Innertemple Records presents "Aura" a debut release by Thara an Indo-American Singer and Songwriter. This ground breaking East-West fusion Sound defines a new musical category of Global Soul & Pop. Containing mellifluous rhythms of soul music mixed with melodic edge, reminiscent of Indian 'ragas', contemporary R&B soundscapes, jazzy improvisations and operatic inflections are fluently heard. Aura does it all. The rich musical canvas with 13 songs (15 tracks) has been produced by Thara in collaboration with a team of musicians and programmers. Aura features exotic instruments such as tablas & sitars fused with hip hop midi programming and live tracks with Fender Rhodes, rap and eastern strings. Aura was mixed by Chris Steinmetz at Chicago Recording Company and the Hit Factory NYC and mastered by Chris Athens at Sterling Sound, NYC. Detroit has added Thara, to its prestigious list of renowned musicians. In 'Tamil' a South Indian language, the name Thara means star. She was born into a family of Indian descent.. Having been fortunately exposed since birth to Indian Crnatic music through her grandmother and mother, it became quite evident to her early on that her call is to bridge East and West through music. Thara says "It wasn't always cool being different, the ethnic thing wasn't in. I guess times have changed but it is not about a trend; to me it's who I am." Starting with "Sapthaswaram - sa ri ga ma pa dha ni sa" (Indian solfege) at the age of seven, she learned Cranatic music, South Indian style, then Western Classical music. At twelve, she began studying jazz and contemporary styles. Thara pursued her formal education at the esteemed Berklee College of Music. She obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Music degree from Otterbein College and Master of music degree from Roosevelt University/Chicago Musical College. She is also certified in Audio Production and Engineering. Thara has performed in numerous venues including, but not limited to, art galleries, experimental music houses, jazz clubs, ethnic restaurants, cultural fairs, festivals, programs, coffeehouses, charity benefits and concert halls such as Chicago Symphony Center. She is very much sought after to be the featured vocalist by various musical groups in the nation. She has also performed internationally in Chennai, India; London, England; Paris, France; Munich, Germany; Austria; Switzerland; Netherlands and Singapore. She has enthralled audiences at Montreux Jazz Festival, North Sea Jazz Festival and the International Association of Jazz Educators Foundation. Aura is richly diverse, knowing no bounds except for its deep musical integrity holding the unconventional creativity together. Tracks from the Aura album are being played on radio stations including NPR. Many local Indian stations are 'bumping' the single 'Shake the Room' Thara is performing at various locations in India, France and England in Winter of 2002. She is busy working on her 2nd new release. Details will be forthcoming at the web-sites www.innertemplemusic.com or www.thara.info. Thara's music is highly sensual, her beauty exotic and vocal delivery warm and sultry. Thara's style of performance certainly reflects her originality and uniqueness. Her stunning and commanding stage presence conveys contagious passion, moving the audience with her. Her soulful sound vibrates and resonates through space and time.