“I think one of the biggest similarities is the swing feel. A lot of Indian rhythms are swung which is why Blues and Jazz are accepted. The people can move to it the same way they can to their own folk music. European and Indian classical on the other hand have very straight feel rhythmic patterns. It’s hard to dance to that.”

Ipshita Roy: Lady Sings the Blues & Jazz

Ippi, who also goes by Ipshita Roy, is one of the well known performers from Delhi, India. Ippi is a versatile Jazz and Blues vocalist, songwriter and composer. Currently based out of Dallas she graduated from the prestigious University of North Texas in Jazz Studies where she was awarded the Paris Rutherford Jazz leadership award and the College of Music Merit scholarship. She is currently an active member of the DFW jazz scene. After successfully building her music and fan base in India, she seeks to take it to a global audience. Ippi is currently working on her second studio album with New York based arranger and saxophonist Keith Daniels. Over 200 live performances toured more than 10 cities across the world. Ippi also has her private studio, where she teaches piano, vocal technique and songwriting.                       (Photo: Ippi aka Ipshita Roy)

Ippi says: “One of the most important lessons I have learned by pursuing my journey in music is that, it is not for the faint of the heart. The journey to musical success irrespective of genre and country is a long arduous one and if you want to be successful you have to keep going, without expecting anything in return. If you get success along the way that is great, but you just have to keep going.” Ippi continues about her new project: “I am currently in process my upcoming EP which is a tribute to Annette Hanshaw, who had an immense impact on the direct choice of which style to pursue as an artist.”

Interview by Michael Limnios

How has the Blues and Jazz music influenced your views of the world and the journeys you’ve taken?

It has completely transformed the trajectory of my life. If it wasn’t for the love of Blues and Jazz, I don’t think I would ever be in America, trying to make it everyday as a jazz artist. I am grateful for the love that these genres have given back to me as much as I gave them. My love and passion for these styles made me travel thousands of miles in 2018 to pursue my second bachelor’s degree in Jazz from one of the most prestigious jazz schools all the way from India, University of North Texas (UNT). UNT was the first was the first known university to start a jazz program, offering the nation's first degree in jazz studies in 1947 and the rest is history. If it wasn’t for my passion to study and be good at Jazz and Blues, I would never left my cushiony career and life in India where I had a fair amount of success and recognition.

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

I wasn’t planning on become a Jazz/Blues artist. I think it was that phone call from my former guitar player, Sushant who still plays and leads Big Bang Blues that changed everything for me. I was studying to become a researcher and trying to pursue a career in academia. But I got this call from an old contact who needed a singer for a small club gig and I decided to say yes. That changed my entire life and opened me up to these incredible possibilities which would have never happened otherwise.

For me my highlights would be playing the main stage at Mahindra Blues festival, Cotai Jazz and blues in Macau, getting nominated for JD rock awards best female vocalist, ranking 13 in Sennheiser Top 50 and most of all the day I got my Jazz degree at UNT. I think the biggest highlight is yet to come but it will be the day I win my first Grammy.

“Despite income and opportunity disparities like in every industry, I feel like women are constantly sexualized especially in the entertainment industry and the sad part is many women, myself included, have accepted this reality. When one is a struggling artist, sometimes we just have to try every option we have to get our music heard.” (Photo: Ippi aka Ipshita Roy)

What do you miss most nowadays from the music of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I think everyone is afraid AI taking over the world, with many AIgenerated songs already topping charts. People are afraid it will eliminate the need for musicians all together. However, I am not afraid of that. People were worried when streaming platforms started that people would stop going to live concerts but that has not happened. The ones who understand what it is will continue to nurture the arts, so AI is not a threat in my opinion.

What does to be a female artist in a Man’s World as James Brown says? What is the status of women in music?

Despite income and opportunity disparities like in every industry, I feel like women are constantly sexualized especially in the entertainment industry and the sad part is many women, myself included, have accepted this reality. When one is a struggling artist, sometimes we just have to try every option we have to get our music heard. 

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following in India?

Personally I think it’s the fact that Blues is very relatable as a genre that is why it’s continued to have such a fan following. Despite this, there are several well resourced organizations that have continued to support it for instance the organizers of Mahindra Blues Festival, or Jazzweekender. These are very well funded festivals. I feel it is a combination of growing fan base that are supported by the big organizers that the genre has been able to sustain and grow enormously. About 15 years ago when I first started performing as a Blues singer there were only a handful number of bands. Now almost every indie artist has a strong blues and Jazz influence.

“It has completely transformed the trajectory of my life. If it wasn’t for the love of Blues and Jazz, I don’t think I would ever be in America, trying to make it everyday as a jazz artist. I am grateful for the love that these genres have given back to me as much as I gave them.” (Photo: Ippi aka Ipshita Roy)

Are there any similarities between the blues and the genres of local (Indian) folk music and traditional music forms?

I think one of the biggest similarities is the swing feel. A lot of Indian rhythms are swung which is why Blues and Jazz are accepted. The people can move to it the same way they can to their own folk music. European and Indian classical on the other hand have very straight feel rhythmic patterns. It’s hard to dance to that.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

One of the most important lessons I have learned by pursuing my journey in music is that, it is not for the faint of the heart. The journey to musical success irrespective of genre and country is a long arduous one and if you want to be successful you have to keep going, without expecting anything in return. If you get success along the way that is great, but you just have to keep going.

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

Even though I am no longer an active musician and artist in India, I am continuing to perform in Dallas, Texas where I am currently located. I am currently in process my upcoming EP which is a tribute to Annette Hanshaw, who had an immense impact on the direct choice of which style to pursue as an artist.

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(Photo: Ippi aka Ipshita Roy)