MUSIC INTERVIEW: SID SRIRAM
Indian American Singer Drops Latest Showcase Project, ‘A Conscious Mind: Live Sessions’
Today is album-drop Tuesday, and one of the youngest Indian American musicians in the business ecstatically brings his newest artistic project to the masses. As the clocks strike 4 p.m. up and down the Eastern Seaboard and 1 p.m. here in Hollywood, the 22-year-old Sid Sriram delivers to music lovers in New York City, Los Angeles, and everywhere in between his showcase album, “A Conscious Mind: Live Sessions.” Utilizing both audio and visual mediums, the project opens a unique window into the life of Mr. Sriram, who discovered his love for music at the ripe age of three. Almost 20 years after being influenced by his mother’s training in Indian Classical music, Mr. Sriram has developed both an ear and talent for contemporary American music. His love, passion, and talent was introduced to the world in his debut Acoustic EP, “Be Easy” The Acoustic Sessions,” in late 2010.
Currently wrapping up his music studies at Boston’s Berklee College of Music, Mr. Sriram has already built a following on YouTube with his mellow, sultry style and is looking forward to continuing his trajectory toward becoming an established name in The Biz.
Describing himself as belonging to the “Urban/Indie/Pop” genre and bring a “powerful, catchy and … real music” to his fans, Mr. Sriram took a few minutes to chat with Buzzine about his latest project, how the Internet has changed the music business, and what direction he thinks the business is headed.
Parimal M. Rohit: Who are you and where do you hail from?
Sid Sriram: I was born in Chennai, India and grew up in Fremont, CA, which is in NorCal.
PMR: Where are you right now?
SS: I’m in Boston right now, finishing up my final semester at Berklee College of Music. I’m graduating with a degree in Music Production and Engineering.
PMR: How did you get from where you are from to where you are right now?
SS: I started singing when I was three years old, learning Carnatic (South Indian Classical) music from my mom. I’ve continued pushing and progressing with my Carnatic music since, performing with across America and India. I started singing R&B stuff in 7th grade, when I was listening to a lot of Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Lauryn Hill and other classic artists. I started writing my own music once I entered Berklee, bringing together R&B, hip-hop, indie/alternative, Indian Classical and some pop elements. Ever since I started writing, I’ve been pushing my music making use of online marketing and different media.
PMR: Why are you answering these questions (what are you promoting)?
SS: I’m gearing up to release a really interesting project titled, “A Conscious Mind; Live Sessions” today, June 19 at 4 p.m. EST. Basically I performed a showcase at the Brooklyn loft/recording space The Breeding Ground, recording both audio and video for it, and packaged it into a project. This project unique for a couple reasons: it’s both video and audio, and really shows me in a very raw, honest way.
PMR: What about your latest project sets you apart from everyone else?
SS: I think this project is really going to set me apart from other singers in the game because it shows that I can deliver in the live setting and don’t really need studio tricks to make my voice sound good. I especially love this project because it enables me to really connect emotionally with my audience. I was able to lock into a very dope energy, emotion and vulnerability and I can’t wait to share that.
PMR: What three words best describe your music style?
SS: Eclectic, emotional, and honest
PMR: What one word best sums up your latest music project?
SS: Live
PMR: What have you done in your professional life that made you proud?
SS: Whenever I write a new song I dig, it makes me proud because it’s a manifestation of myself that’s going to be spread around the world. But quite honestly, I’m still waiting to achieve some big things to really feel proud.
PMR: Which actor has had the most influence on your career?
SS: Woody Allen. Annie Hall, a movie he directed and acted in has definitely had a huge aesthetic influence on my music.
PMR: How has the music industry changed for the better since you’ve become a musician?
SS: I think the biggest change has been the Internet leveling the playing field. A completely independent artist like myself can spread music and really make an impact on the world.
PMR: Where do you see yourself in five years?
SS: I see myself selling millions of records, performing around the world, producing other artists and just create art that I’m proud of.
PMR: iTunes and Amazon have changed the music business. What is the next big change you see happening in the next few years?
SS: I think the biggest change will be different aspects of the entertainment/art world coming together, presentationally. Collaboration and a collective mindset are going to be key.
PMR: What is your motto?
SS: Believe in everything you work on. And by that I don’t mean the cliché of “always believe in yourself.” I’m more getting at having everything you do be genuine.
PMR: Where online can fans find out more about you?
http://facebook.com/sid.sriram.music
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