Two prominent Indian musicians, Ricky Kej and Anoushka Shankar, have earned Grammy nominations for the 67th Grammy Awards, celebrating their exceptional contributions to music on a global stage. Kej, a three-time Grammy winner, received his fourth Grammy nomination for his album Break of Dawn in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category. Anoushka Shankar, renowned sitarist and composer, was also nominated in the same category for her album Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn, a reflection of her distinctive fusion of traditional and contemporary sounds.
Rising Stars and Notable Nominees in the Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album Category
The Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album category, which includes albums with over 75 per cent original vocal or instrumental new age recordings, showcases some powerful Indian talent this year. Alongside Kej and Shankar, the category features Warriors of Light by Radhika Vekaria and Triveni, an album by entrepreneur and musician Chandrika Tandon, created in collaboration with Grammy-winning flautist Wouter Kellerman and cellist Eru Matsumoto. This diverse line-up reflects the growing global appreciation for Indian musicians and composers in the ambient and new-age music scenes.
Anoushka Shankar: Multiple Nominations for a Multi-Talented Musician
Anoushka Shankar’s nominations don’t end here. She also received an additional nomination for her collaboration on Jacob Collier’s track A Rock Somewhere, a piece that features the rich vocals of Indian artist Varijashree Venugopal, who earned her first Grammy nomination through this collaboration. The song is nominated in the Best Global Music Performance category, which celebrates “new vocal or instrumental global music recordings.”
For Venugopal, the recognition is especially meaningful. “It was a fantastic experience to sing and melt into the sonic space of this song,” Venugopal said. Reflecting on the nomination, she added, “Today has been a great day to find out that this song has received the immense recognition of a Grammy nomination. Acknowledgements like these empower independent artists, energizing them to creatively flow and fly beyond boundaries and borders.”
Ricky Kej: A Trailblazer in New Age Music
Ricky Kej has become a prominent figure in the new age music genre with his Grammy-winning works that blend Indian classical sounds with global ambient influences. Kej’s Grammy journey began in 2015 when he won his first Grammy for Winds of Samsara, an album that also won in the Best New Age category. In 2022, he won another Grammy alongside legendary drummer Stewart Copeland for Divine Tides. This collaboration won again in 2023, this time in the Best Immersive Audio Album category, underscoring Kej’s growing influence in the genre. His 2025 Grammy nomination for Break of Dawn marks his fourth nod from the Recording Academy, highlighting his role in bringing Indian music to the global stage.
Celebrating Indian Talent on the International Stage
The Grammy Awards’ recognition of Indian artists like Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and Varijashree Venugopal speaks to the growing appreciation of Indian music and musicians in the international arena. Through their groundbreaking work, these artists have expanded the boundaries of global music, creating compositions that honour traditional Indian sounds while embracing modern techniques and collaborative styles.
The inclusion of albums like Break of Dawn and Chapter II: How Dark It Is Before Dawn in categories like Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album reflects a deepening appreciation for the introspective and transformative qualities of Indian new age music. Additionally, A Rock Somewhere brings together diverse vocal styles, blending them into a performance that resonates with global music audiences.
The 2025 Grammy Awards: A Night to Watch
The 67th Grammy Awards are set to take place on February 2, 2025, at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, where music industry professionals and enthusiasts worldwide will gather to celebrate the year’s finest musical achievements. The night holds special significance for Indian music enthusiasts and artists as they eagerly await the results of these groundbreaking nominations.
For Indian musicians, these Grammy nods represent more than just awards—they signify a wider acceptance and celebration of Indian music’s role in the global soundscape. With stars like Ricky Kej, Anoushka Shankar, and emerging talent Varijashree Venugopal leading the way, the stage is set for a memorable Grammy night where Indian music shines bright.
