Led by the homespun, eclectic vocals of Mahesh Radhakrishnan, Tapestries of Sound weaves together Indian ragas, Gaelic and Appalachian melodies on a bed of exquisite rhythms, grooves and epic symphony. Our original songs feature provocative lyrics on themes of social justice and the sublime.

The band was formed in 2001 by Carnatic vocalist Mahesh Radhakrishnan and has been an exciting crucible for cross-cultural musical exploration and performance ever since, performing at high profile venues such as The Vanguard in Sydney and festivals such as the National Folk Festival, Illawarra Folk Festival, Winter Magic, Fusion13 (Wagga Wagga) and the Canberra Multicultural Fringe Festival. We have also had airplay on ABC Radio National, FBI Sydney and on Radio na Gaeltachta in Ireland. Our first album Unsung Yarns (2010) explored untold stories in Australian history and we are currently recording a second album due for release in 2017.

“If folk music is an ongoing evolution of traditional forms to reflect contemporary culture then Tapestries of Sound would have to be at the forefront of the Australian scene” (Timber & Steel).

“a seamless movement, imbibing all the different warps and wefts of traditions it comes across.. listening to them you might feel Celtic and Carnatic were just meant to be together” (Indian Link)

Since 2007, we’ve been doing pieces featuring Indian classical dancer Jennifer White performing her original choreographies to the music and song, bringing another dimension to our performances.

Tapestries of Sound is:

Mahesh Radhakrishnan – lead vocals, guitar, tambura

Robin Dixon- bass banjo, cello banjo, cello, singing saw, other instruments, vocals

Andrew Purdam- cajon, tabla, accordion, bouzouki, dulcimer, other percussion, vocals

Nitya Bernard Parker- saxophone, bansuri (bamboo flute), western flute, vocals

Phillippa Murphy-Haste- clarinet, viola, vocals

Jennifer White- dancer