Collaborations with:
Falitaa Chhabra (vocalist),
Vivek Pathak (spoken word),
Cassius Khan (Tabla & Hindustani Classical Vocal Genius),
Meera Varghese (Western Classical Vocalist, Flautist, and Bharatnatyam Dancer),
Amika Kushwaha (Kathak Dance, Vocal and Tabla),
Sean Holowaty (Ukranian Dulcimer),
Kita No Taiko (Japanese Drum Troupe),
Seema Ganatra (Sitar),
Nadia Syed (Vocalist, Song-writer),
Vikas Kholi (Guitarist, Producer),
Urmi Bardhan (Lapsteel & Guitar),
Rob Hayman (Guitarist),
Sunny Ray (Soul & Hindi Vocalist, Writer),
Sandra Chibuluzo (Soul/Jazz Vocalist),
Deep Thoughts (Rapper),
Avatari (Soul/Hindi Vocalist),
Branko Boras (Guitarist),
Qasim Virjee (Producer, DJ, Writer),
Dice’n Dholi (Dhol),
Prosad (Sitar),
Sanjay Verma (Tabla)
Jay Banerjee (Sarod, Cello)
Influences
AR Rahman, PM Dawn, Cassius Khan, Sting, Ustad Zakir Hussain, John Williams, Hans Zimmer, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma, Peter Gabriel, Jonathan Elias, Wynton Marsailas, Stevie Wonder, RD Burman, Public Enemy, Ustad Sultan Khan, Ben Harper, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Dave Mathews Band, Shakti, Miles Davis, Talvin Singh, Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Nitin Sawhney
In August 2007, after 5 years in the making, Anuj Rastogi's debut album release of "Omnesia" proved that some things truly are worth waiting for. Having composed, written and produced music for several years, Anuj's debut album shines with a collection of tracks unlike anything ever before. The album's first singles 'The River' and 'Jaane Do' are now available on Myspace. The album is also available at www.amazon.ca, and www.puretracks.com
"Omnesia" is not an album, but a soundtrack for the world around us, where human stories big and small share a canvas in a harmony that only Anuj Rastogi could paint.
Reviews
“What I truly appreciated is that he is not one to shy away from experimentation or from unusual juxtapositions; this album is an interesting journey in exploring music…. Omnesia is… an interesting experience for anyone who wants to look beyond the typical sights and sounds of the world today.”
- MyBindi.com
“This album is very much a labour of love. Eclectic influences and moments of true beauty. I particularly like “The River” track - it's fantastic”
- Niraj Chag (acclaimed UK-based composer)
“...there are flashes of brilliance on the album that show Rastogi is definitely an artist to keep an eye out for in the future.”
- Anokhi Magazine
"A fine example of the kind of innovative music coming out of Canada, especially if you're into desi-diaspora music"
- BBC Asian Network
"The River" is his work of art, the album’s gem. With all the strings and sitars, and tabla and beautiful keyboards all over the album ... the non-reliance on samples, the focus on creating these musical lines himself, all this is showcased to perfection in "The River".
- IndianElectronica.com
"Ambient electronica 'takes chai' with rap, sitar, tabla, saxophone, spoken word and Hindi-pop. This self-titled sonic journey from... Anuj Rastogi ventures excitingly close to AR Rahman territory."
- Inside Entertainment Magazine
"Anuj is now poised to emerge on the world electronica stage as force to be reckoned with and this record is his vehicle to do just that....Needless to say, his next album should pick up where this one left off, with ambition and vision."
- Ethnotechno.com
"With a bold fusion of traditional and modern styles, Toronto-based composer and producer Anuj Rastogi makes a striking debut with his CD Omnesia...it’s this commitment to diversity in sounds, people and ideas that works to make Omnesia special and unique."
- Tribute.ca
About Anuj Rastogi (Producer + Composer + Musician):
Immersed in music for much of his life, Anuj Rastogi (aka. Omnesia) has explored many shades of sound in his time. A prolific composer, producer, writer and musician, Anuj continually challenges preconceptions of music, art and the world around him. His musical curiosity has taken him on a journey of several years through everything from jazz tuba and saxophone, to orchestral percussion, piano, Indian-classical tabla, and electronic production. Having waded in the waters of many musical styles, he has developed a sense of instrumentation, and arrangement all his own.
Thank you for the Mumbai victims tribute...I've featured it on my profile for the past several days. It's too bad that more Muslims chose to reach out to that shoe throwing idiot than to the victims of Mumbai. After witnessing those examples of the dire lack of introspection on the part of the global Islamic community-I was beginning to esteem organizations like the RSS alot more than I should. But I'm glad that the Indian people themselves are choosing to remain tolerant and even possibly create a stronger 'Middle Wing' party that addresses both improved security and an improvement in the quality of life for all it's citizens...rather than popularly endorse right-wing extremism in the aftermath of those ugly attacks...the average people in India (both the Muslims and the Hindus) themselves are proving the nobility and integrity of their ancient culture by the power of their recent example.
Hey – just a reminder to listen in FRIDAY afternoon at 4:30-6 pm CST to hear ANUJ RASTOGI on “This Great White North” an ALL CANADIAN music show from Austin, Texas It’s on 91. 7 KOOP-FM Listen here
Hi Anuj, Thanks for your friendship. Really nice to meet you and listen to your awesome work here. My best wishes of love, peace, wisdom and prosperity for you and yours and I hope you make me a 'space visit' soon.
HELLO ANUJ RASTOGI, THANKS FOR THE REQUEST !!!! I SPENT A VERY NICE TINME IN YOUR SPACE, GREAT SOUNDS, NICE MUSIC, THANKS FOR THIS VERY GOOD MUSICAL TRIP!!!! SEE YOU SOON. CHEERS. MOLECULE. (paris)
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