Making Music Sustainable
Based in New Delhi, India, Amarrass Records is a multi-faceted independent record label, artist management company, and event production enterprise. Since 2009, we've been dedicated to a mission of making music sustainable by preserving and reviving traditional folk music and nurturing the creative spirit of both artists and folk instrument makers. Guided by the principles of fair trade, we connect diverse musical cultures with a global audience through high-quality album releases, international tours, and curated events. We are also at the forefront of vinyl revival in India, operating a facility that produces hand-cut records to present our diverse catalog in high fidelity.
Accolades
In service to its mission, Amarrass has produced 15 albums, many of them critically acclaimed, over 300 music videos published in the public domain; and toured musicians such as LAKHA KHAN and BARMER BOYS across North America, Europe, and India.
At the same time Amarrass has presented Indian audiences to music from around the world by presenting artists such as Vieux farka Toure (Mali), Madou Diabate(mali), Baba Zula (Turkey), DJ Tudo (Brazil), Jxxxx Jobarteh(Ghana), grammy nominee Bombino (Niger), painted Caves(Palestine/USA) . Guy Buttery (South Africa) tour at our shows- Amarrass Desert Music festival, Amarrass Nights.
Amarrass’ work has been recognized in the UNESCO Creative Economies Report and featured in NPR, The New York Times, BBC, Songlines, Rolling Stone India, The WIRE-Adventures in Modern Sound, The Independent, fROOTS, Downbeat, amongst others.
A number of our albums have received 5star ratings by Songlines, UK.Most recently,
Aga Khan Museum, Toronto made a 3 part docuseries on our work called Searching for the blues.
Artists
Since our inception in 2010, Amarrass has had the privilege of working with a host of stellar artists, including the late Padma Shri Sakar Khan, sindhi sarangi maestro Lakha Khan, the "Global ambassadors of Rajasthani folk" Barmer Boys, and the 71st generation kora virtuoso from Mali, Madou Sidiki Diabatè.
Our roster also includes explorations in psychedelic modern music with Painted Caves, and the shamanic sounds of The Blue Infinity. From the introduction of underground electronic and dub artist such and Audio Pervert, Da Saz to Ravana in collaboration with folk-satirical poet and musician Jumme Khan, as well as the addition of Rehmat-e-Nusrat, a Sufiana qawwali group from Uttarakhand, and internationally acclaimed brothers Ghewar & Firoze on the kamaicha and dholak, we continue working with amazing artists from India and around the world, irrespective of the genre.
Rehmat-e-Nusrat
Sufiana Qawwals
from Uttarakhand, India
Rehmat-e-Nusrat are a group of self trained young hindu musicians from Uttarakhand who bring a fresh new perspective to the timeless tradition of qawwali music. The group, formed in 2014 by lead vocalist and harmonium virtuoso Sarvjeet Tamta, presents qawwalis by Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Sufiyana kalaams by great poets, and original compositions. Signed to Amarrass Records in 2019, they have introduced Sufi and qawwali music to new audiences across North India.
Reflections from Naseeruddin Shah
and Ratna Pathak Shah
after experiencing Rehmat-e-Nusrat live
“Qawwali was the first form of music that entered my veins and no other music has ever influenced me as much.
Rehmat’s singing was not just an imitation of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan. It had a life of its own. The way he prepared the music, the way he brought it alive, it was wonderful.”
Naseeruddin Shah - Actor, Director, and Theatre Legend
“I was very moved.
I really liked how everyone was singing with such enthusiasm and belief. The Ghalib piece was a complete surprise, so unusual and interesting, and done with such spirit. I really enjoyed the concert and would love to see Rehmat-e-Nusrat perform again.”
Ratna Pathak Shah - Actor , Director & Theatre Artist
Barmer Boys
India's Global Sufi Folk Ambassadors
Barmer Boys are the next generation of performers carrying forward the centuries-old musical traditions of the Manganiyars. The global ambassadors of Rajasthani folk and Sufi music, the trio’s high-energy performances bring together soulful Sufi kalaams, bhajans, celebratory wedding songs, and beatboxing-powered jams. Formed and conceived by Amarrass and debuted at the Amarrass Desert Music Festival in 2011, the band has been on Coke Studio, played with artists such as Vieux farka Toure, Bombino, maati Bani, and performed at prestigious festivals in over 20 countries, including WOMAD (UK), Roskilde Festival, Clockenflap, and the Winnipeg Folk Festival. Their critically acclaimed albums, At Home and Kesariya Balm, have garnered international praise.
