Archy Jay, known as India’s first professional female bagpiper, is a trailblazing musician celebrated for her unique Indian fusion music. Now based in Canada, she blends the powerful sound of Scottish bagpipes with Indian folk and contemporary styles, creating a genre that bridges cultures and traditions.
Being India’s first professional female bagpiper is an incredible distinction, how did your journey with the bagpipes begin?
That’s a question I’m often asked. I’ve always been drawn to things rare and unconventional, not to stand out, but because it feels authentic to me. That instinct to take the road less travelled aligned perfectly with the spirit of the bagpipes, bold, distinctive, and unlike anything else. My journey began after my alternative metal band broke up, leaving me a bit lost. Then, one day on YouTube, I discovered a folk metal band using bagpipes and was instantly captivated. What started as fascination soon turned into determination. I spent weeks researching, only to realise how complex the instrument was and how rare both the bagpipes and teachers were in India.
For two years, I taught myself through an e-book, reaching out to around 50 bagpipers worldwide for guidance. Only one, Sean, replied, and became my mentor, patiently teaching me through long email exchanges. Eventually, I bought my first full set of bagpipes and travelled to Scotland for ten days of training to refine my skills. That’s when my journey as India’s first professional female bagpiper truly began.
Do you find similarities between the emotional depth of Indian classical or folk instruments and the haunting tones of the bagpipe?
Working closely with both Scottish and Indian music, I’ve noticed so many similarities. Having been to Scotland, I feel the spirit of its people and music is quite like ours warm, lively, honest, and full of heart. Both Scottish and Indian folk traditions are vibrant, rhythmic, and deeply rooted in celebration. They share similar time signatures and an “outlaw” energy that makes them raw yet joyful. When blended thoughtfully, the mix of bagpipes with Indian folk creates an incredible burst of sound and emotion that I absolutely love.
Could you tell us more about your creative process and musical collaborations?
When I started learning the bagpipes, I loved experimenting with sounds the instrument wasn’t known for—from Skrillex and EDM to Indian folk tunes. One day, I played ‘Choli Ke Peeche’ on the bagpipes, posted it online, and people loved it. That response inspired me to explore Indian-Scottish fusion, and my first Punjabi-Scottish track later went viral with over 13 million views. That’s when I realised I’d found my niche—blending Indian and Celtic sounds into something truly unique. My creative process is spontaneous; ideas strike anywhere, and I quickly record them before developing them with my producer.
How do you envision the evolution of Indian fusion music on the global stage and what role do you see yourself playing in that movement?
I absolutely see Indian fusion music reaching the world’s biggest stages. Many artists are already doing it, and I feel so proud to see that. I can easily imagine performing at Coachella one day with my own band, bringing my unique blend of Indian and Celtic sounds to a global audience. Indian fusion music has so much depth and flavour, it deserves to be experienced worldwide. Being South Indian, I’ve also been exploring Carnatic influences by incorporating instruments like the mridangam and showcasing Bharatanatyam in my recent music video instead of the usual Punjabi elements. The response was amazing, and it’s inspired me to keep expanding and representing the rich diversity of Indian music.
