Ashram is making strides on their third album, Siddhartha's Awakening, a fusion of Indian and European music inspired by Hermann Hesse’s novel. The visually stunning album cover by Albert Pattiselanno, inspired by the 7 chakras, complements the transformative theme. With 18 tracks blending meditative Indian classical sounds and rock, Ashram aims to create a spiritual and introspective journey, highlighting cultural harmony and self-discovery.

Rishi Sigurd Vlote, a musician, producer, and long-time collaborator with Ashram, reflects on his career, love for Indian and world music, and his contributions to the band's fusion sound. Passionate about rhythm and live energy, Rishi supports Ashram’s Siddhartha-inspired third album, connecting it to his own formative experiences with Hermann Hesse’s work. While critical of global developments, Rishi focuses on creating positive energy through his art, advocating for peace and inspiring humanity with the belief that "We are spiritual beings having a human experience."

Paulson, a South Indian sitar artist, has been mastering the instrument since 1996, drawing inspiration from his musical family and training under notable maestros like Ustad Hamid Khan. Despite occasional financial struggles, he finds joy in being a musician. Recently contributing to Ashram’s third album, Paulson praised its Indian-Western fusion style. His next project includes recording background music for a Telugu movie. His message for artists is simple: "Do hard work and spread love."

On the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Stalingrad, the story behind Fur Balloon's 1999 anti-war song resonates deeply. Inspired by singer Manuel Seidl’s encounter with a former SS soldier, the song reflects on the horrors of war and its lasting scars. As echoes of global conflict persist, Fur Balloon's music condemns war and calls for peace, invoking figures like Mahatma Gandhi to inspire solutions through nonviolence and justice.