Press Highlights From Across the World
A coverage of their journey and sound.
"4 Stars! Incandescent Sufi voices that incite ecstasy."
"Latitudes: Global Music You Must Hear."
"A whiff of fresh air in today’s folk scene."
Himali Mou
Mountain Folk from Kumaon
Himali Mou is aKumaoni folk band presenting folk music from the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, India. Rarely heard outside of its birthplace, their music is a vibrant window into the rich cultural heritage of the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. The name "Himali Mou" literally translates to "Himalayan honey," a perfect description for their sweet, happy, high-energy sound.
The band is, in essence, the folk-music alter-ego of the acclaimed self trained Qawwals, Rehmat-e-Nusrat, with members regrouping to focus on the unique repertoire of Kumaoni folk with one addition, Sarvjeet’s brother, Chandrashekhar Tamta who is a kumaoni folk singer.
Lead vocalist and flautist Sarvjeet Tamta, who also leads Rehmat-e-Nusrat, guides the group in exploring these precious regional melodies.
Melodies of Bansuri, Dholak & Hudka
Folk Music from Kumaon, India.
Himali Mou's music is characterized by the sonorous melodies of the bansuri (bamboo flute) and the rhythmic pulses of the dholak and the Hudka (a local talking hand drums), infused with energetic chorus and claps. Their performances showcase a diverse array of musical styles integral to Kumaoni culture, including:
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Jhora, Chanchari, and Chapeli: These are traditional song and dance forms performed at important ceremonies, festivals, and gatherings.
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Nyoli and Chaiti: Other distinct folk styles from the region.
Their compelling blend of traditional instrumentation and powerful vocals beautifully conveys the essence and complexity of the pahadi (mountain) musical tradition.
Ghewar & Firoze Brothers
from Hamira, Rajasthan
Ghewar and Firoze are folk royalty. Sons of the late Padma Shri Sakar Khan, they are masters of the kamaicha and the dholak, respectively. These accomplished, internationally touring musicians have performed on some of the world’s most important stages, including Jodhpur’s RIFF and the Fez Festival in Morocco, and have played with Pt. Vishwamohan Bhatt, Ustad Zakir Hussain, among others.
They are featured on the critically acclaimed album At Home: Sakar Khan, which received a 5-star rating and “Top of the World” recognition from Songlines magazine.
Ghewar is renowned for his technical skill and emotional rendering of the vast repertoire of traditional folk music, while Firoze is a celebrated dholak player with a prolific performance career spanning three decades.
“The great legacy of the legendary Sakar Khan ji is a heavy burden to carry, but the ease with which the notes flow from Ghewarji’s kamaicha makes one thank the Gods of music.”
- Sarthak Kaushik, Ishq 104.6 FM
Madou Sidiki Diabatè
71st generation kora player from Mali
Madou Sidiki Diabatè is a 71st generation kora player from Mali, carrying forward one of West Africa’s most revered musical traditions. In his hands, the kora, a 21-string harp, becomes an orchestra of harmonies, rhythms, and melodies. Madou preserves the deep-rooted essence of the traditional sound while seamlessly blending his own jazz influences.
He has performed on stages around the world and collaborated with acclaimed artists including Damon Albarn, Amadou and Mariam, Salif Keita, Vieux Farka Touré, Barmer Boys, and Lakha Khan.
“Madou Sidiki Diabatè... sounds not of this world at all. His rippling, harp-like arpeggios and dizzyingly complex interlocking melodies seem to descend on warm wings from a yearning heaven of billowing, fragrant heat.” — Daniel Spicer, The Wire
The Blue Infinity
Meditation Music for Trance-like Jam Sessions
The Blue Infinity is an innovative Indo-Russian project born in Goa, India, creating new harmonies from a fusion of ancient rhythms and contemporary soundscapes. The band, which has included members from Russia, France, India, USA, and beyond, incorporates a multi-layering of sound through themes of Siberian folk-roots, African dream melodies, and Oriental poly-rhythms. This ethno-shamanic sound is the result of a unique re-engineering of traditional instruments and melodies into experimental, open structural forms.
The band describes their performances as "a meditational journey with transcendent outcomes."
DJ Ravana (Shravan Chellapa)
The Architect of Indian Underground Futurism
DJ Ravana (Shravan Chellapa) is a pioneer of Delhi’s underground electronic scene and a visionary on the Amarrass roster. Believing that folk traditions, with their social and political grit, fuel cutting-edge electronic music, he transforms raw thought and ancient narratives into visceral, bass-heavy experiences across Dub, Drum ‘n’ Bass and Noise.
