Music Nation is a Music Video Competition for Independent Artists

Whether he is singing the tight and pained lyrics of "Out of View" or the haunting melodies of "Set Me Free," you will find in Ananda's music not only a true vocal talent, but also an eclectic collection of sounds and world rhythms. His ability to embrace both the Eastern culture of his heritage and the Western culture of his youth has enriched his music, helping him to blend a pop feel with soulful, acoustic sensibilities. Ananda began his musical odyssey as a pure vocalist but, through the years, has acquired any and all skills that have been necessary for him to continue to fully express himself - whether that meant learning how to play an acoustic guitar or the tablas (North Indian drums), or teaching himself how to audio-engineer and set up a complete Pro Tools studio. He has truly taken a hands-on approach to his sound, fully realizing his many roles as writer, performer, and producer, while maintaining the intimacy and warmth of his songs. Listeners from New York to Los Angeles have been amazed by Ananda's soulful and passionate acoustic performances for years, but in 2006, they heard a new, completely innovative sound in the release of his self-titled debut. But despite glowing responses to his debut EP, Ananda wanted to leave the album format behind. He feels the time has come for a shift in the way musicians approach their listeners. Starting in May 2007, Ananda will be releasing, free for download, one new song every week for fifty-two weeks. By sharing new music with the world on a weekly basis, he hopes that listeners will feel engaged with his music in a way that the traditional route of releasing an album every two years does not allow. Ananda has a vision of free-flowing, fully downloadable music produced by musicians for their listeners and made available on a regular basis. Instead of fearing and controlling new technologies and their remarkable ability to swiftly and accurately distribute music across the globe, he hopes to utilize these technologies to bring his music to the listener, trusting as always in the power of music and its incredible ability to revolutionize thinking and empower its listeners. So whether he is pouring his heart into his lyrics, discovering the potential of a new instrument, or ensuring that the relationship between artist and listener is always friendly and close, Ananda is intent on seeing his vision become reality.