Stuck in traffic behind an ambulance in an Uber on a small Bushwick road, during rush hour on a Friday night is rarely an enjoyable experience. 

But as I listened to 90’s-00’s Hip-Hop, humming (which eventually turned into singing) along with my driver, there was a sense of comfort felt between us. 

When I got out of the car, I knew I would never see him again. I thanked him, wished him a safe journey, and went on my way.

The Sultan Room is a familiar and nostalgic venue for me. As I walked in, I saw three men standing on the stage warming up. This was the first interview I have done with The Groovement, where the writer is present at the show. We said our hello’s, did a little small talk and then headed to the corner to start the interview. 

Sitting in that dark booth, I felt an odd sense of comfort. I wasn’t really sure why I was there for the interview, as that was not something I had done before. But I never could have predicted the experience I was going to have.

The artist, Narayan, explained that his music was inspired by his fascination with finding the origin of things. While by trade he was a fine artist, Narayan ended up on a path of endless discovery through the lens of music.

Narayan’s music style was inspired mostly by his time spent in the Middle East, India, and parts of Asia. His longest stint abroad was around 14 years. At that point, he knew his home was not the place, nor the country he was born in.

Narayan reminded me of a sense of home and connection. I am not sure if that is due to the hippie nature or my childhood, or if we walk a similar life path, but he was oddly comforting.

After the interview was done, I had a burning question to ask him. ‘Do you think you are on your first, middle, or last lifetime?’ He looked at me and took a deep breath. ‘In Buddhist studies, they say true Enlightenment is having an old soul enough to see the larger picture but a childlike excitement and approach to things.’

Narayan’s band is called Karavan Sarai, paying homage to the Silk Road and the cultural exchanges that helped build our civilization as we know it. Trading music, food, and culture with one another, when we didn’t have ways of ‘properly’ communicating with each other.

Narayan will act as a reminder for me as I move through life, to approach every situation with curiosity and poise. To be a caravan of positivity, excitement, and enlightenment to the world. Gather around the fires and share culture with those around you. Promote a world view, a world understanding, and a global heart.

This music review showcases the nostalgic and comforting feeling of attending a live music event alone, and the unexpected connection felt with the artist Narayan and his band Karavan Sarai. It also highlights Narayan’s inspiration for his music, and how it can serve as a reminder for the reader to approach life with curiosity and positivity.