Aditya Kasyap, Agam’s bassist, speaks about the launch of their third studio album, ‘Arrival of the Ethereal’ — the product of an audiovisual ambition, it has unreleased songs, orchestral collaborations, and a spiritual sound revival
Nearly a decade after their last full-length release, Agam, the Bengaluru-based band known for blending Carnatic music with progressive rock, returns with Arrival of the Ethereal, their most expansive album to date. The official launch of the album was held in Hyderabad, a city the band describes as “musically sensitive” and “deeply connected” to their sound. We caught up with the collective’s bass guitarist, Aditya Kasyap, to unpack the process behind the music, their global influences, and what makes this new chapter special.
Q What makes this album’s sound different from your past work?
It’s more layered, more cinematic. We’ve gone deeper into orchestral arrangements and storytelling. It still carries the DNA of Agam — the Carnatic base is strong. But we’ve expanded our sonic palette significantly.
Q Would you say there’s a visual element to this album as well?
The music is designed to be narrative-driven and visually rich. Each song explores a concept. For example, Walk of the Bride traces a woman’s emotional journey through marriage. Another track is inspired by Mokshamu Galada by Tyagaraja and explores the cycle of life and death.
Q What was it like working with the Prague Symphony Orchestra?
Eighty-two musicians from the Czech Republic played on the album. The scale and emotion they bring elevate the album’s cinematic quality.
Q Are you using digital platforms to connect with younger listeners?
We’re actively reaching out to students and creators. We have a campaign called Carnatic for the Next Gen, which includes school partnerships, reels and collaborative content. It’s about reintroducing ragas in a way that makes sense to this digital generation.
Q How do you respond to people who say you’re trying to make Carnatic music ‘cool’?
We’re not trying to make it cool. We believe it already is! We just want to show how powerful and relevant it still is, especially when you look at it through a new lens.
Q When did you last perform in Hyderabad?
Less than a year ago. But Hyderabad has always been special — a city with a strong listening culture. The fans here really engage with the album, and we’re hoping they’ll sing along this time too.
Q You’ve worked with Salim Merchant before. What was that experience like?
He gave us a lot of freedom as artistes. He’s a long-time supporter of indie and non-film music and has always encouraged us to do what we do best.
Q How do you hope Agam will be remembered?
As artistes who reimagined Carnatic music for the 21st Century. We don’t want to dilute it; we want to reinterpret it, make it cinematic, spiritual, and accessible.
If we’re remembered as the ones who helped bring it to a new generation, we’d have done our job.
