Glass Beams

Biography

Glass Beams is a Melbourne-based music project founded by Indian-Australian multi-instrumentalist and producer Rajan Silva in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic[3][2]. The genesis of Glass Beams was deeply personal, inspired by Silva's childhood memories with his father, who emigrated from India to Melbourne in the late 1970s[1][2]. A formative influence was repeatedly watching the 'Concert for George' tribute to George Harrison, which featured Indian sitar legend Ravi Shankar and his daughter Anoushka, alongside Western icons like Eric Clapton and Paul McCartney[1][2]. This experience shaped Silva's vision for Glass Beams: a fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, blending Indian classical, 70s disco, psychedelic rock, and contemporary electronica into a mesmerizing, genre-defying sound[4][5].

Glass Beams debuted with the EP 'Mirage' in 2021, quickly gaining traction through social media, streaming platforms, and grassroots record store support[2][3]. Their hypnotic, serpentine tracks and immersive live performances—where band members appear in ornate, bejeweled masks—have captivated audiences worldwide[3][7]. The follow-up EP 'Mahal', released in March 2024 on Ninja Tune, achieved notable chart success, entering at #5 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Albums chart and #13 on the Billboard Jazz Albums chart[3]. The group expanded from a solo project to a trio (and sometimes quartet for live shows), selling out venues across Europe, North America, and Asia, and earning invitations to major festivals[1][2].

Glass Beams is recognized for its unique blend of cyclical riffs, Eastern scales, krautrock-inspired polyrhythms, and cosmic instrumentation, all self-recorded and produced by Silva[4][3]. Their legacy lies in bridging cultural divides and creating a timeless, mystical soundscape that resonates with diverse audiences, while maintaining an enigmatic public persona through their masked performances and minimal media presence[3][7].

Fun Facts

• Glass Beams members perform live and appear in music videos wearing ornate, gold bejeweled masks, maintaining a mysterious public image[3][7].
• The debut EP 'Mirage' was inspired by Silva's search for music from his father's hometown in India, blending Indian classical, 70s disco, and pop influences[4][6].
• Vinyl copies of 'Mirage' sold out rapidly, driven by grassroots record store support and word of mouth[2].
• Glass Beams' music has been championed by influential DJs like Gilles Peterson and The Gaslamp Killer, and featured on Jayda G's DJ Kicks release[4].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Ravi Shankar - Formative inspiration through 'Concert for George' performances, shaping the project's East-West fusion aesthetic ('Concert for George' (2002 tribute concert)) [Childhood, ongoing influence]

Key Collaborators

• Band members (unnamed trio/quartet) - Live performances and studio recordings, expanding Silva's solo project into a collaborative group ('Mirage' EP, 'Mahal' EP, global tours) [2021–present]

Artists Influenced

• Gilles Peterson - DJ support and airplay, helping popularize Glass Beams' music on BBC6 (BBC6 'Fantastic Beats', DJ sets) [2021–present]
• Jayda G - Featured Glass Beams on her DJ Kicks release, introducing their music to wider electronic audiences (DJ Kicks compilation) [2021]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Mahal (Mahal)
2. Black Sand (Mahal)
3. Taurus - Mixed (DJ-Kicks: Jayda G)
4. Orb (Mahal)
5. Snake Oil (Mahal)
6. Mirage (Mirage)
7. Horizon (Mahal)
8. Mahal (Mahal)
9. Kong (Mirage)
10. Rattlesnake (Mirage)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia