Varijashree Venugopal talks about her musical inspirations

Singer

and flautist Varijashree Venogopal, who has been busy through the pandemic with newer compositions and collaborations, is known for her soulful voice and tunes that she brings to the table. On #QuickTakesWithBangaloreTimes, the singer talks about her five

musical

inspirations.

1.

MS Subbulakshmi

: She was one of the first musicians I was introduced to during my childhood. I am fortunate to be born into a family of music and during my exposure to music, she has been a great inspiration to me. She was one of the first musicians to put Carnatic music on the world map.

2. Ghulam Ali Khan: I was introduced to the field of

ghazals

through Ghulam Ali Khan's music. He's been a great inspiration and his music opened up a new musical perspective in my journey. I've learnt a lot of soulful music from him.

3. Bobby McFerrin: He's a musical phenomenon who inspired me. He taught me the numerous possibilities that a human voice can have and the strength that it can have. It was through his music that I realised the reach the human voice can have through music.

4. Chick Corea: I was introduced to the genre of jazz during my high school days and it has always fascinated me. For the past few years, I have been trying to learn a thing or two about this genre and Chick Corea has been very influential. I am always in awe of his compositions.

5. Michael Jackson: According to me, he is not a human, because he has done things that are unbelievable. He showed that you could sing, dance, jump and run at the same time. He is an icon.