“Practice is something which is non-negotiable and do not wait for someone to give you that one big opportunity, at present there are a lot of openings such as social media, independent music make use of it and create your own platform.”
Q. What inspired you to pursue music at a young age, and how has your journey been so far as a 21-year-old musician?
My parents have been ardent of music and used to watch a lot of music reality shows back then.While watching these shows I used to repeat few lines, sometimes create my own song with my own gibberish lyrics and sing. Seeing this my parents sent me to a music class in the neighbourhood. I have been learning music from the age of 5 starting with light music under Sarojini hegde and hindustani under Nayana Hegde.
Currently I am learning Hindustani classical music from Pt Parameshwar Hegde and light music from Narahari Dixit. Initially it was only because my parents loved music and wanted their daughter to learn this beautiful art.
They used to take me to every other competition just to make me get used to stage and tackle stage fear. Attending competitions meant learning a ton of songs and practicing it to the core inorder to win even though the primary agenda was to just participate and carry the learnings and experience to the next one.
Later on I developed extreme love and passion towards music and always dreamt about excelling in this art and being recognised for the same. After all the small neighbourhood competitions I auditioned for the famous reality show Yede Thumbi Haaduvenu hosted by legendary singer Dr S P Balasubramanyam sir in 2015.
I learnt so many technicalities from the mentors and singing in front of the legend himself and getting complimented was the greatest opportunity and achievement for me.
I became the Runner Up of the show. Later participated in Zee Saregamapa Lil Champs Season 12 and was a quarter finalist. Won Radio city Super Singer Junior which led to my first debut song He Sharde from the movie -Sarkari Hiriya Prathamika Shaale,Kasargod. Got nominated for SIIMA Best Female Playback Singer category. Got to give my voice to the grammy award winner Ricky Kej for a UNICEF project and many other movie and album tracks.
Recently was again nominated at SIIMA Awards for the song Doori Laali. My journey so far as a 21 year old had all its ups and downs,fun, discipline, hardwork,new learnings, tons of opportunities and I am always grateful to this art for giving me everything I wanted.
Q. How has being based in Bengaluru influenced your musical style and growth as an artist?
Bengaluru being the metropolitan city has everything to offer with cultural diversity you get introduced to many genres and styles of music. The infrastructure helps organise well put concerts in return inspiring musicians like us.
Q. Can you walk us through your creative process when composing or performing a song? Do you have a specific routine or ritual?
Behind every other good live performance there is years of dedicated practice on a regular basis and I try to do the same . I like to do vocal warmup exercises backstage and always believe stage presence is very important while giving a live performance . I make sure that I'm always smiling , put on outfits and try to engage the audience through dance steps and be confident because the audience senses and reacts to the presence you bring on stage.
Q. Who are the artists or bands that have influenced your music, and how do you incorporate those influences into your work?
I highly admire Shreya Ghoshal mam. I try to observe her nuances, vibratos that she incorporates and in general it is an absolute treat to listen to her. I also admire SPB sir, Sonu Nigam sir Sunidhi Chauhan KS Chitra ma the way they express each word with the right emotions is incredible !
Q. Your YouTube channel is a key platform for your music. How has it helped you connect with your audience and grow your fanbase?
Social Media has been a boon to me. I got to create my own platform purely with my efforts. I started posting covers on Instagram back in 2019 occasionally. Later I started covering old nostalgic kannada hits with my guitar and it gained popularity leading to a lot of opportunities at my doorstep. It helped me reach a larger audience,love and support from them has been a motivation for me to keep going.
We have to make use of the power of social media. There are a lot of instances where one of my videos has reached certain well known musicians,music directors and then giving a movie track or getting complimented is a huge thing for me.I Am always grateful and will continue to consistently put out my art on the same.
Q. What are your aspirations for your musical career in the coming years? Are there any specific genres or collaborations you’d like to explore?
Music is an ocean of knowledge that has no end. I want to gain knowledge as much as I can, I will always be a student of music. I would love to experiment making music and release my own single in the coming years. I would also want to take my profession as a performer (live performance) to the next level. Manifesting to sing for Rehman sir.
Q. What advice would you give to young musicians who are just starting in the industry?
Never lose hope and always believe in yourself because no one else does it for you. Practice is something which is non-negotiable and do not wait for someone to give you that one big opportunity, at present there are a lot of openings such as social media, independent music make use of it and create your own platform. Since Music industry, like every other industry, is flooded, only that person who has a different creative space or perception can fly with colors.
Q. What does music mean to you on a personal level, and how do you stay motivated and passionate about your craft?
Music is always on my mind in every other chore I find music. Back on my board days during 10th and 12th I could easily manage music and studies because music has that power of healing and improving your memory and other attributes.It has helped me keep myself neutral and calm. It has taught me patience. I cannot imagine myself without music. It has become my identity.
There are days where I get demotivated or procrastinate ,at those times I try to take a day off to pursue my other hobbies or simply just lay around or listen to some amazing musicians which instantly lifts my mood and gets the creative juices flowing.
Interviewed by Shashank S
.jpeg)
0 Comments