Allysha Joy, the jazzy frontwoman of 30/70 and a force in contemporary soul, jazz, and R&B, finds herself at the cusp of a cross-continental musical experiment. It started with this year’s Jazz Weekender followed by a multi-city tour all of this month. Drawn to collaborate with an all-Indian band, Allysha’s was inspired for a cultural exchange with the promises and limitless possibilities that music brings; both in sound and spirit. Allysha got together an all-Indian ensemble to create a soul, R&B and jazz experience. This act isn’t just about playing her recent album, The Making of Silk, it’s about interpreting the music through different languages, creative intentions, and emotional resonance. We’re in conversation with her to know more about her cross-country collaboration and the future.
What drew you to collaborate with an all-Indian band for this Jazz Weekender, and will the experience, in any way, shape your sound for this performance?
Cultural, energetic, musical exchange that goes beyond just the moment of performing but also extends into longer term musical and personal friendships and connections. My solo music has always been about learning, about expanding creative boundaries and collaboration. Witnessing how I can evolve musically and emotionally and invite people in through music. This is such a special and beautiful opportunity, and I am so excited to hear how this team of players interpret and play the music, how I can lead everyone and maintain space for everyone to sing in their own unique and beautiful ways and how I/we can remain open minded to meet each other in this unique moment of musical exchange.
What was the one quality you were looking for in the people to team up with you as a musician?
Sensitivity.
As the frontwoman of 30/70, you’re rooted in soul, jazz, and R&B — are you blending those influences with the Indian musical sensibilities of your collaborators?
In this collaboration the musicians will be predominantly stepping into my musical world to play songs from my recent album The Making of Silk but of course, bringing their own language into the space. This music is so much about intention, authenticity and moment to moment improvisation – so it will always be a new sound created with those that are performing bringing together their musical practices, feelings in the moment, as well as being impacted by the space, the festival and the people listening and engaging in the moment with us.
Given the geographical distance between you and the Indian band members, how have you managed rehearsing together?
Trust, resonance, connection. I’ve been speaking with Dhir (on drums) almost two years now about making this happen and I got to meet Nate (on bass) last year. Between the three of us in the rhythm section we have many mutual friends and shared musical inspirations so I already know the foundation is there. Beyond that it’s about communicating the intention of the music and getting the right players that are sensitive in spirit. Anyone can learn parts, but these players have the right feeling, heart, listening and intuition, that’s what it’s about. And no amount of rehearsing can generate that. As soon as I land, we’ll hang and play but much communication has occurred in the lead up.
Describe your sound in one word?
For my solo project ~ present.
As an artist, what do you need to feel in order to create?
I think any moment in time, any feeling can be a catalyst for creativity. I don’t wait for a feeling to create as I know that there is so much in the subconscious always, there is so much in the collective, in the ether to bounce off and resonate with. So any moment is ready and ripe for creativity, and I practice this every day – mostly by writing poetry, but also through the way I view the world, move and engage in the world.
Date 14-10-2025
Words Hansika Lohani