it different . In fact , I was quite nervous on how the audience would receive it . But people received it quite well and I still get messages appreciating those tracks .
Q
How do you balance teaching music and your stage performances ?
I actually don ’ t teach much . That ’ s the only way to balance for me ( laughs ). Teaching is a huge commitment and I always knew that . My mother still teaches in Southern California and she used to ask me to teach some of her younger students . I found it very tough to teach from the fundamentals or basics as that involves a lot of time and commitment and dedication and that is why I work on guiding intermediate to advanced students now . I just have a few students around the world , and sometimes they just send me whatsapp audio clips and I send them feedback . Otherwise I try to give them weekly class , but due to my concert schedule it can get difficult . With my busy schedules and tours , I feel having a handful of students is better than having 100 students without being able to give them proper commitment of my time .
Q
Vocal health is quite important for a performing artist . How do you keep your voice healthy ?
There is something that we call vocal hygiene , where voice care and hydration is very important . Warm water with honey is good for me as I am prone to allergies . I keep sipping water throughout the day and I have a friend who is a voice specialist that guides me whenever I need any help . Vocal exercises are very individual and every singer should follow what works for them . There are no hard and fast rules for voice maintenance , especially during Margazhi . With weather change and cyclones and with concerts throughout , we need to adjust to the circumstances , while taking care of whatever our voice and general health requires .
Q
You do a lot of videos and Instagram reels . How much do you think visual storytelling is important in music ? How do you integrate visual aspects in your videos ?
Visual presentation is quite crucial and powerful to reach audiences . For me , the best thing I get during my performances and traveling is connecting to new people . Social media lets people know how I create music . Good visuals capture people and make them understand about the mood of a song and meaning of a song . It can also take them behind the scenes , as much as you are willing to share as an artiste . But that part is also important because the connection with people is my ultimate goal .
Q
Three gadgets you cannot live without in daily life ?
Obviously , phone is the number one gadget . Headphones for listening to music while I travel . And third is speakers for my thambura to practice music . I have used a variety of speakers over the years . I used Bose for a long time but now am currently using the JBL Flip 6 .
Q
Being a singer , which stage and studio mics do you prefer ?
I usually am not particular about studio gadgets because each studio is different and I leave it to the sound engineers and producers . On stage I use to use the Sennheiser E-945 but I recently changed to the higher end Sennheiser MD- 435 , that captures me better as I move around while singing . This was recently suggested to me by an LA based sound engineer .
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