1. Can you start by telling us about your musical journey and what inspired you to pursue a career as a singer?
As far back as I can remember, music and musical instruments are the one element that followed me everywhere I went from the first day of my life when my dad sang Nat King Cole’s “non-dimenticar” to me till today. Music is the web of my life, linking all the places of my childhood and the key to my reassurance and stability. It is my sanctuary when things get difficult but also my release in my moments of joy and elation. And this is the primary reason why I always wanted to become a musician and singer – to give back to the craft that helped me and maybe one day find an audience that my music can do the same for.
2. How would you describe your unique musical style? Are there specific genres or artists that have influenced your sound?
I believe today music has broken borders. I’m not sure if the traditional categorization still applies. I listen to all sorts of music and look for musical influences in every genre. My appreciation for good music has led me to amalgamate many musical styles into the production of my songs.
My melodies are for the most part rather lyrical and feature certain ‘pop’ qualities but I also love to fuse electro-acoustic sounds, R&B rhythms and instruments from various cultural traditions, which create this ethereal and more electro-alternative sound. “Calm alternative pop” is the best way I feel I can describe my music.
3. How do you approach the songwriting process? Do you typically start with lyrics, melody, or a particular theme?
I like to begin composing in the most organic way possible and I also like to try to keep my process feeling “fresh”. Therefore, sometimes my ideas come from a melody, sometimes from a chord progression, and sometimes just from a story in my head that I would like to set to music and tell.
4. In the competitive music industry, what do you believe sets you apart from other emerging artists? What do you want listeners to remember about your music?
Having studied at a music conservatory in composition and working as a film-composer (when I’m not singing ), I always have a visual in my mind when writing my songs along with synesthesia. The songs I write may not have a movie to accompany them like my film scores do, but I’d like to think that my combination of modern and classical instrumentation and lyricism evokes enough to inspire you to interpret a film in your mind.
5. Collaboration is often key in the music industry. Have you had the opportunity to work with other musicians or producers? Or, do you have an artist in mind that you would like to work with?
It would be a dream come true to have that choice someday! So far I have been working alone a lot out of necessity. But there are so many talented musicians I would love to collaborate with. I am and always have been a huge fan of the band BON IVER and their lead singer Justin Vernon. Their song ‘Holocene’ was my personal soundtrack during my photography trip through Rajasthan and it made the already beautiful sights even more stunning. I was also fortunate enough to attend their concert in New York at the Radio City Music Hall. I think at some point every member of the audience just closed their eyes and let the music sweep over them. It was a uniquely transcendent experience and I hope someday my music could have that strong of an emotional and physical effect on people.
6. How do you stay motivated and inspired, especially during times when creative blocks or challenges arise in your work?
To be honest, even in times when I feel I am not producing the calibre of work I would like, I do not let it affect me. I like to tell myself that today may have been a bad day, but tomorrow will be better and as long as I wake up and keep trying, eventually, things will fall into place. The key is to never stop trying, even if you spend all day on something that you might eventually delete (something I have done many times!).
7. Social media and online platforms play a significant role in today’s music industry. How do you leverage these platforms to connect with your audience and promote your music?
Social media is not my natural medium of communication. In many ways, one of the reasons I found my voice in music is it gave me a way to express my thoughts despite being a naturally shy and reserved person. But slowly, and in my own little way, I am learning to use my platforms to share music and the things I love to a receptive audience that seem to appreciate my posts. I definitely have a lot more room to grow but I am working on it!
8. Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for your music career? Are there specific milestones or projects you are excited to pursue in the near future?
In the next year, I hope to release my EP that I have been working on now for several years. I really wanted to make sure I was happy with everything in it and so I took a lot more time to digest, work and collaborate with a few mixing engineers to learn and improve in the process. It is all coming together now and I cannot wait to share it soon!
9. What lessons have you learned along the way that you wish you knew when you were starting?
The best advice I have ever been given was something my grandfather always said, “blush, but do it anyways”. Being someone quite shy and introverted, I sometimes allow my shyness to take charge of my actions and in those moments I always repeat this advice to myself and try to fight through those emotions.
I always knew and was reminded by my parents that an artist’s career is not for the faint of heart. And though I knew the information, sometimes the harsh realities we experience as young artists can hurt. But it also gives us thicker skin and I truly believe that no one can hurt you if you continue to believe in yourself. It is a long and winding road with many hills and bumps. All I can say is work hard, be persistent and don’t ever give up.