Photo courtesy of Charu Suri © www.charusuri.com
In a year that has redefined the global reach of contemporary music, pianist and composer Charu Suri has emerged as one of its most compelling figures. At the 68th GRAMMY® Awards, Suri earns her first GRAMMY nomination for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album for SHAYAN, while also being recognized as co-producer on Sounds of Kumbha, nominated in the Global Music Album category.
The dual recognition places Suri firmly among a new generation of artists whose work transcends geography, genre, and tradition — not by diluting cultural identity, but by deepening it.
Known internationally for integrating Indian ragas into a contemporary jazz and instrumental framework, Charu Suri has built a sound that feels both meditative and forward-thinking. Her compositions resist easy classification, moving fluidly between classical discipline, improvisational freedom, and cinematic storytelling. The result is music that is emotionally resonant, intellectually rich, and unmistakably her own.
“I strive to create music that heals,” Suri has shared, “but also music that evolves — something that remains calm and expansive, yet always pushes forward creatively.”
That philosophy has become the cornerstone of a career defined by quiet innovation rather than spectacle.
In July 2024, Charu Suri marked a landmark achievement with her fifth appearance at Carnegie Hall, becoming the first Indian jazz artist to do so. It was a moment that symbolized more than personal success — it signaled the arrival of a distinct Indian voice within the highest tiers of the global jazz and instrumental canon.
Her live performances over the past year have taken her across Europe and the United States, including acclaimed appearances in Italy, London, Washington D.C.’s Blues Alley, and the Boston Jazz Festival. In recognition of her artistic impact and touring vision, she was awarded a Jazz Roads Grant, supporting her efforts to bring her music to audiences nationwide.
Few artists today balance global touring, cultural authenticity, and compositional depth with such consistency.
As one of the few internationally recognized female jazz pianists and composers from India, Charu Suri has carved out a path that is both pioneering and deeply personal. Her work has resonated across some of the world’s most respected institutions and stages, including the GRAMMY® Museum, Lincoln Center, Birdland, NCPA Mumbai, and the Royal Opera House in Mumbai.
Her music has also drawn the attention of legendary collaborators and interpreters. Suri’s compositions and performances have been associated with luminaries such as Yo-Yo Ma, The New Jersey Symphony, Steve Gadd, John Patitucci, and Joe Lastie of Preservation Hall, underscoring the breadth of her influence across genres and generations.
Suri’s latest album, SHAYAN, has enjoyed exceptional critical and commercial success, topping U.S. and World music charts. Her earlier release, RAGS & RAGAS, became a landmark project in the “raga jazz” space, reaching No. 3 in the U.S., No. 1 in India on iTunes, and charting internationally.
Her accolades extend beyond chart rankings. Charu Suri has received honors from the International Singer Songwriters Association, Intercontinental Music Awards, and Global Music Awards, and she currently serves as a Governor of the Recording Academy’s New York Chapter — a role reflecting both her artistic excellence and her leadership within the global music community. She was recently elected Governor once again, reaffirming her standing within the Academy.
In addition to her nomination for SHAYAN, Suri’s GRAMMY presence includes her role as producer on Siddhant Bhatia’s Sounds of Kumbha and her work as a pianist on Flor Bromley’s children’s album Herstory, highlighting her versatility across genres and audiences.
Charu Suri’s nomination arrives during one of the most significant years ever for Indian representation at the GRAMMYs. With artists such as Anoushka Shankar, Shakti, and Siddhant Bhatia also receiving nominations, the 68th GRAMMY Awards reflect a broader cultural shift — one that acknowledges India’s growing influence in global classical, fusion, jazz, and contemporary instrumental music.
Within that historic moment, Suri stands out not just for her achievements, but for her artistic vision.
Her work does not seek validation through trends. Instead, it offers something more enduring — music rooted in tradition, shaped by discipline, and carried forward by imagination.
As the GRAMMYs celebrate excellence across the world, Charu Suri’s recognition feels less like a breakthrough and more like a long-overdue acknowledgment of an artist who has been quietly redefining the sound of global instrumental music all along.
