Somak Sinha
Somak Sinha (born January 21, 1991) is a celebrated Indian music composer, director, and live performer known for pioneering musical innovation at the intersection of tradition and experimentation. As the founder of Sound of Som Productions and the creative force behind the instrumental band Adbhutam, he is widely regarded as the architect of the Raga Rock Fusion movement in India. His genre-defying compositions span films, podcasts, and immersive concert experiences, earning him acclaim both nationally and internationally.
Musical Roots and Academic Journey
Hailing from Kolkata, Somak was immersed in the world of music from the age of four, beginning his formal training in Sarod. His early exposure to Indian classical forms laid a strong foundation that he would later fuse with diverse genres including rock, folk, and experimental music.
He completed his schooling at Ballygunge Government High School, an institution notable for its association with legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. His academic path led him to graduate from the University of Calcutta, followed by advanced studies in Indian Classical Music at Rabindra Bharati University. Complementing his classical grounding, Somak studied cinematic scoring under leading composers, developing a nuanced approach to orchestration and storytelling through sound.
Evolution as a Composer and Film Scorer
Somak’s journey into cinematic music began in 2010. Unlike conventional background scoring, his compositions serve as emotional extensions of the narrative. Noteworthy projects under his belt include:
- Grasaan – A cross-cultural Bengali-Italian film
- Nirabadhi – An experimental silent microfilm
- Cinematic Audio Stories – Audio-based immersive narratives
- Collaborations with indie filmmakers and international artists
His versatility spans traditional Indian compositions, modern sound design, and genre-fusion experiments, making him a unique voice in the world of cinematic music.
The Birth of Sound of Som Productions
In 2018, Somak founded Sound of Som Productions, envisioned as a melting pot for creative synergy. The production house has since produced several innovative works, such as:
- Poetry Meets Music – A stage experience blending spoken word and music
- Phoenix Podcast Series – Hosted by Anindita Bose, featuring real-life stories of resilience
- Mehfil – A global music series uniting sounds across cultures
- S-Factor – An artistic initiative that fuses music with fashion
These projects demonstrate Somak’s commitment to breaking traditional barriers in the performing arts.
Adbhutam and the Rise of Raga Rock Fusion
Somak’s role as the lead guitarist and founder of Adbhutam established him as a gamechanger in fusion music. The band’s unique style Raga Rock Fusion melds the soul of Indian ragas with the intensity of rock and the vibrancy of world music.
Adbhutam holds two world records for its groundbreaking contribution to this genre. Somak’s live performances, both solo and with the band, are known for their theatricality, layered soundscapes, and rich emotional narratives.
Musical Innovations and Cross-Disciplinary Work
Beyond composing and performing, Somak has made bold strides in integrating music with various art forms:
- Genre Bending Fusion – Merging traditional and modern sounds
- Immersive Film Scoring – Using sound as a narrative layer
- Storytelling through Live Music – Bringing scripts to life through concerts
- Artistic Blending – Combining music with poetry, visuals, and even fashion
These innovations reflect his deep commitment to pushing artistic boundaries.
Recognitions and Milestones
Somak’s contributions have been acknowledged by several prestigious platforms:
- Global Icon Award – Emerging Youth Guitarist & Composer (East India)
- Harvard (London) Recognition – For excellence in World Music
- Zeitgeist Excellence Award – Best Fusion Music Composer
- Bharat Pratibha Samman – For contribution to Indian music and culture
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award – For the music video Aigiri Nandini
- Brooklyn Award – For innovation in global music spaces
Future Directions
Somak continues to shape the future of music through a range of upcoming projects:
- Scaling Sound of Som Productions to support global creative ventures
- Launching Season 1 of Mehfil, exploring world music traditions
- Innovative Film Scores with avant-garde approaches
- International Artistic Collaborations across continents
- Live Global Tours – Expanding the Raga Rock experience worldwide
- Mentorship Initiatives – Training the next generation of musicians and composers
Social Links
- Instagram: Somak Sinha (@somaksinhalive)
- Facebook: Somak Sinha
- Spotify: Somak Sinha
- Apple Music: Somak Sinha
- IMDb: Somak Sinha