Nila Raja is an enchanting vocalist explorer and multi-instrumentalist playing Piano, Persian santoor, Viola and Tabla. She is also a profound composer and songwriter, writing her own material which she performs live with Flamenco Guitar, Kora, Chapman stick sometimes incorporating flute, tabla and other percussion. She has currently been awarded the title, 'Emerging Artist in Residence' at the Southbank Centre and is working on many projects with them including recently performing with Nitin Sawhney at the Royal Festival Hall as part of the re-opening of Southbank Centre.
Her sound has been described as “ethereal†and “haunting†and reveals a wide range of influences which cross over many genres. Nila has a particular interest in music from other cultures drawing on Indian, Arabic and Flamenco traditions, fusing them with western sounds. Coming from a mixed descent of Indian and English background, her music echoes this fusion and confusion.
From an early age she was classically trained on Voice and Viola and was a member of the National Youth Choir amongst many other ensembles. She has performed on BBC Songs of Praise, BBC Radio 4, BBC Asian Network Radio and also sang as a soloist with the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra in the Bridgewater Hall. She has performed in many other prestigious venues such as the Millenium Dome, Royal Albert Halls and Royal Festival Hall.
Nila also has a degree in Popular Music Studies at Goldsmiths University and alongside being a performer and artist, teaches Tabla, Voice and Viola. In the pipeline for 2008 are some very interesting collaborations, involving Kosheen, Nitin Sawhney, Blackout and Osmani Soundz. Keep listening and loving!
