A recently released documentary on YouTube titled “Ascending – South Asian Artists at Coachella 2023” delves into the journeys of prominent artists such as Ali Sethi, Diljit Dosanjh, Charli XCX, Jai Paul, Jai Wolf, and Joy Crookes. The 25-minute film provides insights into their personal and professional paths leading up to their pa
rticipation in Coachella 2023.
Jai Wolf initiates the documentary by expressing the surreal nature of the experience, emphasizing how individuals never anticipate reaching such heights in their careers. The documentary emphasizes the significance of the Coachella 2023 lineup, highlighting a groundbreaking representation of South Asian artists like Rupi Kaur, underlining the growing attendance of the diaspora at the festival.
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Ali Sethi shares his childhood experiences in Lahore, where music permeated various facets of life. He reflects on the marginalized status of the music of his culture over time and emphasizes his desire to study and preserve it. Sethi’s manager, Aroop Sanakkayala, praises Sethi’s transcendent vocals, citing his video for “Ishq” as particularly captivating.
Sethi discusses his attraction to raags, emphasizing the emotions they evoke, while also addressing childhood bullying due to his eccentric nature. He introduces his childhood friend Leo Kalyan, highlighting their journey from connecting through music and theater to performing at Coachella, embracing their unique expression.
Joy Crookes, born to a Bangladeshi mother and an Irish father, shares her eclectic musical influences, recounting exposure to qawwali music and Nelly Furtado. Despite initial doubts about pursuing music professionally, she now stands as a testament to the success that artists of any background can achieve.
Jai Wolf, hailing from Bangladesh, discusses the rich artistic culture of Bengali people and his classical training as a violinist. He challenges societal expectations that often discourage pursuing music as a full-time profession, emphasizing the importance of following one’s passion.
The documentary sheds light on Jai Paul’s enigmatic persona and highlights his first live performance after a decade. Charlie XCX’s success is celebrated for breaking genre barriers, with Jashima Wadehra noting her Gujarati heritage. Diljit Dosanjh’s traditional yet global appeal is recognized, with festival talent EVP Stacy Vee expressing excitement about his inclusion in the Coachella lineup.
The film addresses the challenges faced by South Asian artists in the music industry, with Jai Wolf and Joy Crookes discussing the struggle of being perceived as representatives of their minority backgrounds. Crookes emphasizes the unfair burden placed on minority artists to act as representatives, advocating for self-representation.
