Please tell us your story! How did you get to where you are today?
I started singing when I was very young. Grew up in a house filled with country and soul music. My parents would force me to sing for years in all honesty and one day I finally listened to them. I used to write poems, journal and then I started writing songs. Seeing my brother produce and create tracks; I finally started releasing. That basically brings me to today where I have continued to write songs and work with my brother to create my own sound.
Why did you want to get into the music industry?
I honestly didn’t for a very long time. I’ve always just wanted to create, but meeting like minded people who are so passionate about creating really inspired me and taught me so much about how I can use art as expression.
Let’s talk about the highs vs the lows of your career. What is your greatest achievement? Are there any moments you would like to share that you learnt greatly from?
I think a really great moment for me was seeing the change in myself with being vulnerable to share my music, specifically my music where I am being so vulnerable with my feelings. Being played internationally on BBC radio 1 was an unreal experience in knowing that there are people on the other side of the world hearing my story and connecting with my voice as well.
“become comfortable with being uncomfortable.”
Have you had to overcome any challenges or adversity in your career, and if so, how did you approach them?
I would say I’m still navigating it. I think identity is something that is a challenge for everyone and when you can see someone that looks similar to you in some ways navigating the art space, it makes it more imaginable and easier to believe that it is possible. I think seeing women who are of South Asian decent in the industry is something that is so rare and navigating that has been a new scene, which I am working on as an artist and as a person.
What was it like growing up & experiencing the industry outside looking in? Now that you’re in it, what has your experience been like?
I did not know what the industry was at all. From the outside you see all the glamour, photoshoots, and performances but you don’t see the hours in the studio, or in a room trying to write out your feelings, or the pitching to editorials or radios or even the doubt that you need to get over. In saying that you also don’t see the communities that form from creatives supporting other creatives or the buzz of release day knowing how much work you put into that project. Theres a lot in the industry and the deeper you get in the more you learn about it.
What is the best piece of life advice you’ve ever received?
To become comfortable with being uncomfortable.
What is your big picture career goal?
I would love to be making music that people can connect with. I would love to travel to share my music and to use my platform and my voice for a message.
Who are your top 3 artists to watch?
Are there systemic issues in the Australian Music Industry that need to be dismantled & rebuilt from the ground up?
I think there needs to be more spaces and platforms for the different groups in the Music Industry. I don’t think we have enough spaces to uplift, support and although we are slowly growing in spaces such as this, there is so much room for improvement.
“a really great moment for me was seeing the change in myself with being vulnerable to share my music”
Have you experienced discrimination within the industry?
Definitely. Going into rooms as the only female is daunting a lot of the time and I’ve been very lucky to have had great experiences most of the time, but the bad ones always leave a foul taste and make me nervous at times about intentions when going into studios. I think my skills and work have also been doubted when I am in rooms, because I am the only female.
Have you always felt safe in the industry?
There have spaces I would have liked to feel more comfortable and safe for sure.
Why does representation matter?
Everyone is trying to feel a sense of belonging. Having young children watch tv and see people that look like them on the screens can build so many dreams and see what is possible.
Self identity & imposter syndrome are issues Women & GNC Folks in the industry struggle with. Have you faced this issue? If so/not, what tips can you give to encourage others to stand in their truth?
I definitely have! I think firstly you need to know your truth. Once you know you will find people that will support you and stand by you, those are the people to keep close.
“I think identity is something that is a challenge for everyone and when you can see someone that looks similar to you in some ways navigating the art space, it makes it more imaginable and easier to believe that it is possible.”
As an artist, is there a message you would like to give to others in the industry that don’t work in your line of work? Eg. Bookers, label leaders, producers, artists etc.
Don’t be afraid to try something new and don’t let discomfort scare you because some of the greatest things happen in those spaces.
What would you tell your younger self if you could tell them anything?
To believe in yourself because at the end of the day you are the only one that can wake up every day and follow a dream. No one is going to do it for you.
What does music mean to you?
Simply put. Music is expression. Music has allowed me to feel feelings I didn’t know i had and express feelings I didn’t know how to.