It’s not always you find a westerner making his home in India, but for Nash Naubert, it was music that made him stay in India.

Seattle born, Nash first visited India in 1999 as a tourist and was quite impressed by the culturally rich country. While he was a student of world music he became aware about the significance of Indian classical music. He went on to take a course in ethnomusicology where he was taught a few of the basic theories of Indian classical music. 

In the year 2003 he enrolled as a student of Vrindavan Gurukul, founded by Pandit Hari Prasad Chaurasia where he learnt the nuances from the Padma Vibhushan recipient for six years. He then slowly started performing at various concerts and festivals and today he has become a highly respected artist who incorporates a mix of contemporary and traditional styles of playing the Bansuri. 

Listening to Nash’s music has always been an enjoyable and enriching experience and shows his devotion to Indian classical music. 

Nash whose music career spans almost two decades, has released four albums namely, ‘Journey’ with tabla maestro Yogesh Samsi, ‘Beginnings’ with Aditya Kalyanpur on tabla, Anantadrishti ’  with Shubh Maharaj on tabla and ‘Pratyeka’ with Satyajit Talwalkar on tabla. 

Nash has performed at several prestigious festivals both in India and abroad and is recipient of many awards.

Verus Ferreira speaks to Nash to know his music journey.

Let’s go back in time? You began playing the didgeridoo and learnt music back in the US. Please share you experience on your early music days?

I have always appreciated the arts and had an open mind towards all types of music. I was particularly interested in world music and especially Indian Classical music because of the distinctive and methodological approach to music which was, in my mind, completely the opposite of Western classical music.

How did you discover the flute and decided to go into becoming a professional musician?

I think I have always been drawn to woodwind instruments like the didgeridoo and especially bamboo instruments in particular, I love the warm and soothing tone they produce.

Did you also take to learning vocals and Indian music to know more about Indian music?

In that respect, I have always viewed vocal music and instrumental music on the same level, to me, it’s about the music not the medium. I believe that each instrument (voice included) has their own distinct qualities; there are things that a flute can do that a voice cannot, just as the sitar or santoor has their own particular distinct qualities. Indian classical music is a spiritual journey and if one can produce that experience on stage, it doesn’t matter how or in what way they do it.

Being an expat, how did you network, meet musicians and come to be the musician you are today?

Indian classical music is a very insular and protected art form, obviously there is a history and high degree of quality that needs to be protected as in any other high art form. But, in Indian classical music there exists a sort of tribalism that has to be carefully navigated and approached with a very high level of diplomacy. Coming from where I do, it was something completely unfamiliar to me and has been extremely challenging to deal with. It has taken a lot of time to cultivate such relationships and each region has their own ‘groups’ or ‘cliques’ I am happy to be outside of such ‘politics’ but it has, in turn made the path to success very slow and arduous.

How did you come to start playing the flute? You moved to India in 2003 and have made it your home. What do you like about the country that you decided to call home?

I came to India for the first time in 1999 as a backpacker eager to travel, but also wanted to learn Indian classical music just to gain a little more insight into the history and intricacy of the art form. I settled in Mumbai in 2003 and initially it was a very different experience than that I was raised on. India is a beautiful country and wonderful to travel in, what has made my experience living in Mumbai positive are the friendships and relationships that I have cultivated over the years. Also, my wife Gaysil who is also a great artist and entertainer has been a great support for me over the years.

You also have a company called Music of Now (MoN) at Carnegie Hall in New York. Can you tell us something about it?

Music of Now is my creation to promote Indian Classical music on a global stage. Music of Now first concert debuted at Carnegie Hall, New York, followed by concerts at Benaroya Hall, Seattle, Durham Arts Council North Carolina in pursuit of sharing this beautiful Music globally. 

You have also released a few albums, can you tell us more details of each album and how each is different from the other?

All my albums are Indian classical music albums with different Ragas. In the album ‘Beginnings’ I was very fortunate to record with Pandit Yogesh Samsi who is a world renowned tabla player. It was the onset of my flute career therefore the name.

What aspect of the Indian classical music appeals to you the most?

Every aspect. There is a steep learning curve while learning and appreciating Indian classical music but once it grabs hold of you, you will be a listener for life. It really is a world class art form and anyone can appreciate the beauty of Indian classical music.

Can you recall the first time you met up with Hari Chaurasia and what you felt?

I was introduced to Hariprasad Chaurasia through a friend, I had already seen him in concert and listened to many of his recordings, he is a simple man but I was initially extremely nervous when being around him, I think because of the immense respect that I had for his accomplishments.

How often do you visit your home back in the US? Do you also have live performances there?

I have just come back from the US and spent 3 months there, it was very relaxing for me this time because usually I am busy travelling, performing and giving workshops but because of COVID it was more of an opportunity to decompress. I love motorcycles and I have a Harley-Davidson which I took long rides on, went camping, walked on the beach and ate lots of good food.

Who are your music idols from India and in the International music world?

I would have to say that I am a huge fan of Pt Kumar Gandharv, Pt Bhimsen Joshi, Pt Venkatesh Kumar, Jayateerth Mevundi, Veena Saharasbuddhe, Ud Shahid Parvez, and Zakir Hussein. Currently when I am not listening critically and want to listen for fun, I like Kanye West, Tupac Shakoor, Nirvana, Tool, Radiohead, classic rock like Cat Stevens, Simon and Garfunkel, Led Zeppelin.

What is the best part of being an artist in India? What is it that you miss most about America?

Interacting with likeminded people who are at the top of their game in their particular field is such a privilege for me. I miss the weather and the beauty of Seattle, Wa, my hometown.

Were you always interested in being a musician?

That’s an interesting question; I have always wanted to be an artist, but I initially thought that I would be a writer, it was only until I came to India that I began to realize that music was my true calling.

Do you know any other or are you in contact with any other flautist in India?

I know most of the flautists in India, many of my gurubhai who are now dispersed all over the country and some abroad but we all keep tabs on what each other are doing and help each other when needed.

Who would you like to collaborate in the future with any Indian or International artist?

Would it surprise anyone if I said Zakir Hussein? (laughs)

What are your hobbies, besides music? Do you also play any other musical instrument?

I like to keep up on the current trends and I enjoy gaming and watching movies.

Your message to aspiring flautist in India who might be interested in taking up / learning the instrument.

As far as learning an instrument I feel it’s one of the best things that one can do for self-improvement. I have immense respect and admiration for anyone who wants to take it even further and become a professional musician, I believe that becoming an artist can help make the world a better place and in these uncertain times, artists are needed more than ever. Everyone already knows that being an artist is difficult but deep down most people realize that to make real change it is and has always been the way of the ‘road less travelled’.

Interviewed by Verus Ferreira