Long-time collaborators Bhairavi Raman and Nanthesh Sivarajah bring over two decades of shared musical history to “Seven”—a new Live at Phoenix film directed by Hyun Lee. Having known each other since childhood, their creative connection is grounded in both friendship and a shared Tamil heritage.

Their piece “Seven” sits within their forthcoming album Syncretic (out November 28 via Efficient Space), a project that bridges Carnatic tradition—the classical music of South India—with contemporary form. “In many ways, our music is an expression of our connection to culture,” Bhairavi reflects, “but perhaps what this album also is, is an expression of who we are in Australia, as much as who we are and the roots that we might have in other places.” Rooted in the melodic framework, “raga” and rhythmic cycles, “tala”, “Seven” unfolds through improvisation and rhythmic dialogue between Bhairavi’s violin and Nanthesh’s mridangam. “Carnatic music gives you a syllabus, I guess,” Nanthesh says. “You keep expanding and trying new things and at some point, something sticks.”

The film captures a deep cultural resonance—music that speaks to dual identities, lived diasporas, and a continual reimagining of tradition.

Director: Hyun Lee
Live at Phoenix Producers: Angus Hunt, Josh Milch, Soie An
Cinematographer: Dimitri Saunders
1st AC: Steven Khoury
Lighting Operator: Andre Vanderwert
Recording Engineer: Michael Wickens
Mix Engineer: Nathan Moas
Executive Producer: Judith Neilson AM