Shri Baratan (artist name Nonviolenze) hails from India originally, and has now made Houston, Texas his home. A multidisciplinary artist, Shri enjoys painting and writing poetry as much as he does making music. Moreover, each art practice informs the other, and when you enter into the world of Nonviolenze, you are immediately impressed by the stunning views of his rich artistic landscape.

Introduce yourself (yourselves) and your hidden talent!

I happen to be a multi-talented singer/songwriter performing under the brand “Nonviolenze”. My musical repertoire includes Blues, Rock, Jazz, Fusion and pop. I am also an artist constantly pushing the limits with acrylics and oils as mediums for my paintings. My journey as a musician and artist began in my early teens when I seized the opportunity to nurture & explore multiple dimensions of the creative force emanating from within me. The idea of a powerful painting accompanying each song has now become Nonviolenze’s hallmark giving my audiences an audio-visual listening experience.
 
I am a citizen of the United States but was born in India where my early performances as lead vocalist with the popular band “Down Sterling” won substantial loyalty from my audiences. From there I pivoted to the rock opera stage with the original super hit “Time is Yours”. My musical voyage continued with concerts for world peace – “A Musical Rally for Peace in Space”, “Summit Agenda”, and “No Sugar Tonight”.
 
My three-octave vocal range and innate ability to meld rock, jazz and fusion is my trademark. My lyrics express a deep philosophical view of the world and of my own life experiences. I am well known for my complex yet melodious chord structures on the guitar that is singular to my style of playing.

What’s your writing process like? Do you write the music or lyrics first?|

Being a Poet and a painter, many a times I write the poetry first based on what radiates from my heart. The tune follows suite. Sometime a melody will sprout from within and as I surf the volumes of poetry I have coded, a spontaneous match of the melody and lyrics occur.

Do you prefer performing live or recording, and why?

Having written so much music, I feel obligated to record them and publish them to my fans. So, a majority of my time is spent in the recording studio these days. As a storyteller, I do love performing to capitalize on the precious opportunity to interact with my audience by telling them live stories through my music and lyrics.

Who are your main musical influences and why?

Legendary artists such as Joni Mitchell, John McLaughlin, Jethro Tull, Yes, Al Jarreau, Queen, Genesis, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan and the enduring music of Pink Floyd along with the exposure to eastern classical music are my inspiring influences.

Tell MoggBlog viewers about your latest release! What’s the inspiration behind that?

”Seasons” is a tribute to the Paternal Sun, Mother Earth and their four offspring’s – Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. As the Earth circumambulates the Sun, the intensity of the sun’s gaze on the tilted planet gives birth to the four sibling seasons. But even the Seasons, whose celestial beauty steals thearts and minds of many, are bound by the wheel of birth and death for they reincarnate year after year till the end of time. Nonviolenze’s 2 nd album “Seasons”, consecrates each season with two songs – one for its arrival and the other for its reprise. Check out the album, you’re sure to love it.