Upasak Mukherjee, also known as Upa, is a young and dynamic composer, arranger, tabla player, and film music composer from Kolkata, India. He has been making waves in the music industry with his unique and captivating compositions, and his latest release, “Berklee Two Track- Resolution,” is a testament to his musical prowess.
The video is a part of the Two Track series, where Berklee features selected students to record and release a video on their YouTube channel. Each video typically features two tracks, one of them being an original and the other one being a cover. There are only 3-4 takes available for getting each performance right, and no overdubs, etc. are allowed.
The first track, “Upa Chalupa,” is an original rhythmic composition blending different rhythmic styles from around the world. The work put in by Juan Pablo Faúndez Araneda and Desiree Orien Tay for this track was phenomenal since it involves a lot of Indian rhythmic concepts like the use of Tihais, Tukdas, Sawaal Jawaab, etc., which are foreign concepts to them. Shivaraj Natraj is familiar with the style, and that is obvious in his effortless execution! The blend of different genres from around the world is very effortless in this track. From baião to chakkardaars to the J Dilla style beats with beatboxing on top, this track is a heaven for lovers of rhythm!
The second track is a traditional “Rela” in Panchamsawaari, which is a rhythm cycle of fifteen beats. This composition is played in the style of Lucknow Gharana, as taught by his Guruji, Grammy-nominated Pt. Subhen Chatterjee. Also, the use of a harp in this context is really unique as the part played by Klara Poznachowska here is usually performed by a Sarangi or Harmonium player in a traditional setting.
Upasak has put together a solid team, including the best of the bests in Berklee, to produce this remarkable work. The musicians who joined him on this project are Klara Poznachowska on harp, Desiree Orien Tay on congas and percussion, Shivaraj Natraj on percussions, beatboxing and Konnakol, and Juan Pablo Faúndez Araneda on drums. They all worked together flawlessly, and the result is what you hear in these tracks.
Upasak is a young musician, but his background and experience are impressive. He started learning the art of Tabla playing from his Guruji, Pt. Subhen Chatterjee, from a very young age. Rhythm was his first love, and it still is the core of his life’s energy. After completing his degree in India’s top dental college, he pursued his true calling in music. He auditioned for Berklee and got in on his first attempt. He has built up a strong connection with an amazing community that pushes him forward musically, teaches and also learns from him.
“Upasak Mukherjee: Berklee Two Track- Resolution” was released on January 25, 2023, and it has already received a lot of positive reviews. Upasak’s unique blend of different genres and styles from around the world is truly remarkable, and he is definitely a musician to watch out for. If you haven’t listened to his latest work yet, you should check it out on his YouTube channel, Spotify page, or website. Upasak Mukherjee is definitely a rising star in the world of music!
