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When Kailash Kher starts talking about music, it is tempting to dismiss him as someone waxing philosophical about metaphysical concepts, without any substance behind his words. But after a few minutes of listening, it becomes clear that he is the real deal. This palpable enthusiasm comes from a man who sees music as food for the soul, and an ultimate expression of spirituality.
"Music is to me is not just a source of entertainment, it is also a source of enlightenment," said Kher, who performs next Tuesday at the Lisner Auditorium. "Music is a form of nature and a form of pure emotion within every soul."
Kher's beliefs and passion are rooted in Sufism, the ancient and mystical form of Islam that gave rise to Rumi, and other poets who believed that artistic expression is a path to enlightenment and salvation. Kher's father was a folk singer, and Kher himself began singing at age 5. While growing up in India, the popular taste became increasingly westernized, but it was traditional Sufi music that inspired Kher.
"I didn't know who M.J. was until 2001," said the 36-year old singer.
That same year, Kher's passion for music led him to Mumbai, where he struggled initially as a musician, unable to fit into the mainstream. As it turns out, his provincial background ended up reaping huge dividends. He credits his "unadulterated and uninfluenced" sound for landing him session work, singing for Bollywood musicals. These songs became hits, and by 2004, Kher was topping the charts in India.
"From the beginning, I have tried to do something that was unique, new and rare," Kher said. "People cannot get bored easily with my style of work."
Kher became well known throughout the subcontinent, but even with that success, he had other ambitions. Always knowing he would form a band, the time came when he encountered brothers Paresh and Naresh Kamath. The trio assembled a group of musicians and formed Kailasa, with Kher acting as the principal lyricist, and the siblings in charge of the music.
On the U.S. leg of this tour, the band is featuring a special guest. Percussionist Karsh Kale has carved out an impressive career by infusing electronica with South Asian influences. He paid a visit to the District last year, and will join Kailasa on Tuesday.
The band is playing in support of Yatra (Nomadic Souls), Kailasa's first international release. The songs are mostly original, with a mix of new compositions and rearrangements of previously recorded material.
"They are romantic songs," said Kher. "The inspiration is that every soul on this planet is on a journey for love in its purest form."
Named for a Himalayan mountain that holds major significance in several South Asian religions, Kailasa's sound is not at all what one expects. While Kher sings lyrics in Urdu or Hindi using classical forms, the ensemble has a very modern feel. The songs have religious connotations, but do not proselytize any one philosophy. Traditional instruments add color, but the music is built on a guitar/bass/drums foundation. Take away the vocals, and Kailasa could pass for a global dance band.
"It's an international sound with traditional poetry," Kher explained. "People believe that religious and spiritural music is for old people, we are trying to break that myth."
The Washington Performing Arts Society presents Kailash Kher and Kailasa at The George Washington University's Lisner Auditorium on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $25-$45 + service charges.
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