ABOUT US
Artronika began as a collision of sound and vision — a creative partnership between legendary visual artist Norton Wisdom and trumpet player Ireesh Lal. The two met onstage at the iconic House of Blues on Sunset Boulevard, where Wisdom painted ephemeral watercolor images on a rear-lit fiberglass canvas while Lal DJ'd eclectic world and electronic music, weaving in live jazz trumpet and synths. Their performances became a celebration of improvisation, color, and rhythm.
When the pandemic hit in 2020, Lal saw an opportunity to transform Artronika into something bigger. He registered it as a 501(c)3 non-profit arts organization with a clear mission: to showcase South Asian talent and culture across Los Angeles County.
Since becoming a non-profit, Artronika has secured funding from prestigious organizations including the California Arts Council, LA Department of Cultural Affairs, The Music Center of LA, and the Center for Cultural Innovation. Artronika also receives support from the office of Councilwoman Traci Park.
This funding allows for the production of vibrant mini-festivals throughout LA County that celebrate South Asian music, dance, visual art, and cuisine — bringing communities together through cultural expression.
LEADERSHIP
Ireesh Lal
Executive Director
Ireesh Lal, Executive Director, brings decades of experience as a trumpet player, recording artist, and event producer across Southern California. Career highlights include:
• Recording contracts with Geffen Records and Six Degrees Records
• Features on NPR's "All Things Considered", PRI's "The World", and live performance on KCRW's "Morning Becomes Eclectic"
• 20+ years touring North America includes performing at Coachella
• Music featured on dozens of television programs
• CHAKRAS album reached #4 on the NACC World Music Charts
• Original song, "Bandhan", featured on Buddha Bar Compilation (vol 12)
Through Artronika, Ireesh channels his passion for cultural fusion into events that honor tradition while embracing innovation.
Neel Agrawal
Secretary
• Neel Agrawal is a percussionist performing with leading musicians including L. Shankar, Lord Huron, and Young the Giant.
• In 2022, Neel was recognized by former Mayor of LA, Eric Garcetti, for his work in South Asian arts, education, and advocacy.
• Neel received the 2021 COLA Individual Artist Fellowship from the LA Department of Cultural Affairs, completed a fellowship at the Harvard Library Innovation Lab for his groundbreaking research on African Drumming Laws, and participated in an urban arts and education tour of India sponsored by the U.S. State Department.
• Additionally, Neel was the section leader of the Michigan State University Drumline and currently serves as Director of Percussion at the Los Angeles International Music and Arts Academy.
Shauvik Sharan
Creative Director
Shauvik Sharan is a recording artist and creative director who pairs artistic excellence with strategic execution. Known for pushing sonic boundaries with a fearless fusion of styles and emotionally charged storytelling, he has amassed millions of streams worldwide, earned international press recognition, and built a reputation for dynamic live performances.
Career highlights include:
• Performances at NAMM and major festivals including LA County Fair, Orange County Fair, Mid City Arts Festival, Riverside Festival, and River Fest
• Features in leading global publications including Wonderland, Notion, and Earmilk
• Appearances at iconic Los Angeles venues such as Whisky a Go Go and The Hotel Café
• Recipient of 2 InterContinental Music Awards and multiple industry nominations
With over six years of experience in creative direction and digital strategy, he has led campaigns generating 100+ million impressions and driven measurable growth for music and arts organizations.
Pranati "Peekay" Khanna
Director of Programming
Pranati Khanna is an internationally recognized artist, musician, creative director, and cultural programmer. As Director of Programming at Artronika, she curates and mentors South Asian creatives across Los Angeles and India, building cross-border collaborations.
Highlights:
• Director of Programming, Artronika — multidisciplinary showcases across LA & India
• TEDx Speaker (Mahindra École Centrale) on creative identity & storytelling
• Asia Inc. 500 Award for Excellence in Art & Music
• Founder, THE WHOLE SHEBANG — award-winning creative studio & mentorship startup
• Opened for Avenged Sevenfold & Jinjer
• Selected by TuneCore for Music Matters Showcase, Singapore