Unite Through Symphony

By MICHAEL GALLANT

ince 2012, the U.S. Department of States’ OneBeat program has welcomed hundreds of young international musicians to the United States to learn, share and create great music together.

Initiated by the Department’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs the program is produced by Found Sound Nation, an arts nonprofit organization based in New York City. OneBeat was created to help young musicians learn about other cultures and build powerful connections across borders, and languages.

In late 2022, 25 musicians and former OneBeat participants from 15 countries participated in OneBeat X, the creative gathering’s 10th anniversary celebration.

SPAN connected with innovative Indian musicians Gowri Jayakumar, who participated in OneBeat X, and Sumukh Mysore, who was part of OneBeat 9 in April-May 2022, to learn about their experiences.

International inspiration

Jayakumar is a Goa-based curator, music producer and D.J. who works under the name Pulpy Shilpy. She describes her style of music as “raw, sensual, nervous energy.” Mysore, who performs under the name Smokey the Ghost, is a Bengaluru- based rapper who “makes protest music, through and through,” he says.