Modern Biology
“…his videos of mushrooms making calming ambient soundscapes, have already racked up more than half a million Tik Tok followers and 25 million views.”
– The Guardian, UK
Modern Biology is the new project of veteran musician Tarun Nayar. Formally trained in Indian Classical music and educated as a biologist, Modern Biology sees him turn a new leaf by bringing his passions together in an ambient project that is organismic, uplifting, and deeply contextual. He uses modular synthesis, home-built synthesizers, and other analog equipment to improvise with the natural vibrations of a certain place and time – via plant bioelectricity, latent electromagnetic radiation, and even the earth’s resonant hum.
With his work going viral with millions of views internationally, Tarun is sought after all over the world, with upcoming shows in Toronto and Stockholm. But this live show at ISF is a special one, for us and for him. We are his community, and we’ve always rooted for him (to keep the botanical references going). He’ll also be joined by a special guest – sitar virtuoso Sharanjeet Singh Mand who is just back from playing his sitar at Everest Base Camp!
We’ve found the perfect spot to listen to this transcendental music – outdoors, in a natural amphitheater facing the sea on Granville Island. What’s more, we’ll set you up with high-quality wireless headphones so that you can remain fully immersed in the ambient world Tarun creates, even if you choose to take a short walk down to the edge of the water. This is part meditation, part concert. Seats are limited to this special experience!
The event will begin (and end) at Performance Works, with the audience directed to the grassy knoll at Ron Basford Park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair for outdoor seating.
Artists
Tarun Nayar
Tarun ‘Tspoon’ Nayar is a DJ/producer and tabla player obsessed with fusing Asian music and electronica. He tours the world with his band Delhi 2 Dublin, is a founding member of Vancouver’s Beats Without Borders collective, and is Executive Director of 5X Fest. Tarun is also the co-founder of Snakes x Ladders, and alternative South Asian music + culture channel. Whether as a musician or a promoter, he is an outspoken advocate for diversity in the entertainment industry.
Sharanjeet Singh Mand
Sharanjeet Singh Mand is an internationally recognized exponent of Sitar and Surbahar. He is a disciple of doyen of Indian Classical Music, Pandit Harvinder Sharma. Sharanjeet represents Ustad Vilayatkhani Gharana. Sharanjeet is also an acclaimed composer and a devoted Guru.
CBC listed Sharanjeet as one of 30 under 30 Hottest Classical Musicians. It is hailed as a historic breakthrough throughout the world as Sharanjeet is the first-ever non-western classical musician to make it on the list. Sharanjeet is widely known as a Sitarist with impeccable style and flair, and his performances have enthralled audiences in India, Canada, USA alike. A young and energetic performer, his style of performance is laced with fast taans and soulful gayaki ang. Many consider him as one of the bearers of Sitar.