A laboratory for Indian Classical music. Most of the nine tracks on Exit 1 have deep roots in Hindustani music, featuring well known tabla (drum) maestro Debu Nayak. The album features original compositions, adaptations and new arrangements by Raj of classical works, pushing ancient melodies in new directions through the addition of new instrumentation, such as cello, human beatboxing, guitar or piano, to complement the sound of her five-string violin.

Recent reviews of Exit 1:

“When you think of Indian classical music, you probably don’t expect to hear beat box, or strains of jazz, and even rock. But that’s exactly what Nistha Raj is all about. The violinist is mixing classical Hindustani music with modern sounds to bring it to a new generation of music lovers. ” NPR Tell Me More

Listen to the full in studio performance and interview with Michel Martin of NPR’s Tell Me More here:

www.npr.org/2014/03/31/297147335/indian-classical-music-meets-beat-box-in-exit-1

“The prowess and passion of Exit 1′s two closing tunes, the solo violin meditations “Gravity (Raga Charukeshi Alap)” and “Alibi (Raga Charukeshi Jor/Jhala),” seem to boil over directly from Raj’s mind and heart.” - Chris M. Slawecki, All About Jazz

Read the full review here:

www.allaboutjazz.com/exit-1-nistha-raj-self-produced-review-by-chris-m-slawecki.php#.U39zktymE5N

One Track Mind - Washington City Paper Review
www.washingtoncitypaper.com/blogs/artsdesk/general/2014/02/28/one-track-mind-mistha-rajs-exit-1/

"Exit 1" is number 1 of the Top Ten World Music Albums in February 2014 (SoundRoots World Music & Global Culture)

"Those old bin dividers are useless in the face of what Nistha Raj has done on her album Exit 1. Which, by the way, is something you should listen to just to confound your parents. Raj and her friends aren't some kind of musical gimmick; they're really talented musicians who have made something gloriously fresh-sounding." - Scott Stevens, Soundroots World Music & Global Culture

Read the full review here:

www.soundroots.org/2014/02/the-walls-have-fallen.html

“The musical selection includes a combination of original compositions by Raj, adaptions of Indian ragas, jazz influences, rearrangements of Bollywood music, Chinese connections, flamenco echoes, and even a Serbian folk song.”
- Aromero, World Music Central

Read the full review here:

worldmusiccentral.org/2014/03/01/the-contrasts-of-nistha-raj/

"The edgy, innovative, and clearly awe-inspiring tunes are Indian fusion at its best. Nistha knocks this one into another dimension and it definitely 'beats' the competition." - Matthew Forss, Inside World Music

Read the full review here:

insideworldmusic.blogspot.com/2014/01/cd-review-nistha-rajs-exit-1.html

"Her first album, it's the kind of session that's bursting with a lifetime of music welling up waiting for release that finally explodes in all directions quite delightfully. A great addition to any world beat collection, you can enjoy this as an armchair traveler but don't expect your butt to be welded to that chair."
- Midwest Record Entertainment Reviews, Views and News

Read the full review here:

midwestrecord.com/MWR760.html

"On her debut CD, Exit 1, violinist Nistha Raj has created an attractive sonic mashup. Mightily influenced by traditional Hindustani rhythmic cycles, the recording also features bewitching breakbeats, a Serbian folk song, Tibetan music, ragas and artful violin playing.
- John Stevenson ejazzNews

Read the full review here:

ejazznews.com?p=20458

Interviews:

Kadmus Arts
kadmusarts.com/podcasts/?p=2913

The American Bazaar
www.americanbazaaronline.com/2014/02/14/im-inspired-anoushka-shankar-music-lot-like-mine-nistha-raj/

More reviews:

worldmusiccentral.org/2014/03/01/the-contrasts-of-nistha-raj/

www.acousticmusic.com/fame/p09414.htm

rootsandbeats.wordpress.com/2014/03/02/nistha-raj-fuses-indian-classical-with-jazz-and-hip-hop-on-exit-1/

www.valleyadvocate.com/article.cfm?aid=17686