I accidentally bumped into music. I used to casually sing and dance from the age of 4, but, I never thought that my music would take me to the point where it becomes my life.
1. Tell us more about your background and journey.
The first professional singer from my family, I hail from Patna, Bihar. I started humming and dancing since the age of 4 itself but little did I think that it would become my life's calling one day.
I accidentally got attracted to learning music while I went out with my mom to enrol myself in dancing classes. I received humble training in classical music for three years. After that, I have been practising and learning music entirely on my own, seeking the help of the internet.
My musical journey got wings when I was selected for India's top singing reality show, Indian idol season 6 (2012) telecasted on Sony entertainment channel. This show was adjudged by the legendary Asha Bhosle Ji along with icons such as Anu Malik, Sunidhi Chauhan and Saleem Merchant.
I was the youngest contestant in the history of Indian Idol to make it to the Grand Finale week. I have received praises for my singing skills from some of the singing Industries musical maestros including "The Bharat Kokila - Lata Mangeshkar Ji".
Currently, I have completed my bachelor's degree in Advertising and Marketing Management from Patna Women's College (topped in my university) and entering into the field of playback singing in Bollywood.
Apart from this, I have performed in 250+ shows across India. I was awarded the Youth Icon of Bihar 2017 by the Governor of West Bengal and Meghalaya. Recently, I was declared as the winner of the online Vyrl cover star contest for the song "Aaj Bhi" by Vishal Mishra, India's leading Music director.
I owe every inch of my existence and success to my parents and elder brother, especially to my mom. She has been there throughout supporting me unconditionally despite the difficulties faced by a small-town family.
2. When did you first decide you wanted to pursue music, and how did you start?
I accidentally bumped into music. I used to casually sing and dance from the age of 4, but, I never thought that my music would take me to the point where it becomes my life. When I was 12 years old, I went along with my mother to enrol myself in the dance class in Patna.
While entering into the dance room, I came across a room where a handful of students were rehearsing on the harmonium and singing along to its tune. That was the time when the sudden liking for music developed in me, and from then onwards, there was no looking back.
3. Who is your favourite artist, and why?
My favourite artist? Well, that is indeed a tough call. My liking and preference for favourite artists keep changing from time to time because I admire them for their particular expertise and not as a whole.
However, my forever idols are Lata Mangeshkar Ji, Asha Bhosle Ji, Arijit Singh and Shreya Ghosal. I am very much inspired by their singing, and the most prominent common factor in them, which attracts me, is their simplicity, hard work and the fact that they all are self-made.
4. Can you throw some light on opportunities one gets as a singer?
Nowadays, making a mark in the music industry is a mammoth task, as there are a lot of singers competing out there. Moreover the rich, authentic Indian music
has now succumbed to that of a technology-driven and glamour oriented thing.
Nowadays, every other person is either a singer or aspires to become one. However, regardless of all this, there is no dearth of good talent in our country and compliant platform for the same. Gone are the days when playback was the only option.
Now the best platform for aspiring singers is social media where any true talent can showcase their skills to the world without any prejudice and fear of prevailing nepotism. Apart from this, Independent music is the talk of the town.
Singers are truly flourishing amongst their audiences through Independent music and labels. Moreover, live gigs have always been fascinating. So, definitely, there are a lot of ways to promote music these days, which was not available before.
5. Is formal training required, or can one train themselves purely based on talent?
I genuinely believe that music is an innate ability of a person. Its a god gift. For example, in my case, my guru or mentor is YouTube. Everything I practice or sing is from the internet.
I didn't undergo any sort of formal training except for the initial days in school when I used to learn from my school teacher. However, an average talent can be made extraordinary through regular training and guidance. So yes, formal training is required.
The most significant example of training is our very own Arijit Singh. He took his voice and music to another level through training and hard work.
6. What piece of advice would you like to give to future and aspiring artists?
I only want to say that if you have chosen to be with music, then stick to it. Don't be afraid of the competition. If your voice has that command, then sooner or later your voice will be heard. Your talent will be acknowledged.
Never give up on your talent because God is very kind to those whom he gives the power to heal by their music. I would say enjoy the process. Live your passion.
Ritika Raj Singh
Professional Singer
Instagram - @ritikasingss
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