As Charu Suri’s profile continues to rise on the global stage, her artistic identity remains firmly grounded in purpose rather than prestige. From Carnegie Hall to GRAMMY recognition, each milestone reflects years of discipline, cultural duality, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. In this interview, Suri moves beyond accolades to discuss the inner mechanics of her creative process — from early influences and immigrant realities to the healing intention behind SHAYAN — revealing the depth and clarity that define her work today.
Scroll down for the full Charu Suri interview:
Talk about your music?
CS: My musical style blends Indian ragas (modal scales) and jazz and I have quite a few albums devoted to this. These are the sounds I hear, blending Eastern and Western traditions that I grew up with.
Talk about your inspiration for your music?
CS: Everything for me happens organically, but I am often inspired by genuine emotions and find musical inspirations from Indian ragas and New Orleans chamber jazz to compose and orchestrate my music.
Where did you do most of your recording?
CS: I love using a studio in Paramus, New Jersey to play on its beautiful Steinway piano, one of the best I have heard. I also record often at Sound on Sound in Montclair, New Jersey.
What’s your biggest inspiration in your music?
CS: Travel and authentic human experiences; and the palette of Indian ragas and rhythms as well as the trio work of bands like Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, etc. The repertoire of New Orleans inspires me as well.
Who is your mentor?
CS: I was instructed in India by the late Mrs. Gita Menon, a fabulous instructor who taught me everything from virtuosity on the piano, to reading, writing, notation and transposition.
Talk about being an immigrant?
CS: It isn’t easy! In the early years, and even now, it’s all about working harder and proving yourself, all the time. I also feel so blessed to have rich life experiences that have allowed me to see a broader, deeper perspective of life, and this has profoundly affected my music.
What was life like in India before you came to America.
CS: Much, much easier! I had help. We had people who helped take care of things, of errands, so I could focus on my music and studies. In America, you have to do everything yourself, and that can dilute your energies and focus. It’s often counterproductive.
What are the main differences In both cultures?
CS: There’s a lot of communal gatherings in India and focus on family life and togetherness. In America, the lifestyle is far more individualistic. People are a lot more lonely in America, and the solitude crisis is a real thing. In India, a stranger—even though he or she is poor—will often give you the shirt off his or her back because that’s a philosophical choice. In America, many choices are made with a monetary/financial mindset, that doesn’t necessarily translate into personal happiness or philosophical enrichment. I see this as a huge cultural difference.
Talk about growing up?
CS: I was born in Madurai, South India, and then my family moved to Nigeria when I was five years old because my father received a job in Nigeria as CEO of a Record Label. It was in Nigeria that I got my official piano start, performing on a piano that was in our home, and listening to hundreds of vinyl records in various genres every night on a turntable. When my family repatriated to India because of Nigeria’s coup situation, my family recognized my talent on the piano and was determined to find the best piano teacher in the city. Mrs. Gita Menon really took me under her wing, made me learn hundreds of complex and core piano repertoire, and I was giving concert after concert, and winning all sorts of contests as a piano prodigy. I didn’t have a “normal” childhood in the sense that I would practice the piano 6-7 hours a day, rather than hang out with friends and watch movies or go to the mall. The piano was my escape and my world, from a very young age.
Talk about how your childhood molded the person you are today?
CS: The formative years in India deepened my philosophy and made me see real hardship, and the sacrifices my family had to make in order for me and my sister to have a beautiful and cultural life. My home was filled with music, paintings and lots of love, and my childhood was replete with wonderful western classical and Indian music concerts. I had a house with many books, and if I was not playing the piano, I was reading and writing. It allowed me to fully immerse myself into my art and my family was super supportive.
What are the most challenging things in your life?
CS: In America, you have to do it all! It’s really challenging to be the composer, orchestrator, producer, while managing an intense touring schedule, while raising a teenage daughter. I think parents who tour have it pretty hard here, because childcare is scarce or expensive, and the classes, and extracurricular activities, still need to happen. And then there’s the task of getting gigs booked, hustling and invoicing. All of these administrative tasks are annoying to me because they take away from the act of creation, but they still need to get done.
