Autorickshaw

Autorickshaw’s music lies on the cultural cutting edge, as contemporary jazz, funk and folk easily rub shoulders with the classical and popular music of India. Formed in 2003, Autorickshaw is one of the most intriguing acts on the world music and jazz landscapes, garnering 2004 and 2007 JUNO nominations for World Music Album of the Year, winning a Canadian Independent Music Award in 2005, and a John Lennon Songwriting Competition Grand Prize in World Music and the CAPACOA Touring Artist of the Year award, both in 2008.

“The ensemble consists of Canada’s most exciting and musically interesting musicians…and when their forces are combined, the results are utterly unique and musically pioneering”. -Daniel Ariaratnam, The Record

Autorickshaw is committed to their role as music educators through school performances, lecture demonstrations, workshops and masterclasses on topics as diverse as jazz improvisation, south Indian and western vocal/choral technique as well as percussion from around the world.

This critically acclaimed, cutting edge world music ensemble is preparing to release their fourth CD, following their Juno-nominated CDs Four Higher and So The Journey Goes. Led by the stellar vocals of Suba Sankaran, the reboot of Autorickshaw features a heavier, layered sonic landscape, with full drumkit, electric guitar, strings, percussion as well as signature tabla and electric bass. Driving and danceable, the new sound includes sensual reinterpretations of Indian folk songs, groove-driven Canadian pop, vintage Bollywood, and hypnotic south Asian traditional selections with a twist.