“It’s about to fall
Catch it for me
I know you will
The problem is me
I feel stuck in this cage
And I need to break through
My wings aren’t clipped
And I haven’t opened them too”
Catch it for me
I know you will
The problem is me
I feel stuck in this cage
And I need to break through
My wings aren’t clipped
And I haven’t opened them too”
Her formation as a young artist, is made of diverse influences which criss cross between languages (english, hindi and punjabi). During her late teens she was on her way to write "angry and rebellious songs" but only for her own ears. Her first single titled "Whirlwind" changed the trajectory opening up new vistas and opportunities. She actively works with children, teaching music and interactive values. FEMWAV recently spoke to her about her music, formative years and her motivation behind setting up a music school for children.
Tell us about your formation and early years?
I started learning the harmonium at the behest of my grandmother. I was 5 years old when we started and she would push me to perform kirtan at our local Gurudwara. It wasn't something I loved doing, quite the opposite. In the 7th grade I was introduced to the band "Metallica" which was my gateway to metal and rock music. I decided to start learning the guitar and piano thereafter. It wasn't until a few years back that started to rediscover Punjabi Folk music. I now write in English and also perform Punjabi folk music with a contemporary sound.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I look at every song as the soundtrack of the subject. I approach it quite visually and often have a very specific thought or instance that pushes me to write. If I had to 'compartmentalise' it into genres, I guess it would range anywhere between pop and neoclassical.
How did you come to start the The Acoustic Classroom for children?
Top photo by @bullfishfighter
Tell us about your formation and early years? I started learning the harmonium at the behest of my grandmother. I was 5 years old when we started and she would push me to perform kirtan at our local Gurudwara. It wasn't something I loved doing, quite the opposite. In the 7th grade I was introduced to the band "Metallica" which was my gateway to metal and rock music. I decided to start learning the guitar and piano thereafter. It wasn't until a few years back that started to rediscover Punjabi Folk music. I now write in English and also perform Punjabi folk music with a contemporary sound.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
I look at every song as the soundtrack of the subject. I approach it quite visually and often have a very specific thought or instance that pushes me to write. If I had to 'compartmentalise' it into genres, I guess it would range anywhere between pop and neoclassical.
How did you come to start the The Acoustic Classroom for children?
Being a musician who also has ardent fervour for academics, I have been on a quest, for finding better ways to make learning stimulating. I was fortunate to be able to do that for myself! Being able to breeze through my law studies because of music, is a story I often tell those who have difficulty with their academic life. I firmly believe that teachers play a dominant role in shaping a child's personality, outlook and capacity for brilliance. However, more often than not, children are categorised before they've realised their full potential and that often leaves them insecure and vulnerable.
What is "Dalcroze Eurhythmics"?
What is "Dalcroze Eurhythmics"?
I researched for about a year or so about an amazing alternative music methodology called "Dalcroze Eurhythmics" and was drawn to the simplicity of the idea. The Acoustic Classroom started off in 2018 as an academic programme, helping children read through music and has now branched out to a full fledged music education institute for young kids. Another compelling reason for starting this off was to foster a sense of appreciation amongst kids about good music especially since they're exposed to some really substandard content these days. The programme at TAC works as a preparatory course focusing on establishing and imbibing within the child certain foundational music concepts.
As a live artist, tell us a bit about your performances.
I've performed in multiple cities across India and Europe. I performed at the Music Mojo season five. I've got to say my favourite performance so far, was the one I did at The Bedford in London. Beautiful Venue, impeccable sound, enthusiastic audience and they really know how to treat their artists.
If you could change anything about the current industry, what would it be?
Two things essentially - the dearth of performance spaces in the country for indie artists and secondly, the lack of female composers and professionals working in the commercial space...
New music?
In fact, I have just put out a new singled titled 'Flish'. It is a collaborative effort in essence. The song has been produced by Vishal J. Singh at Pargot Studios and mastered by Tom Geldschläger at Fountainhead Q. in Berlin. The art and video is by Drishali Motwani. The song reveals the reverie of my quarantine universe - a fantasy, a milieu, setting the tone for my new sound...
Two things essentially - the dearth of performance spaces in the country for indie artists and secondly, the lack of female composers and professionals working in the commercial space...
New music?
In fact, I have just put out a new singled titled 'Flish'. It is a collaborative effort in essence. The song has been produced by Vishal J. Singh at Pargot Studios and mastered by Tom Geldschläger at Fountainhead Q. in Berlin. The art and video is by Drishali Motwani. The song reveals the reverie of my quarantine universe - a fantasy, a milieu, setting the tone for my new sound...
Top photo by @bullfishfighter
