Somak Sinha
Somak Sinha (born January 21, 1991) is an Indian music composer, director, and performing artist known for his work in film scoring, sound design, and live instrumental performances. He is the founder and director of Sound of Som Productions and a pioneer in the Raga Rock Fusion genre through his instrumental band Adbhutam. His contributions to Indian and international music have earned him multiple prestigious awards.
Early Life and Education
Somak Sinha was born and raised in Kolkata, India. His musical journey began at the age of four when he started learning the Sarod. He later expanded his expertise to multiple instruments and genres, blending Indian classical music with contemporary styles.
Somak completed his schooling at Ballygunge Government High School, the same institution attended by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray. He pursued his graduation from the University of Calcutta and further specialized in Indian Classical Music at Rabindra Bharati University. Additionally, he received advanced training in film scoring under renowned composers, gaining in-depth knowledge of cinematic music composition and orchestration.
Music Composition and Film Scoring
Somak began his career as a film composer in 2010, creating music for national and international film projects. His unique approach to film scoring incorporates music as a parallel storytelling element rather than just a background component. Some of his notable projects include:
- Grasaan (Bengali-Italian feature film)
- Nirabadhi (silent microfilm, yet to be released)
- Cinematic Audio Stories (immersive storytelling with soundscapes)
- Collaborations with independent filmmakers and international productions
His work spans various genres, from classical Indian music to experimental and fusion compositions.
Founder of Sound of Som Productions
In 2018, Somak established Sound of Som Productions, a creative hub for music composition, film scoring, and artistic innovation. Under this banner, he has led several groundbreaking projects, including:
- Poetry Meets Music – A live storytelling experience integrating poetry and music
- Phoenix (Podcast Series) – Hosted by Anindita Bose, featuring inspiring personal journeys
- Mehfil – A world music series celebrating diverse musical traditions
- S-Factor – A fusion of music and fashion, blending artistic elements
Live Performances and Adbhutam
Apart from his work in films, Somak is an accomplished live performer. As the lead guitarist of Adbhutam, India's premier instrumental band, he has pioneered the Raga Rock Fusion genre—an innovative blend of Indian classical music with rock and world music. Together they achieved two world records for being pioneer of “Raga Rock Fusion” genre. Somak’s live concerts have been acclaimed for their experimental approach and fusion sound. He has also performed at prestigious platforms and collaborated with renowned artists from India and abroad.
Innovations and Contributions
Somak is known for introducing fresh perspectives in music and performance. Some of his key innovations include:
- Fusion of Indian Classical and Rock Music – Leading the Raga Rock Fusion movement
- Experimental Film Scoring – Creating immersive soundscapes that enhance storytelling
- Blending Music with Other Art Forms – Merging music with poetry, fashion, and live storytelling
- Visual Storytelling in Concerts – Incorporating narrative elements into live performances
Awards and Recognitions
Somak has received numerous accolades for his contributions to music, including:
- Global Icon Award – Best Emerging Youth Guitarist & Composer (Eastern India)
- Award from Harvard (London) – Recognized for contributions to World Music
- Zeitgeist Award of Excellence – Best Fusion Music Composer
- Bharat Pratibha Samman – For outstanding contributions to Indian Music & Culture
- Dada Saheb Phalke Award – For the music video Aigiri Nandini with Adbhutam
- Brooklyn Award – For his successful approach in World music
Future Plans
Somak continues to expand his artistic vision with upcoming projects, including:
- Expanding Sound of Som Productions – Scaling up music and film initiatives globally
- Season 1 of Mehfil – Showcasing world music traditions and Indian culture
- New Experimental Film Scores – Exploring unconventional approaches to film music
- International Collaborations – Partnering with global artists for cross-cultural projects
- Live Concert Tours – Performing across India and internationally
- Music Education & Mentorship – Conducting workshops and guiding young musicians
Message for Aspiring Musicians
"Music is not just about notes; it’s about emotions, storytelling, and creating an experience. Stay true to your art, experiment fearlessly, and always keep learning. The world of music is vast—explore it with an open heart and an innovative mind."
External Links
- Instagram: Somak Sinha (@somaksinhalive)
- Facebook: Somak Sinha
- Spotify: Somak Sinha
- Apple Music: Somak Sinha
- IMDb: Somak Sinha