Fusion goes to next level with 'Deep India' album

Santoor player Rahul Sharma has collaborated with international musician Eric Mouquet to mix traditional Indian music with electronica beats for an album named "Deep India".

"Deep India" is part of Mouquet's musical initiative, Deep Forest, which aims at exploring a fusion of musical culture of various lands and blending it with electronica.

The initiative has earlier been to countries like Brazil and China. The collaboration is brought together by Sony Music.

"I am confident that this unique fusion between Indian ethnic music with electronica will receive excellent response from music enthusiasts world over. Deep Forest has a great following and to work with Eric Mouquet was an enriching experience," Sharma, son of world-renowned santoor player Shivkumar Sharma, said in a statement.

The album consists of eight tracks. With santoor as one of the dominating instruments in the songs, it is said to resonate a global appeal with a touch of western influence.

"I have always been enthused by India's multi-cultural heritage, including its legacy of traditional folk music. In a bid to create a brand new stimulating music genre, I have combined India's ethnic tunes with my electronica," Mouquet said.

"Deep India" will hit the markets Jan 5 next year.