Auyon Mukharji, of the Massachusetts spacey-folk band Darlingside, grew up in Kansas with first generation immigrant parents. Nature, music and sports all played a big role in his formative years. He ended up studying biology at Williams College, where he met his future bandmates in Darlingside. He joined an a capella group with members of the band and that allowed the guys to formulate their freaky harmony connection that is so well on display in the band’s recordings and shows. Auyon talks about finally connecting with singing through songwriting, overcoming chronic pain in his 20’s and how friendship and humor play an important role in the band.

Rhythm plays a big role in the new album Fish Pond Fish and in our conversation, Auyon explains that intentionality. As per usual, nature shows up a lot in the songwriting, which is split evenly among the members of the band. He says “It’s like you’re searching through three-fourths of foreign consciousness. Bringing you to a place you couldn’t imagine. You move beyond yourself.” He goes on to talk about what it’s like to be so close to other people’s consciousness in that kind of intense environment. Enjoy Auyon! He is a first class gem.

Darlingside performs “Green + Evergreen”

Darlingside’s new album: