Improvisation and Intent - Akash’s Musical Journey

At 18, Akash Gollerkeri has already carved out a space for himself as a guitarist. A Bangalore native and longtime student at Trill Route, Akash plays both electric and acoustic guitar, but it is the electric guitar that has become his true voice. His playing is distinguished by a flair for improvisation.

Akash’s journey began in the 6th grade, when he picked up the acoustic guitar under the mentorship of Varun and Aarabhy. Those first two years were formative, giving him not just the basics but also the discipline to approach music with seriousness. As he built finger strength and confidence on the acoustic, he found himself drawn more and more to the possibilities of the electric guitar. The shift was natural - he was ready for an instrument that matched his expanding curiosity and energy.

He plays the Ibanez Prestige Series as his instrument, a guitar that aligns perfectly with his chosen genres: rock and metal; and Yamaha acoustic. His inspirations reflect this preference: Slipknot, System of a Down, and Korn - bands whose complex arrangements resonate with him.

His ability to improvise is a strength that gives his playing an unpredictability that keeps audiences engaged. At the same time, he is self-aware about his areas for growth. Funk-oriented right-hand strumming remains a challenge. Instead of avoiding it, Akash treats it as a challenge to improve and grow as a musician.

Performance has played a key role in shaping Akash’s skills. As part of his school band, he has gained valuable stage experience that textbooks and lessons cannot provide. One of their trademarks as a group is to take regular pop songs and reinterpret them as rock/ any other genre. This creative twist not only allows them to showcase their individuality but also Akash to think like an arranger. Each performance becomes an experiment in style, teaching him how to adapt, collaborate, and lead musically.

Beyond the guitar, Akash has also started building his skills in music production. With an interest in mixing and sound design, he has begun working on Ableton Live, exploring how songs are not just played but produced and layered. This foray into production is helping him connect the dots - understanding tone shaping and arrangement. What defines Akash is his mindset as a musician. He views growth as an ongoing process that balances structure with experimentation.

His mentors often highlight his dedication and openness to learning, qualities that have fueled his steady progress over the years. With a strong foundation, aimed to keep improving, and the confidence to experiment, he’s well on his way to making his mark.