Conversations with Kamini Natarajan

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kamini Natarajan.

Hi Kamini, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My musical journey started as a young kid. I feel blessed to be born into a family where my mother and grandmother both are devotional singers. I grew up immersed in music. I went on to continue learning music for decades and graduated in Indian Classical Vocal Music. By the time I was 10, I started performing at various venues and participated in many national-level music competitions. I was honored to be one of the youngest “graded” artists from All India Radio in 1992. I appeared in various television shows, taught music as well as recorded for music label companies.

I came to Southern California in 2022 and have since called the LA area my home. Once in this country, I started collaborating with several talented musicians and producers of different genres. My song Devi was featured in the album along with the fabulous Anushka Shankar and Talveen Singh. My voice can be heard on albums of various genres from rock to Armenian music.

I tour during the summer months and have been a regular at most yoga and meditation festivals in the USA. I continue to learn, teach and spread love through music.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
There is no joy when the road is super smooth! There need to be a few bumps along the road for us to enjoy and appreciate the smooth road. Yes, there have been bumps and struggles along the way. When I had to migrate to this country, it was a whole new world for me.

A world where my genre of music was a “niche.” It was almost like starting over all again – finding my place in the new music scene where I had no network, no friends, and no understanding. However, I truly believe in the goodness of people and was able to navigate all these issues successfully.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a singer, music teacher, recording artist, and performer. I practice Indian Classical Music and Kirtans (a call-and-response style of singing). I am very proud of the fact that I did not give up. For most things in life, we need to have focus, discipline, and perseverance. I have seen several great musicians and artists quit and although not everyone’s life is the same, I am proud that I did not. Awards, accolades, money, and fame come with time, talent, and luck but continued efforts and the journey itself are in itself success for me.

What sets me apart from others is that I am able to blend into any genre of music fluidly and with ease.

Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like the cosmopolitan nature of Los Angeles. There is so much diversity, we get to experience so many cultures, food, and language- all in one place. There is nothing that I dislike about this city but if I were to pick one then maybe traffic!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kaminimusic.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/kaminimusic
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/kaminismusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/kaminimusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/kamininatarajan