Hailing from Georgia, award-winning music duo Banjii and Mayuri announce the release of "Uncommon Love Story," a compilation of original songs, with each track telling a unique story but linking cohesively with the other. Every song is accompanied by music videos shot in different scenic locations across the United States while diving deeper into the minds, spirits, and lives of Banjii and Mayuri. 

The seven-part video series "Uncommon Love Story" loosely follows the eastern concept of the seven chakras, which are centers of spiritual power in the human body. The first song, which premiered on September 29, "Copper Lines," focuses on the first and root chakra, representing survival and grounding. While the second song, "Ancient Lover" released on November 19, focuses on the second and sacral chakra, expressing sensuality. 

Banjii and Mayuri follow the flow of their day-to-day lives when choosing the filming location for their videos, and each video tells a powerful story. Filmed at the site of their wedding in Arizona, the first video, "Copper Lines," highlights their marriage ceremony, which was planned in 48 hours with the help of an elopement company in Sedona. Although initially in Sedona, to celebrate the harvest moon, the song's impetus, timing, and synchronicity seemed fitting to celebrate and shoot at the location that was the inspiration for the music.

"Ancient Lover," the second song featured on the album, explores their love story, a story of neighbors who met and eventually fell in love during the pandemic. The video features California spots the two explored during their honeymoon. 

The duo believes in living their life to their full potential by surpassing stereotypes and expressing themselves freely and fully. They hope to inspire others to do the same. Mayuri shares, “Together we can surpass systems, borders, boundaries, stereotypes, expectations, obligations that are holding us back from reaching our full potential as individuals and as a society. While we know this conceptually, sometimes this is hard to apply practically. We believe in being the example by living the example.”

For more information about Banjii and Mayuri, visit their website and Instagram. Ancient Lover and Copper Lines are available on all major music platforms, including Spotify and YouTube. 

Music tracks are copyrighted, provided by the artist, and used with permission.

auto generated transcript

Well, welcome back friends to our podcast, unlocking your world of creativity. And we're gonna talk about a very cool part of the world of creativity today with an award-winning musical duo named Banjii and Mayuri i. They're releasing an uncommon love story, compilation of original songs with accompanying videos and films that tell the story, but we're gonna talk about the inspiration and the I guess the outline the guidance and the stories behind those songs and videos Banjii, Mayur welcome to the program. So good to have you.

That's so good to be here,

So good to be here. Thank you for having us.

Absolutely. And you know,

In your wonderful coffee shop.

Yes, exactly. We're in coffee shops all over the place, and now you guys are traveling across the US right now, too. Tell us about the idea and I guess the logistics behind the development of this video series, an uncommon love story.

Yes. So I have been wanting to do a project of this nature for quite some time. And it was before I met Banjii a project that basically brings together spirituality along with telling my personal story. So I had this in my mind and initially, actually, interestingly I wanted to write a book, so it was gonna be a book based on all these concepts. And I was gonna pull in keep people in my life into the story. So that was the first origin of this idea. But then as it happens, Banjii and I met during the pandemic in 2020, and that was June and it was at his artist market, in Atlanta. And so we first started just like writing songs. Like it wasn't gonna turn into a project, but the first song we wrote was copper lines itself. And we didn't even know each other, like we'd known each other for two months and it just worked like, it worked so quickly that we realized at that moment, or I did, he'll tell you that it took him a lot longer to realize what I knew.

Like for real, she met me in June. It was like the first time we were coming out during the pandemic, we were doing curbside art. I'm like if people can buy food, like curbside food, they can. So I would bring everything out of the gallery. Put it up tent. I started teaching her lessons and two months later she wrote the song and I was like, that's really good. Like, and it happened really fast. And then the next week she say, Hey, let's make a whole record together and then go tour next year. And I was like, that's crazy.

Well, the relationship's moving fast and the creative projects moving fast. This is awesome.

Yeah. Yeah. So she made that happen.

The first video is actually filmed at the site of your wedding.

Yeah. And that also happened all the way backward. So it was, it wasn't like, oh, it was a wedding. And then we did the music video. It was that we, we had already discussed getting married at a future date in the year, but we, I wanted to go there because we had written the song copper lines in Sedona. I had written the lyrics the year before. So I'm like, Hey, it's the anniversary of the song. So we were actually just going to celebrate the anniversary of the song

And, make a music video

Out of it. And then on the way there, we were like, what if you just get married right now? And that was 48 hours from the harvest moon. So we landed and the next morning I typed Sedona elopement and there actually is a company called elopement. And so they just planned our wedding in 48 hours, we showed up and made a music video and got rings on our fingers.

No, as I'm reading this and as you're describing it right now, I read that it's all about timing and synchronicity and all the things that kind of come together in perfect timing in the song. And it sounds like this is the way the song project came together too.

Yeah. Exactly, our seven music videos are actually reflecting our actual lives. Now tying that back to the initial part of my story, where I always wanted to do something like this, where I wanted to tell my personal story. And so I said, it's no longer just my story though. because he's become the biggest part of my story. So now I'm like, it's our story. And, so we literally have written the songs as our story unfolds. It turns into the song and the video.

