has its tone, and attitude and you get to acquaint yourself to
various attitudes. years to get my first break which was a flop. In fact, I had 25
consistent flop after that.
How was growing up with parents who are music
fanatics themselves like? I just kept going and didn’t lose hope. My turning point in my
career was my break with AR Rahman sir who trusted me!
I barely used to see my parents! When I hit around 9-10 years
old, my parents made sure I was involved in a lot of things.
It ranged from anywhere between swimming, ice-skating,
martial arts, music, various instruments etc. I used to
organize lot of charity events and did a lot of volunteering
work around my community and because of that I was just
going from one spot to another. I remember there were times
when I would forget what my parents actually looked like
because I wouldn’t see their faces for like months (laughs).
Later on, I went on to win seven scholarships to university
and because of that there was a minimum GPA that I had
to maintain to retain my scholarship and I also had to be
involved in community work as well. So, all my time went
in school, my academics, community service, music and
athletics. It was really difficult for me to spend time with
my parents. Then, I went on to move to India and wanted to
achieve everything on my own. You’re now producing your own album. When is it
going to be out? What can we expect from t
he album?
My family has been incredibly supportive and have been a
backbone. My dad is my biggest critic, and I’m petrified of my
father hearing my songs. My brothers are my biggest fans! I think it’s like old wine in a new bottle. A lot of the current
generation may not go and log on to a website to listen to
old songs of Lata Ji and Rafi Saab but if you re-create it, it
might just give them the interest to go back and wonder what
the original one sounded like. You should look at this very
positively! People are making original music and remakes and
all that matters is that they are all good music.
Who were your biggest musical influences while
growing up?
It will have to absolutely be AR Rahman sir, Nusrat Fateh Ali
Khan Saab, and Norah Jones.
Living in Canada, did you have any influence of
western music in your singing at all?
Actually no! My parents never encouraged western music at
home. Whatever I learnt was in school and then I was also
in Church choir and used to sing gospel. Since my parents
only encouraged Hindustani Classical music and old film
classics, I actually know songs from 20s and 30s that even
they wouldn’t know.
You were exposed to singing on radio at the age of
six and by ten you were training with professional
classical musicians. Would it be accurate if we
said that music those you rather than vice versa?
Music chooses everyone! Music itself is such a pure entity
and you need to be really blessed to be a musician.
You left your pre-med scholarship to come back
and start a musical career in India? What was
going through your mind at the time? Did you at
any point fear failure?
I thought I was going to be a star in like a year! I used to keep
my phone right by my ear and wait to be called at any time
because I thought I was going to be a star overnight but it
doesn’t happen that way. I was just 19 then and it took me 3
I’m composing my own songs and I am not confined to
any genre in particular. It’s basically different moods,
expressions and human emotions and at the same time there
are certain songs which have a spiritual connect with them.
I’ve written most of them, done the arrangement myself. I
am getting a lot of support from people in the industry who
understand how Independent music is and how it’s not your
typical commercial music. I’m hoping to release a single
every month.
What are your thoughts on the current trend in the
music industry of recreating old hits into
pop remixes?
What is a usual day in the life of Sha shaa
Tirupati like?
I think I’m like the most confused person in life! I’m also very
temperamental and moody. So, I wake up in the morning and
have to drink my cup of coffee, and then everything else is
just dependent on how I feel.
If I feel like picking up my guitar, jamming and creating a
new tune, I’d sit and do that. If I feel like writing a song, I’ll
do that or if I feel like binge watching on Netflix, I’ll probably
do that. Obviously, because of the gigs, recordings etc., it’s
sometimes difficult to find time to do what you want to do.
What is your advice to young musicians who want
to pursue music?
Well, I would say first of all finish your Education. It’s so
important, I could not stress enough and then do whatever
you want to do. But at the same time keep working on your
art and don’t lose hope! Be consistent! There was a time I
used to practise ten hours a day because there were certain
things I wanted to achieve and I am very stubborn (typical
Capricorn) and that makes me work my butt off for that. I
think that helps you achieve things!
Golden words from me: What next? You achieve something
today, forget about that and think about what you are going
to do next and upping your game.
The
Score Magazine
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