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Qatari Resident Gayathri Karunakar Menon Nominated for Grammy Awards. Gayathri Karunakar Menon, a 25-year-old Indian-origin songwriter and Qatari resident, has earned a prestigious nomination at the 67th Grammy Awards. Menon is part of the creative team behind two tracks in Zedd’s groundbreaking album Telos. It has been nominated for the Album of the Year category. The awards ceremony is set to take place on February 2, 2025.
A Journey Fueled by Questions and Music
“This voice that you claim is clear grew along with me and urged me to seek answers,” Gayathri said in a recent interview. Since 2022, she has been working with Universal Music Group in the United States. She has been contributing her unique voice and songwriting skills to the global music scene.
Her quest for answers began early in life. Raised in Qatar. Gayathri underwent rigorous Carnatic music training under Vaikom Jayachandran and playback singer Pushpavathy. However, her inquisitive nature led her to explore the fusion of words, melodies, and chords during her time at Berklee College of Music.
“By the time I entered high school, I wanted space and answers which the social and educational system were reluctant to provide. I sought answers, I explored, and my music is a result of that journey,” Gayathri shared.
Achievements and Collaborations
Gayathri’s talent has caught the attention of industry legends like Rodney ‘Darkchild’ Jerkins, the American music producer known for working with Michael Jackson. Hailed as a “rare talent,” she has collaborated with international musicians on several notable projects.
Her track Privileged to Dream, inspired by the lives of expatriates. It won the 2020 ‘Songs of Social Change’ contest hosted by Berklee College of Music. In 2023, she earned a Grammy nomination in the Best Global Music Album category for her vocal collaboration on Shuruaat by the Berklee Indian Ensemble.
Reflecting on the Journey
While Gayathri regrets discontinuing her piano lessons as a child. She acknowledges the importance of finding and expressing her “inner voice.” “The knowledge of the chords could have come in handy in musically expressing the inner voice,” she admits. “Maybe sometime in the future, I would make room in my life for it.”
Recognition for Telos
Zedd’s Telos has been widely praised for its innovation and depth, with Gayathri’s songwriting playing a crucial role in the album’s success. The Grammy nomination is a testament to her dedication, talent, and ability to push creative boundaries.
Gayathri Karunakar Menon’s nomination not only celebrates her individual achievements. But also highlights the growing influence of Indian-origin artists on the global music stage. As she prepares for the Grammy ceremony on February 2, 2025, fans eagerly await what promises to be a defining moment in her burgeoning career.