How has love changed your music?
CS; Love is always the king! Love has fueled a lot of my pieces from “Bluesy” to “Keep Dreaming” to” Lollipops for Breakfast.” My husband and my family have been so wonderful and supportive, and nearly all of my music is dedicated to the people who have helped me and loved me over the years.
Talk about Ragas?
CS: These are Indian modal scales, not all of them symmetrical in ascent and descent, but they give a different flavor to jazz. I use many of them as the basis and inspirations for my work. There are over 500 ragas! Think of them like you would C major or G major, but with various patterns and interesting names like Kalyani, Kirwani etc.
Describe your current project SHAYAN?
CS: I composed it for my mother to help her sleep better, and for anyone to heal and be calm. It is my first “non jazz” album, using all the energies of beautiful, healing evening ragas. The entire work was also composed to help me heal after a crazy intense worldwide touring schedule. I needed to breathe, musically speaking, and was tired of all the “virtuosic” stuff and wanted some calming, healing music to get over the tension I was also feeling from the global landscape and geopolitical events. Think of SHAYAN as a musical warm, fuzzy blanket telling you everything will be okay and for you to get a good night’s sleep.
What was your inspiration for SHAYAN?
CS: The increased stress in our world, and my mother’s sleeplessness, and the growing lack of empathy in our world, all fueled the creation of this album. It is a very emotional and “human” album, allowing people to just unwind and take care of themselves, their breathing, and their rest.
Talk about your competition in your category for your Grammy nomination?
CS: I have a ton of big names in my category! It’s humbling. I’ve been a lifelong fan of Bela Fleck so I cannot believe I’m nominated alongside him. Talk about a fan girl moment! I am just happy to belong and be there.
You have won so many awards how does that effect you?
CS: I honestly try not to think about them. Awards are wonderful but more importantly is the love for your craft and the commitment to music; I’m always moving onto the next project, the next concert, the next thing.
Talk about how your studies influenced your music?
CS: I have a Bachelor’s in Classics and Music from Princeton University and a Master’s from Manhattan School of Music. I love all of the learning, but it was not until I became a working musician (and giving concerts, and composing, hands on) that my real learning happened. Nothing can substitute life lessons in the field.
What was it like performing at Carnegie Hall?
CS: It was wonderful and I still cannot believe I get to do it almost every year! To this day, my favorite auditorium to play in!
How do you feel about other artists performing your music?
CS: I welcome it and feel very humbled and honored that people take an interest in my work. That makes me super happy.
Who was the first recording artist that you remember hearing?
CS: When I was a child, my dad took me to hear Mandolin U Srinivas and Zakir Hussain, and I was mesmerized.
What’s on your playlist right now?
CS: Teddy Wilson (incredible jazz pianist), Bill Evans Solo Piano Albums, Silk Road by Yo Yo Ma, Mahler’s Fifth Symphony, Stravinsky Complete Works, and David Brubeck. Also, some of the contemporary jazz greats including Emmet Cohen, and Pasquale Grasso, who I respect very much and admire.
Who is your all-time favorite recording artist and why?
CS: That’s a really hard question to answer. I admire a lot of them from Bill Evans, Keith Jarrett, to David Brubeck, and Oscar Peterson.
How has your music changed in the last 5 years?
CS: It has become more mature, less showy and deeper. I have learned to listen more and not show off my virtuosic chops all the time or be too flashy. I’m also deepening my understanding of more complex jazz chords and leaning into the ragas more.
What is the takeaway from your writing any of your music?
CS: Self- discovery. In the end, how you see the world, how you grow and your point of view is everything. You have to live with yourself, your inner voice, your music and your thoughts. So, make it a good journey!
Talk about some of the producers you have worked with?