His landmark album Dubfounded reimagines Rajasthani folk poet Jumme Khan’s spoken word into militant dub and electronic soundscapes, proving how ancient wisdom can pulse through the modern dance floor.
Ravana’s signature sound blends massive basslines, intricate drum programming, field recordings, turntablism, classical samples and political spoken word into dark, mesmerizing textures. On stage, he collaborates seamlessly with artists like the Barmer Boys and experiments with projects such as fusing Ghalib’s poetry with Dub, creating truly boundary-defying performances.
Location & Genres
Rehmat-e-Nusrat
Uttarakhand, India
Sufiana Qawwali
Ravana
New Delhi, India
DJ, Producer
Madou Sidiki Diabatè
Bamako, Mali
Kora, Traditional, Folk, Jazz
Lakha & Madou
India / Mali
Kora, Traditional, Folk, Jazz
Ghewar & Firoze
Rajasthan, India
Traditional Folk (kamaicha, dholak, vocals)
Barmer Boys
Rajasthan, India
Gypsy, Folk, Sufi, Beatbox
The Blue Infinity
India / Russia
Meditation, Psychedelic
Sakar Khan
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Kamancha / Kamaicha
Jumme Khan
Rajasthan, India
Poet, Folk Singer
Lakha Khan
Rajasthan, India
Traditional, Folk, Sufi, Sarangi
DJ Spincycle
India / US
Analog Global Grooves
Events
Amarrass Nights Amarrass Nights is our signature concert series, organized by Amarrass Records and the Amarrass Society for Performing Arts, with a mission to support and promote traditional and folk music from India and beyond. We strive to create sustainable ecosystems that nurture these unique art forms. Our events are celebrated for their diverse lineups, showcasing both established artists and up-and-coming talent, and featuring a mix of musical styles, from Rajasthani folk to jazz fusion and hip-hop.
Diverse Lineups
A mix of traditional folk musicians, contemporary artists, and international collaborations.
Iconic Venues
Our events are often held at culturally significant locations, such as the Sunder Nursery, Lodi gardens in Delhi.
Celebrating Indian Heritage
We are dedicated to promoting traditional music forms and introducing them to new audiences.
Community Focused
In our commitment to making music accessible, entry is often free for children below 12 years when accompanied by an adult.
Past Highlights
Our concert series has featured renowned artists like Padma Shri awardees Lakha Khan and the late Sakar Khan, Barmer Boys, and Rehmat-e-Nusrat, Mandolin Sisters, painted caves, Mukhori, among others. We have also hosted international collaborations, including the Indo-French project Group EPO and the jazz band ghugu’mugu from Nepal. Notable events have included a special program on humorous folk poetry and a collaborative event with the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
MAKING MUSIC SUSTAINABLE
Amarrass Society for Performing Arts.
Our Mission - Creating Sustainable Livelihoods
The Amarrass Society for Performing Arts (ASPA) was established in 2010 as a not-for-profit organization. We are dedicated to creating sustainable livelihoods for folk musicians and craftspeople.
We address the urgent need to preserve traditional methods of instrument making. These skills are fast disappearing due to modernization, lack of opportunities, and disaffected youth.
Our core belief is that we must work with the last remaining keepers of these centuries-old traditions. These keepers include craftsmen, singers, poets, and musicians. Our goal is to preserve and disseminate their knowledge and skills, and ultimately, to train the next generation.
Our Actions ASPA travels into remote regions of India to:
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Research, archive, and record folk and regional music and poetry.
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Develop relationships with traditional instrument makers.
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Promote and create market and trade opportunities for musicians and indigenous craftspersons.
Outcomes
Reviving the Art of
Folk Instrument Making
We work closely with master craftsmen Shankara Ram Suthar and Mohan Lal Lohar, having crafted and sold over 100 traditional instruments including Sindhi sarangi, kamaicha, morchangs, khartaals, and algozas.
Education
We run workshops and educational programs, including Music in Schools, bringing folk music to children in India and globally, with collaborations featuring Lakha Khan and the Barmer Boys.
Archival & Research
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Recordings
We have recorded and released music performed by children, such as Banko Ghodo (2011), a landmark album in youth folk music preservation.
We also believe in supporting our artists directly in times of crisis. During the pandemic, the Amarrass COVID-19 Fund was established to provide direct relief, with 100% of all funds raised going to our artists and their families to ensure their immediate well-being.