And so certainly there's the story and you two, as the storytellers and now this medium, I mean, you said, Hey, it could have been a book. Why did you choose the music and the videos?

Music was because of him because I believe in the synchrony that we've been talking about, like things, the energy aligns, and you kind of meet people at the right time. And so I took it as a sign when I met him and that we connect did so quickly and then wrote copper lines. I remember we also actually have an original recording of the first time we wrote the song. We wrote the song in 60 minutes and it was just so beautiful that I myself started crying and I'm like, this is the medium so I could feel it. And I think that's the difference between reading and feeling. And I'm so glad I went down this path, and now we have gone down this path because you can't argue with feelings, and I feel like, oh, there are so many books out there that talk about all these topics, but you don't know who to trust, who not to trust.

But you know when you trust someone fully, you can feel it in your heart. And that's how I felt when we wrote that song. And so I'm like, that's how we're gonna do it. We are gonna go with the feelings. Yes. And that's why we did the music. And then it turned to video because initially, we said, we'll make a movie about the story and then put these songs in there. And then I said, no, the actual song music videos can be the video itself. So the goal was to bring a visual aspect to the storytelling to tie it all together.

And

Yeah, and, Mayuri, she's really good at like, she's a visionary. So she's an amazing director. And actually, the project started out. Remember she wants me to go on horror with a record. And I was like, we'll do a record. And as we started doing the record, we were going out to this place. And so we were like, of course, we'll make a music video, but Mayuri only does big things. And she's really good at it. She's got a bunch of experience throughout her life doing big productions. And so yeah, after the first video, that's when the whole chakra idea came, like instead of making an album and tour around during COVID, let's make media like this and put all our skills into it.

Yeah. That's a better answer because that's how it happened. The point is it didn't just come together. It's like building on each,

Well now it's

But now it has, it didn't come together one time.

Exactly. And I'm curious as you're now moving ahead with it, you've got three of these songs and videos under your belt now. But you're loosely saying now guess following the concept of the seven chakras and literally moving up from the root all the way up, are you then using the chakras and what they represent? And I'm trying to align your story. I'm trying to think now kind of as the story is building and as the chakras that you're following, how is it unfolding going forward?

So that's the synchronicity, is that because we've set the intention that way, it almost seems like our life is aligning to the chakras. Donna was setting the intention of like what our relationship and this video is gonna be an intention as a root chakra and so that's your grounding. So it was naturally happening that way. Then we went for a honeymoon and we said, kinda, where do we go? And then we chose California. And that became ancient lover, right. Loving honeymoon. So that's the sacred chakra and then so things and then turned into gaslighted, which is our last video. And that video is as you can expect them came with our drama in our relationship because to make that video, we had to talk about it very personally. Because it's a very personal video. It certainly is called Gaslight. So it kind of just even setting that intention brought up all those emotions for that chakra. So it's almost like by doing that, we are living it in real life and that's how those two things are coming...

It's unfolding like that. Yeah.

And we're recording in real-time. Wherever we film it, that's where we make the music. And we are willing to change things last minute. But we are on a timeline. So right now I'm supposed to be recording this song, our next song, but you have to stop and be like, oh man, am I do I need to say something about Ukraine? Things change and situations change. And so...

Because you're literally doing it as you go. You're not saying, yeah,

Yeah, we're literally doing it in real-time.

So that way we can experience it. And then we write it as we experience it. So our music will reflect exactly what's going on in the world and in our lives in that month.

So once we booked a video, we recorded it like three weeks before.

That's very cool. Well, you talk about intention. I was also reading in some of your backgrounds that you're really trying to show an example of living a life that goes beyond stereotypes and kind of people living in their own boxes. How do you feel that this project is expressing your creativity and your creative spirits sort of beyond stereotypes?

We've actually never either of us been in a stereotype. So this is the other way around for me. And he can certainly answer that for himself, for me, even though I grew up in India my parents are from different parts of the country. And so I've never belonged to any place that I grew up. And I've always done things very differently which has had its effects good and bad. And so this is my journey of expressing that and finding connection and acceptance through that. So, it's not more like pushing myself outwards. It's like, I've been born outwards and how do I take that and communicate that to everybody in a way that it's understood. So that's how I'm like approaching this idea of like breaking out of the stereotype.

I thought I was just signing up to be a guitar player.

All I wanted to do,

It's not, it's not true.

It's not true.

I was just making it up.

Yeah. It's like a pause.

She already said it.

I love it.

And it actually applies to him too. He's also never been a part of the stereotype. That's what connects us. Like, they're like, okay, there's one more person like me. And so that's really how it feels like, so I'm not alone. And so all those things apply to him. So it's efficient. We can represent each other. And then I think that's been the journey of the project is to express the being out of the box.

Well, and I think I wanted to ask about, I guess the logistics of the project and the production because a lot of our listeners would say, wow, what a creative idea. And speaking of stereotypes it must be quite easy for them or they must have the ways and means to travel all over, write the songs, film, whatever. What advice or experience could you share with the listeners who really do wanna kind of break out of some stereotypes break out of their own creative box?

