To mark International Women’s Day, seven-time Grammy Award-nominated sitarist, composer and producer Anoushka Shankar announces the release of her brand-new track titled Sister Susannah, available to stream and download on 22^nd March 2021.  

The track features Anoushka on sitar and spoken word, reciting a ‘checklist’ of requirements from the perspective of an unidentified man to his romantic partner – with almost saintly expectations. 

Anoushka Shankar explains, “Over the course of the last year, it’s been impossible to ignore the shadow pandemic happening alongside the pandemic itself. Hearing of the suffering of so many women, I have once again been startled by how common the experiences of abuse can be. ‘Sister Susannah’ is a song I’ve toyed with for some time and the current situation, alongside people’s visceral reactions to our rare live performances of the song, prompted me to revisit and release it. Drawing from the experiences of our loved ones, Alev, Nikita and I have made an offering of this song in hope of change and healing.” 

Alongside Anoushka, Grammy nominated composer Alev Lenz has co-written the song’s music and lyrics, and celebrated, best-selling poet Nikita Gill contributes the spoken word poem, marking her first foray into music. Manu Delago performs percussion and Nina Harries, Alev Lenz and Anandi Bhattacharya provide additional vocals. 

Anoushka will join an illustrious line-up of artists including Gregory Porter and Kamasi Washington at the 63^rd Grammy Awards Premiere Ceremony on 14^th March, kicking off the global live-streamed event with a tribute performance celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the classic Marvin Gaye track ‘Mercy, Mercy Me (The Ecology)’.  

Sister Susannah will be released on 22^nd March on Mercury KX