Shivani has been a student of Hindustani classical vocals from the age of 4, learning from several gurus in India,  and has specialised in different gharanas of classical music, with the most extensive experience in the Gwalior gharana. In the tradition of Indian classical music, spirituality and music are deeply woven together. Drawing this into her present work and upcoming releases, Shivani’s sonic identity borrows heavily from this shared language of spirit and sound. 

In London Shivani has worked with bands like MTV Trio, Sound Anthropology, and Jawari, showcasing her expertise in classical ragas and semiclassical lyric and melody writing. She has also worked with groups like Daytimers UK and independent artists like Bombay Mami. Her singles, You’re Not Coming, and The Call I Never Made intertwine Hindustani classical improvisation with Western pop, earning acclaim from platofrms like Notion, Earmilk, The Pit and BBC Introducing Asian Network. Through her upcoming releases, Shivani aims to merge her Indian musical roots with the vibrant tones of Western indie pop, creating a fresh, contemporary Indian sound for global audiences.

You’re Not Coming and The Call I Never Made are early releases showing Shivani’s classical fusion style - overlaying classical alaps on Western indie pop soundscapes, bringing sitar, tanpura, tabla, temple bells, birdsong to the piano, drums and cello. Her releases talk about love and heartbreak in the face of change and the acceptance of the inevitable passage of time.

A performance of raag Yaman with MTV Trio at Peckam Levels reimagining Hindustani classical with the bass

A performance for the SOAS Concert Series 2024, with a performance of classical ragas blended with Jazz

A live set for NTS Radio where Shivani and tabla player Vishnu Vijayan discuss the spiritual journey of a raga, the journey of learning music, some favourite pieces and perform a live performance of raga Yaman and Bhairav with Theo Archer

Shivani’s Interview for BBC Introducing Artist of the Week with show host Jasmine Thakkar covers an in-depth discussion about the making of her debut single, the inspiration behind it, anecdotes from the making, and next steps in Shivani’s musical journey.

At the High Commission of India in 2024, Shivani performing a blend of Indian classical with jazz with band Sound Anthropology

An excerpt from a live performance in raga Yaman vilambit set to ek taal accompanied by the bass