Shreya Sharma Interview
Playback singer and recording artist Shreya Sharma transitioned from classical Hindustani training and opera studies at Sarah Lawrence College to mainstream commercial success with viral hits like "Prada". She shares insights on balancing vocal technique with raw emotion, surviving the Mumbai independent music grind, and finding authenticity on stage.
Q. Is it weird to perform songs that represent a past version of yourself, and can you name one song that describes you?
Performance is ever evolving, and with the right team, it’s never weird. I had a super successful gig in Delhi, and every song felt like it landed home, whether it was retro, Bollywood, or disco. Sure, some songs remind you of who you used to be, but with the right band, you can twist it and make it feel authentic to the artist you currently are, and what’s more fun than that!
Q. What does it feel like in your mind during the final 60 seconds before you walk on stage?
Oh, it’s chaos! The last 60 seconds are just like, "Are my in ears in? Has everyone checked their sound? Does everyone remember their solos?" You’re also making sure to hydrate and ensure that the person introducing you has the right introduction. It’s chaos!
Q. What does a singer's inner thoughts sound like during an amazing performance versus a difficult one?
I can’t speak for everyone, but during an amazing performance, I know I’m just having fun with my band! It’s a time when the whole team comes alive. Hair's flying, we’re all jumping not a care in the world! A difficult performance is a hard question to answer because we never know what’s causing the difficulty. If it’s sound-related, then for sure we’re thinking of catching the eye of the sound engineer and signalling to him what needs to be done. Sometimes we’re trying to crack the crowd, and other times we say let it go and have fun with the difficulties!
Q. How do you balance strict vocal technique with raw emotion when performing?
I guess the idea is to remember to not exhaust your vocal cords. Screaming or adding pressure will take away from the effect and kinda ruin the whole experience. So the balancing act is to use the mic as your friend, and express.
Q. Is there a web series out there that has secretly inspired one of your songs or visual aesthetics? And why?
To be honest, no. I know it’s a boring answer, but my process while creating has very little to do with my downtime shows. Of course, inspiration strikes from certain songs in web series, but it manifests itself much later when I’m actually making music.
Bio
Shreya Sharma is a versatile singer and recording artist whose career bridges classical discipline with mainstream pop. Trained under Mrs. Bharati Chatterjee in Delhi and later studying music and opera at Sarah Lawrence College in the United States, she returned to India to carve her path in the commercial circuit. After navigating the realities of the Mumbai music industry through jingles and independent digital releases, she shot to national fame with her viral collaboration alongside The Doorbeen on the hit track "Prada".
Interviewed By Muskan Verma
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