Devika’s music career started in the early years of her life. She performed frequently through high school (Modern School, Barakhamba Road, New Delhi), using both classical and popular styles to capture her audience. During her undergraduate study years at Georgetown University, Washington DC, she experimented with a fusion of Indian classical music & electronic music. She also teamed up with Holmes Ives and performed vocals for the album titled ‘Satyriasis,’ whose tracks have been remixed numerous times.
Devika is well versed in Hindustani classical music – having learned under the supervision of several great teachers including Mr Chandra Rao (student of famous violinist Dr. N. Rajam) and Ustad Shafqat Ali Khan & Ustad Sukhawat Ali Khan (sons of renowned Ustad Salamat Ali Khan).
Devika's debut self titled album featuring the hit track Kehnde Ne Naina was a unique collaboration between artists from three countries – India, Pakistan and the US. Music for this album was composed by Shahi (Shehzad Hasan), a music director and producer whose work includes songs such as Rahat Fateh Ali Khan’s Mann Ki Lagan and Laal (from the movie Paap). He was also one of the members of Pakistan’s first ever pop band - Vital Signs. Additional compositions are by Anshuman Chandra (an upcoming composer who composed music for the film French Fries and Curry) and Noor Lodhi & Manesh Judge (music producers of international award winning music for the movie Maya).
Devika's Kehnde Ne Naina was licensed by Sony BMG for the sufi compilation Teri Deewani featuring other artists such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Kailash Kher, Rabbi Shergill and others. Teri Deewani was the top selling pop album in 2008.
Devika collaborated with Punjabi Rapper Bohemia on tracks Ek Tera Pyar and Dil for his album Da Rap Star, released by Universal Music India in April 2009.
Devika's new album Saari Raat, scheduled for release on November 17, 2009, is best described as a contemporary sufi album. It features the beautiful and soulful track Barkha Bahaar. The album has been produced by Shahi Hasan, and the music has been composed by Shahi, Noor Lodhi and Manesh Judge. The video for Barkha Bahaar was made in San Francisco, California. Sam Burbank filmed, directed and edited the video, assisted on production and direction by Nabeela Khan. Sam Burbank has made over two dozen films for National Geographic and Discovery channels.
I have a new tune on my other myspace called 'Jazzy Blue' ~
This is the first time I've gotten to record within my brand spanking new ~ totally optimized Ashram / Asylum ~ & I must say with this updated digital recording facility & some new axes to grind ~ it is truly a luxury at it's finest ~ at least it is for me me me !!!!! So here it is ~ just a rhythm track I'd made over the last couple of days ~ in order to acclimate myself with all the new toys I now have at my disposal . . . I'll be writing lots of new lyrics as well as new music ~ for both of my upcoming projects ~ the follow-up to my debut CD now available on Moiko Records ~ it's a new concept album I've been (Ben) working on for over a year & a half ~ as well as the awesome new version of The Altruistic Messiah's latest touring band ~ a line up consisting of life long friends & a few of the most amazingly talented new individuals I have just recently had the honor to become associated with ! I am always wishing each & every one of you the very best ~ & this continues to be the primary focus of any & all communication between us as individuals ~ it is my belief that this concern is fundamental in the advancement of humanity ~ & that this is the reason we are alive ~ that this is what we are living for ~ as human nature must transcend into something greater than it ever has been (Ben) ~ as every single one of us collectively evolve into everything we are destined to realize ~ & we must leave no man or woman behind ~ STOP WAR ~ I know I go way off the beat & path often ~ but I love everyone !!!!!! Peace, Ben P.S. PLease don't forget to attend my CD Release Party at the Rainbow Bar & Grill on the Sunset Strip ~ It starts at 3:00 P.M. November 1st & of course YOU ARE INVITED !
its my humble honor to have you among friends..peace and blessings..keep the beat alive ! nice to meet another SF local..i am open to future collaborations..
How is your music coming along? It would be great to collaborate some time, I like your sound. I wanted to let you know about my songs being for sale at Amazon, iTunes, and other stores.
Ciao Devika - Una canzone è davvero bella quando le sue note giungono dritte al cuore! - A song is really beautiful when his notes come straight to the heart! - Una canción es realmente hermosa cuando sus notas vienen directamente al corazón!
Thanks for the add! I'm currently playing "Kehnde Ne Naina (My Eyes Speak)" in my daily playlist on Live365. I love the sound! Very different! Much success in your music career! Come back and visit soon!