Well, so I think you're kind of asking like what's the scope of how we are producing these, right? Is that it?

Yes.

Yeah. So we've been building a team, which is awesome. We have a nice team. Now, after the third video, it started with the first video of me finding somebody last minute to come to a wedding. It's funny because he went to work Monday and he was like, I thought I was shooting a wedding. I wound up shooting a music video. And then he needed an editor. And the editor ended up being our guy that's edited all three. He's gonna do all the whole project and he also films some. So anyway if you call a company and try to have them produce and direct a pretty low budget, but good quality VI video, it's like $7,000. You know, we are able to get away way with like about $7,000...

A lot lower than that.

Like probably like seven to sometimes a little bit more with travel, but we're not paying for a director. Because we do everything.

We do it all, you know?

And, we put in a lot of time to each one. And Mayuri likes nice things. So we spent some money on some of this stuff, but you can do it, not with a lot of money. And I think there's a lot to be said for the people that are making iPhone music, videos, and films. That can be awesome too. But for us, we have a small crew, but we're used to working with them. Now we go fast. Yeah. And we go in with our storyboard, all mapped out and everything. So

You've done the preparation.

We prepare before we go in. So it's not like a bunch of wasted time. We don't waste time.

I think that's a big factor. Yeah,

Exactly. The main, I think that what I was just gonna... We all agreed. you like that.

Because we filmed them all in two days.

Wow.

So we move. And so I think that it's all the stuff he said, it's the team and our team is young and motivated. So they're all in it to win it and not for the money. And then the speed and efficiency. Like there's no wasted if you cut out all the...

Yeah. The team's also learning from this experience, which is also cool and anybody gets to work with Mayuri that an honor.

So that's part of the compensation. I love it.

Yeah. It is. For real. Because she's like a taskmaster.

You so silly

For real if we're gonna keep this going, you should talk to him for a second.

My phone is dying, but it'll, I think it'll last for the

Are you sure?

Yeah. We have just a few more minutes. I think you'll last.

Okay.

Yeah. Cool. Unless it's literally on its last breath.

No, it'll make it for like 10 minutes.

Wow. This has been so good to hear about this. Now I'm thinking you've got three under your belt. You must be working on number four.

Yeah. And that's what he was referencing is that we had it outlined, but it's being modified to reflect what's going on right now in the world. And so that's the beauty of being able to do it real-time and quickly because even though we plan to release it just in four weeks, we will have incorporated just relevant material in there

So good. Well, we gotta let the listeners know where they can find it and watch the videos but also learn more about you guys and your work. Where can we find you?

So our website is www.kahani records.com. That's the record label that we founded Kahani is K.A.H.A.N.I records R.E.C.O.R.D.S.com. And the email is on there is info@Kahanirecords.com.

Fantastic.

And we are on social media, Banjii and Mayuri on Instagram, and Banjii and Mayuri on Facebook as well.

Yeah. Great. Instagram page by the way.

And YouTube

Oh yah we are also on YouTube

Youtube and Spotify and all the things Banjii and Mayuri,

Yeah. All the places you need to be.

Yeah. We'll, we'll send you a link.

Yeah, no, they're all in the show notes folks. So go down to the show notes and you can click these links to their connections. Well, you continue to as we've talked about exceeding beyond these boundaries and stereotypes and expectations and all, what are your, I guess, hopes and goals. I love the fact that it's unfolding as it goes. So maybe you really haven't got the end in mind, but let's picture all seven of these parts are complete. How do you see all the puzzle pieces coming together for you?

We want them to come together as one.

Yeah. So like one actual, so it'll be like a 40-minute piece almost like a musical that will have actually followed our lives over the last 12 months. Like using the seven chakras as the framework.

Very cool. Well, I can't wait to see it all come together. Listeners I hope you have enjoyed

It will be interesting.

Yeah. It will be very interesting.

Me too.

And we can all look back and say, we talked to you then when it was only three pieces up the puzzle and nobody...

And you were like, oh man, I saw that comment. Yeah. Number four.

Yeah. Well, as other guests have said, we try not to have our biases and our preconceived notions, so I'll leave it open and see how it unfolds.

That's awesome. Thank you.

Well, listeners, I hope enjoy this conversation with Banjii and Mayuri the Kahani records is their label. But they're putting together a terrific project that we've been talking about, the seven-part video and song series following their life in times, but also following the seven chakras. So come back again. Next time we'll continue our around-the-world journeys. Mayuri and Banjii are traveling across the US and we're traveling across the globe virtually of course, right now, to talk to creative practitioners everywhere about their music, about their writing, about their films even their financial planning. As we've talked to so many creative practitioners, we wanna learn how they get inspired, how they organize their ideas, and how they gain the confidence and the connections to launch their work out into the world. So come back again for our next episode of unlocking your world of creativity. I'm Mark Stinson. We'll see you next time.

Thanks for having us.