raj makes sounds & foods rooted in healing

Raj Makhija is an award-winning sound and culinary artist. With an illustrious career spanning nearly two decades, Raj recently held the position of Head of Sound and Engineering at Pineapple Street Studios. He is the founder of The Chutney Compound and Roots Chai. His journey has been defined by an unwavering commitment to healing and storytelling, whether through the intricate art of soundscapes or the captivating flavors of his culinary creations.

As a luminary in the worlds of music, sound design, and podcasting, Raj began his career at the world-renowned Quad Studios, NYC. He has engineered for artists such as Busta Rhymes, Musiq Soulchild, Lehmber Hussainpuri, produced and sound designed with Audible, Penguin, Apple, CNN, HBO, and composed original scores for Hulu, Bravo, and Tribeca.

Beyond the medium of sound, Raj's creative canvas expands into the realm of gastronomy. A skilled cook and AFPA-certified holistic nutritionist, he crafts culinary experiences that go beyond mere sustenance. He built his cooking acumen working in a diverse range of kitchens in and around New York City. After overcoming challenges with Lupus, he gained a new perspective and purpose, infusing his dishes with healing intent and vibrant ancestral flavors.

Raj’s journey is a testament to the profound connections that can be forged through sound and food.

Bassist + Guitarist

Audio engineering diploma '04 SAE Institute, NYC.

Intern to Engineer at Quad Studios, NYC.

Producer/engineer/remixer for Busta Rhymes, Harris Jayaraj, Nona Hendryx, Musiq Soulchild, Raekwon, John Legend, Missy Elliott, Syesha Mercado, Fabolous, and Bilal.

Composer/engineer for Bravo, HgTv, Food Network, Hulu, and Nat’l WWII Museum.

Producer/engineer/sound designer/composer for hundreds of audiobooks and podcasts for Audible, Amazon, Penguin, CNN, HBO, Pineapple Street Studios

"The Hang" mixing workshop with Jimmy "The Senator" Douglass, Magic Mix Room, Miami.

Chief Vibes Operator at The Chutney Compound.

Senior Manager of Audio Production Operations at CNN.

Head of Sound & Engineering at Pineapple Street Studios.

Line Cook and Baker, The Assemblage Nomad, NYC

Prep Cook, Ozu Foods, Jersey City

Line Cook, Babu Ji, NYC

Line Cook, BLK Palate, NYC

Line Cook, Subias Vegan Cafe, Jersey City

Dinner Chef, Sivananda Yoga Retreat, Bahamas

Line Cook, Whole Foods

Line Cook, Grid Iron Waffle Shop, South Orange

Member, Hot Bread Kitchen, East Harlem

Founder, Chef, Roots Chai, NYC

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Lupus-free naturally through diet and lifestyle.

AFPA-Certified Holistic Nutritionist