CS: I am a proud member of the Producers & Engineers wing in the Recording Academy and so I actually produce all my albums. My co producers include Siddhant Bhatia (who is also a Grammy nominee this year), an amazing singer and producer from Delhi, India; Dekan Ekambaram who is from my hometown in India (Chennai), Tess Remy-Schumacher (my cellist) and Margee Minier Tubbs (Premik’s wife).
What would you tell a young person starting out in the music business?
CS: Do it for the pure love of music. To be the best musician you can be and forget about everything else. Love, determination and consistency are key because there are a lot of ebbs and flows in this business. Also, developing a real and authentic sound and voice can be a wonderful thing and people pay attention to this.
Talk about your fans?
CS: They are from all over the world, and a lot of them are either in love with jazz, Indian music or a global sonic palette. A lot of them are from the U.S., India, and Europe (Germany/France). I also have listeners in Latin America. They love the unusual music and rhythms and want to hear more raga-based creations.
What would you tell your fans about yourself that they might not know?
CS: I used to work on Wall Street, as an Investment Banker, for a few years before it took its toll on me! I realized that I had to pursue my musical calling no matter what, so I gave up my chance of making millions.
What would you say about your fashion style?
CS: I try to represent the beautiful fabrics and textiles of India wherever and whenever possible. Part of this reason is my dad used to be in the textile business, and I would watch him pick out fabrics and swatches and that process of appreciating weaves sort of stuck with me.
How do you dress on the red carpet?
CS: Gowns that are long, flowing, with heritage fabrics and lots of texture.
What’s a typical day like for you?
CS: I usually start by practicing the piano or recording some music for myself, or for a reel I share online. Then I meditate and brew my morning coffee or tea (depending on the mood: I like both), and then listen to some music, either on the radio or on a channel or from a playlist. I drop off my daughter off at school after preparing breakfast for her. Then I teach a lot of students because I run my own music academy and typically finish with a gig or concert in the evening. It’s pretty intense. In the middle of the day, I do a workout (typically a swim in my local gym) and make a meal or snacks for my daughter so she can have a nice lunch and dinner.
What's your tip on how to monetize your music?
CS: Make people see the value of it; be professional, polished and exude that everywhere. Amplify your shows on all platforms and then sell merch at shows. Push out releases to playlists etc.
What does your stage show look like?
CS: Typically, I perform with a trio (piano, bass and drums), and on occasion I will add another instrument like a vocalist or a flutist.
How do you prepare for a show?
CS: I go over repertoire daily and practice, but a lot of the actual show flow and set list comes with experience. I expect my band to know the music inside out and they do, given the amount of time we have spent together performing, and there’s the technical stuff like runs and repetitions that I go over almost daily.
Where do you see your music going in the next 5 years?
CS: I see more releases and pushing my voice in broader directions. I am committed to releasing more frequently and doing orchestrations and collaborations.
If you could change one person’s life through your music - what song would that be and why?
I think my album SHAYAN has had a very healing influence on a lot of people; and the song Nightingale has been played over and over by radio stations. It uses the raga Bagesri and is very gentle and beautiful, showing people the power of the raga, and how the energy can help us sleep better. So, I would turn people to that song, to latch on to the beauty of the evening and of that particular raga and help them unwind and get lost in the moment.
When did you know you wanted to be a musician as a career?
CS: When I was very young, about five years old, my father got a job as CEO of a Recording Label in Nigeria, and we had a house with a piano. My mother used to say, “Charu played the piano and never stopped” and I was the kid who would play and practice for 6-7 hours a day, unasked. So that’s when I knew I probably was going to be a musician because there is nothing else in the world I would rather be doing.
Which family member has been the most influential in your career?
CS: My late father, definitely. He was the one who loved music so much, bought me my first Bach and Beethoven books, had the job as the CEO of a Record Label, took me to all my concerts both in India and abroad and really nurtured my love of music. He also introduced me to the world of ragas. I would never have come so far without him.
Discover Charu Suri’s music and stream her releases here:
SHAYAN
THE BOOK OF RAGAS
RAGAS & WALTZES
THE BOOK OF RAGAS VOL. 2
NEW AMERICAN SONGBOOK EP
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