Sharayu Date Interview
Q. Every band has its own identity. How would you describe your sound in three words?
I would describe my band as Soulful, Timeless, Rooted.
Q. What inspires your songwriting and the kind of music you choose to create?
I would say my training in Hindustani Classical Music inspires most of my songwriting. My first instinct is to go for a good melody that would linger on for days. It needs to have a long lasting effect on me first and only then am I convinced to work further on it. I love melody oriented songs and not songs that have only one catchy phrase. I’m kind of an old soul because of the music I grew up listening to and the musical values my gurus and parents have inculcated in me.
Q. How do the members of your band collaborate when creating a new song?
When I start working with fellow musicians on a new song, I like to share my thought behind the song, a rough idea of the kind of arrangement I want for the song and then give them complete freedom to add their musical thoughts to it and bring in their interpretation into the song. It should be and feel collaborative.
Q. Was there a particular performance that made you feel, "This is exactly what we're meant to do"?
There are plenty of performances where I felt like this is what I am meant to do. I really cherish those experiences that include reactions from the audience after my performance, hearing how they were touched by my singing, listen to my songs every day and are teary eyed listening of my rendition of abhangas and other devotional forms of music. On the other hand, there have been some blessed moments where I got to work and share the stage with legendary musicians and artists who I have grown up admiring, who I really look up to like Shankar Mahadevan ji, Salim Merchant sir, Ajay-Atul sirs, Javed Ali ji among many others. Their blessings after the performance restored my faith that I am on the right path.
Q. Every musician faces creative blocks. How do you overcome them as a band?
I think the key to overcome a block is to NOT fight it. Let it pass naturally, on its own pace. If you force it, the result will not be appealing and that will result in you feeling discouraged. Music has a way of guiding you onto the right path, your practice, training will humble you and make you stronger at the same time.
Q. In today's digital era, how has social media changed the way you connect with your audience?
Social media has massively changed the way artists used to interact with the audience and vice versa. It is now a direct channel for musicians and artists to connect one on one. I feel social media has helped so many artists build a community online which is so fiercely supportive.
Q. Is there a song you've created that holds a special story or emotion behind it?
Every song holds a lot of memories but my first composition, my first baby - Saiyaan Tori holds a special place in my heart. That song made me realise there’s so much more to music. I don’t claim to be a composer but that song got made very organically. It received a lot of praise from the music fraternity. It has the feeling of longing, separation yet a lot of love and I suppose a lot of it comes from experiences of my personal life.
Q. If you could collaborate with any artist or band, past or present, who would it be and why?
Oh, there are "so many". The list could go on and on This is a tough question. At present I would love to sing for Shankar-Ehsan-Loy, Arijit Singh, Niladri Kumar, Kaushiki Chakraborty. (There are really so many) From the past I would’ve loved to sing or collaborate with Pancham Da, Pandit Kumar Gandharva, Pandit Ravi Shankar, Asha Bhosale. The reason being they are all revolutionaries in the Indian music space.
Q. What do you hope listeners take away after experiencing your music?
I always hope that my music touches the listeners’ hearts. I want them to have an experience they will carry in their hart throughout their lives.
Q. What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who dream of starting their own band?
One advice I would give is to always stay student of music and never stop learning. There is nobody and nothing greater than music. Never put yourself above music.
Q. And finally, a fun one if your band had to describe itself as a movie title or a food item, what would it be and why?
I would name it Masala Khichdi. Most people consider their comfort food as khichdi it is what makes their hearts full No matter how much junk food you are having, at the end of the day khichdi is what is going to calm you, satiate you. But it’s not a regular khichdi, there’s also some masala in it Not more, not less. Just enough.
Bio:
Sharayu Date is a passionate musician and performer known for her captivating vocals and dynamic stage presence. As a member of a band, she blends creativity, emotion, and energy to create memorable musical experiences across genres. Dedicated to her craft, Sharayu continues to connect with audiences through heartfelt performances and a genuine love for music.
Interviewed By: Vanshika Gupta
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