Towards the end of 2012, Waclaw Zimpel, inspired by the musical legacies of Terry Riley and La Monte Young, journeyed to India in search of the roots that had influenced the pioneers of minimalism before him. Immersing himself in Carnatic music under the tutelage of seasoned masters during his initial stay, Zimpel was captivated by the rhythmic intricacies and melodic richness of the tradition.

Upon returning, Zimpel proposed the formation of Saagara during a casual conversation with newfound friends in Bangalore, marking the genesis of the band. Yet, mastering the ancient Carnatic system took Zimpel over a year of dedicated practice, especially given the caliber of his collaborators, including ghatam master Ghiridhar Udupa, Aggu Baba on khanjira, K Raja on thavil, and violinist Mysore N. Karthik.

Their debut tour resulted in recordings that formed Saagara’s inaugural album, blending Carnatic compositions with contemporary elements. As Zimpel delved deeper into electronic music, collaborations with producers like mooryc, James Holden, and Shackleton enriched his sonic palette.
By 2018, Zimpel envisioned a fusion of Western electronic sounds with ancient musical traditions, a vision realized in Saagara’s third album. Recorded in Bangalore and polished in his Warsaw studio, “3” seamlessly intertwines repetitive electronic sequences with the hypnotic rhythms of Carnatic percussion, evoking a transcendent musical experience.

Photo by Rakesh Maiya