Swati approaches songwriting and performing as catharsis: a way to expose her inner self and connect with others. "Onstage," she says, "itŐs the optimum place I can be in my head. When I see a stranger who feels what I feel, the emptiness and loneliness are completely gone. I'm completely content." As a guitarist, Swati technique is simultaneously percussive and dreamy, revealing elements of her Indian heritage. Using a twelve string guitar fitted with eight strings, she employs open tunings ala Joni Mitchell and plays through an assortment of effects pedals. The result is remarkable. Swati doesn't sound like anyone else and no one sounds like her; rarely has a solo guitarist sounded as muscular and delicate or gotten such an enormous sound from a simple acoustic instrument.

After years of experimentation with different musicians and producers, Swati teamed up with producer Duke McVinnie (songwriter/guitarist with Shivaree) and producer/engineer Brandon Mason (David Bowie, The Secret Machines) to make her independent debut album at Allaire Studios. From the opening guitar salvos of "Big Bang" to the timely lyrics ("Whatever happened to honesty, whatever happened to respect?") of "Dodge," Swati has created a solid work that touches and resonates with people. The record completed, she has been taking to stages throughout the U.S., exposing listeners to what was previously heard only in Manhattan. Influential tastemakers KCRW in LA and Reg's Coffee Shop.com have championed Swati, helping spread the word in the US and from Australia to Britain as well. Swati's songs are direct, honest and powerful and delivered with disarming humor. In the crowded singer/songwriter universe, Swati stands out as a particularly distinct star.

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