sure neither of us have set roles, it’s a very fluid experience. What really sets this show part is that typically, the harp is used as an accompanying instrument, with a singer leading the sound. However, in Sonic Threads both my harp and Supriya’s vocals are sonically equal. It’s a really exciting prospect!

What was the biggest challenge of combining Indian Carnatic singing with experimental harp?

The approach to music is very different for a harpist and a vocalist. For example, my experience from Oxford University is very vertical, whereas Supriya’s background in Carnatic vocals is more linear. I’m more fixed in my notes on the harp, whereas Supriya has more freedom with her vocal range and inflections. The ordering and organisation of Carnatic music is very different to my traditionally western musical background. Incorporating both styles side by side has been interesting and insightful.

What do you most like about Surpriya as an artist?

Working with Supriya is always a pleasure  she takes interest in you as a person and an artist. She’s interested in your world, personality, and interests. She’s always comfortable with expressing herself and ideas, encouraging her collaborators to do the same, which

makes the end result even better. Supriya is also passionate about empowering young and emerging artists to realise their potential through her work with (arts organisation)

Manasamitra which is really inspiring.

Did you learn something new musically with this unique combination?

Absolutely. I learned how to use harmony in a new way and further explore the blending of genres. These elements, combined with how to implement them within a completely improvised show meant that I gained a lot from working with Supriya on Sonic Threads. I’m excited to see how audiences respond.

Who are you both hoping this music connects with?

I’m always surprised with who our performances resonate with and really looking forward to seeing how Sonic Threads is received. The mix of genres brings in a diverse audience, opening up interest in the harp with audiences who may have not experienced it before, and vice versa with Supriya’s Carnatic style. Working on this project, we’re hoping to create a new direction for both the future of the harp and Carnatic vocals.

What inspires you musically?

Music inspires me to connect with people, and it is how I communicate my world. I get inspired by the reaction from audiences and how they take to me and my music. All the people who I perform with and for, are the key to my inspiration.

Why should we all come to the Sonic Threads concert?

We’re really excited about what we’re producing and can’t wait to present it to a live audience. I am always intrigued to see how a show can reach a wide range of people and cultures. We’re hoping to deliver an exciting new direction within music that hasn’t been done before through fusing these two genres and styles.

Sonic Threads is at Kettle’s Yard, University of Cambridge, Castle Street, Cambridge CB3 0AQ on Thursday, April 27.

www.kettlesyard.co.uk